Warhawk Wise
April Edition- Distance Learning
Distance Learning?! I Might Be Losing My Mind
How Are Things Going? We Want to Know!
What in the World is Distance Learning?
All resources and assignments will come through their Google Classrooms. Each morning, they should take a look at each classroom to find out what they will be working on and to see if they have any Google Meet sessions with teachers that day. Google Meet is used to have discussions virtually while being able to see one another. It is amazing and the kids (and adults) love seeing each other!
Once kids check out what they have in store for their day, they can create a plan for their day. What are they going to work on first, and so on. It is important for your children to take breaks.
Remember this is a totally new way of doing things. Our children are use to having their teachers in front of them live for a full 45-60 + minutes. They could ask questions at any moment during class and get an instant answer. Now they can ask questions, but may have to wait for an email response. They also are use to having teachers give directions, explain examples, etc. all in front of them and if students didn't understand something, teachers could re-explain on the spot and maybe even draw a visual to help. We will need to be patient as we work through the changes of being in the classroom to being online. Students will have more written directions rather than oral directions. We will need to encourage our children to read the directions carefully and ask questions if they don't understand something. Online learning is definitely different from what they are use to. Be patient and know that there will be set backs, but you can always reach out to our staff for help and advice.
Are There Going to Be Grades 4th Quarter?
We encourage you to check out your child's classrooms often to see the work they are completing and the feedback they are getting from their teachers. If you have questions or concerns about your child's work, please reach out to the teacher. '
Tips for Distance Learning & Keeping Your Sanity
- Create a schedule for your children. Keeping a routine and schedule can help to bring some normalcy in an ever changing world around us. It brings comfort to know there is something that is consistent and something we can control in our lives. Maybe even have your children help create the daily schedule. A sample can be found in the "Getting Started" document from earlier in this newsletter.
- Turn off the News and Talk. The news can be upsetting, especially to our children. Continue to let your children know it is okay to feel however they are feeling. Empathize with them, listen to them and just be there for them. Many of them are frustrated because they can't be with their friends and to be honest- their friends/peers are highly valued for this age group. Be vulnerable with them as well, share how you are feeling too. What are you struggling with? What helps you?
- Stay Connected. It is important to continue to talk with teachers, counselors, administrators, and other parents. Join our Facebook page if you haven't already. We are trying to post daily videos. Join in the conversations. Post comments and send in photos of your kids working from home. Together we are stronger. Together we will get through this.
- Enjoy the family time. Take time to just enjoy the downtime. Embrace not having to run around to a million extracurriculars, appointments, etc. Play a game, talk, go for walks, cook together, play cards, look at old photos, tell stories about favorite memories, get crazy and have a dance off. The possibilities are endless.
- Be patient & give each other grace. There are going to be bumps in the road. We are all going to have bad days. Talk to each other about how you are doing daily. Check in and if it's a bad day, take more breaks. Ask for help. Rely on others.
Please Reach Out!
Please know we are here to help. Reach out to us if you have questions, concerns, or need support. We appreciate everything that you are doing to help your children, and we know this is a difficult time for everyone.
Mrs. Beatty's email: beattya@manitowocpublicschools.org
Additional Resources
Extra! Extra! New Additional Resource
Attention Parents!!
Check out this online course offered by Love and Logic! Typically offered for $99, enjoy it FREE for the month of April. During this difficult time, Love and Logic is offering this Parenting Online class for free. As stated on their webpage, enjoy immediate success with the effective parenting solutions taught in this online parenting class. You will learn parenting tips on how to:
• End arguing and manipulation
• Neutralize defiance
• Replace anger and frustration with empathy
• Set kids up for success by allowing them to make small mistakes when the price
tag is small
• And much more!
Sessions:
• Module 1: Putting an End to Arguing, Back Talk and Begging
• Module 2: Teaching Responsibility without Losing Their Love
• Module 3: Setting Limits without Waging War
• Module 4: Avoiding Power-Struggles
• Module 5: Guiding Kids to Own and Solve Their Problems
• Module 6: Teaching Kids to Complete Chores…without Reminders and without Pay
https://www.loveandlogic.com/collections/spr20/products/love-and-logic-parenting-online