Kindergarten Virtual Learning
Important Information and Updates
As we look towards next Monday and beginning our online, virtual learning, the Austin kindergarten teachers wanted to take a moment to share a few things with you beforehand. We understand that you are in information overload (as are we), but we hope that after we get launched on Monday, our lengthy communication to you should dwindle to checking in and specifically communicating regarding your child!
As a district, educators have spent the entire week collaborating and planning together so that your family’s online experience is as easy as possible. We hope that you and your child(ren) feel supported and cared for as we enter this new way of teaching and learning. Please reach out to your homeroom teacher if you need anything at all. While we will be positive and fun and a place of hope for your child during this time, we are also nervous and share your concerns about all that is going on.
Don't Worry, You Are NOT The Teacher!
PLEASE trust us that we are working countless hours to prepare online learning for your kids in a way that aligns with the district and state standards, and also is appropriate for your child! You do NOT need to worry about being the teacher. WE are still their kindergarten teachers and are here for you every step of the way. This is new territory for ALL of us and the teachers have done SO MUCH LEARNING this week to prepare and ensure that your child and you will have EVERYTHING YOU NEED.
What are we asking from YOU as the parent??
- We need you to be there for your kiddo. Guide them through the resources using our directions for them. Some of our littles won't be able to read the directions and might need your help.
- Encourage them that we are STILL DOING SCHOOL. While it looks drastically different, they are still learning and submitting assignments to their teachers!
- Set up a learning environment for your child. Maybe a small table with paper and pencil, no distractions or TV on around them when it's learning time, etc.
- Enlist help from older siblings to help guide your child through Schoology! 4th and 5th grade kids are familiar with this app.
- REACH OUT FOR HELP!!!!! We are here for YOUUUUU!!! Any questions at all, EMAIL US and we will respond as quick as we can.
- Trust us. We got this. Give yourself grace, and us too. We are in this together.
Virtual Learning Healthy Habits:
Reading at Home
If your child will be doing online reading as choice reading, go ahead and look at books online together when you get a chance.
Writing at Home
Please keep your child's writing in a safe place throughout our virtual learning as we might go back and refer to it.
Explanation of Apps:
Epic
First Step- get your child's ipad. Your child's PASSWORD to UNLOCK THE IPAD IS "1920"
Schoology Information
As shared in the CISD communication, we will not expect children to be on iPads for the same number of hours per day that they’d be at school. Each day, we will do just a few content areas or subjects. (schedule posted below)
We will do Reading, Writing, and Science on Mondays and Wednesdays. We will do Math and Social Studies on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Fridays will be flexible and will be a time for review, catching up, and assessing skills covered during the week.
- Schoology App: DO NOT DO THIS ON YOUR PHONE!!! THIS NEEDS TO BE ON YOUR CHILD'S IPAD!!!!!
Your child will be using the app Schoology to access ALL of their online learning at home. Our kindergarten kids have never used this app, but with your guidance and help with directions, they will absolutely be successful!! We are very excited to use this learning platform and will make it friendly for you and your child to use.
- Parent Schoology Account:
The district sent an email that mentioned creating a PARENT Schoology Account. This is absolutely NOT necessary for you guys to do this. You only need to login for your child on their device through the app on their ipad, NOT make a parent account. (One less thing to worry about!)
- How does my child get the Schoology App??
Please see the below video how to add an app to your child's device. They will most likely need to download this Schoology app to their device. We do not go to the App Store! We use the app called MANAGER to get the apps!
- Schoology Courses:
If you open up the Schoology app right now, you will see the courses are EMPTY!
We will be uploading all of the assignments soon for your child to get started. They are not quite ready to be released. We suggest your child to follow the learning schedule below. It was thoughtfully created to help break up the learning for your child and not have an all day screen time. BUT, as the parent, you can decide what schedule works best for you and your child and have the freedom to complete the assignments at a time that is convenient for you.
- Schoology Lesson Videos:
Inside Schoology each day, there will be mini lessons for your child to watch a video. For the most part, these videos will be made by Mrs. Saxon, Mrs. McDaniel or Ms. Kaur! In some cases, the mini lesson videos might be of another CISD kindergarten teacher teaching the content to your child. Don't be alarmed! Your child will still need to watch that video in order to learn that day's content. It will be kind of fun for them to learn from another educator! :)
If your child clicks on a video to watch, the video will open in a separate Youtube window. When the Youtube mini lesson video is done playing, the student will need to go back to the Schoology app to continue with the lesson.
How do I download an app to my child's ipad??
We go through the app called MANAGER. Please watch this short video below to see how to download any app to your child's ipad.
Kindergarten Schedule:
Schoology HOW-TO Short Videos:
How to LOG IN to Schoology
How to Navigate to the Courses in Schoology using the Schoology App
Something not working in Schoology? Watch this "Popping Out Resources" Tip Video...
K1- Mrs. McDaniel---- @McDanielKinder
K2- Ms. Kaur---- @MsKaur_K2
K3- Mrs. Saxon---- @MrsSaxonKinder