Weekly Remote Learning Update
Week 5: April 27 - May 1
Welcome to week 5 of remote learning. As we head into this next phase of remote learning, I am looking for more ways to keep you updated and engaged in your child's learning. Each week, I will be sending a brief remote learning newsletter highlighting our weekly activities, updates, and additional information. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask. I am here to help you and your child with anything you need.
Best,
Michaela Arthur
Week 5 Remote Learning Activities
Reminders
Mini chat sign ups for this week will close at 3:00. Click the link below to access the sign up sheet. I will send calendar invites once the groups are finalized.
I will be available by email throughout the duration of remote learning. I will be checking email during school hours and will respond within 24 hours. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Class Website
For the most up to date information on remote learning, I encourage parents to check our class website. Here you will find information about our Google Hangouts, helpful websites, accessing various Google applications from home, and more. I recommend that you bookmark this page and refer to it often as I will continue updating it throughout the remainder of the school year.
Google Classroom
All remote learning activities can be found in our Google Classroom. Students have access to Google classroom through their school Google account. This application allows me to communicate directly with students. I will be posting frequent updates for students on Google Classroom. Such updates include: general announcements, weekly activities, online resources, and more. Please encourage your child to continue checking Google Classroom for the most up-to-date information. Students can also use Google Classroom to share their work with me or ask me questions about the weekly activities.
If you need help navigating Google Classroom and the resources we have available, please let me know and we can set up an appointment to help you get started. I have also included a video I shared with students for your reference.
Google Hangout Schedule Change
As we continue to learn through remote learning, I will be adjusting our Google Hangout schedule. Starting next week
(May 4), our class will have two whole group virtual meetings every Monday and Thursday at 10:00 am. In addition to our whole class meetings, I will continue to offer weekly mini chats.
How Mini Chats Work:
Each Thursday afternoon, I will send an email to families with the mini chat sign up for the following week. I will send the sign up through email and will post it in our Google Classroom.
If students are interested in participating in a mini chat, they will choose a date and time that works best for their schedule and type their name in the designated time slot. I ask that your child signs up for one mini chat each week. Once the time slot has reached 5 participants, it is full.
Students have until the following Monday at 3:00 to sign up for a mini chat.
Once I get a final list, I will send the Google Hangout link to each student 5 minutes prior to our scheduled meet time. I will send the Google Hangout out link through Google Calendar and Google Classroom.
I look forward to more opportunities to connecting with the students.
Featured Resources
Each week, I will highlight a few resources students can utilize during remote learning. For additional learning websites, please check the weekly activities, Google Classroom, or our class website.
Math: Zearn
Lexington Public Schools has decided to use Zearn, a K-5 digital math program, as an option for Remote Learning. Zearn provides a combination of direct instruction, review, fluency and independent practice. Using this program is optional for students, but a routine might consist of three sessions per week for 20 - 30 minutes per session.
We have created a slide show that walks you through the steps of accessing Zearn. To set up the account, students will need the following: Class code, Username, and Password. If your child is interested in using Zearn, I have sent all the necessary login information to their Google Classroom account (look under week 4 remote learning activities in the private comments section). If you cannot find it, please let me know and I will send you the information by email.
Reading: Raz Kids
Raz-Kids is a website that provides comprehensive leveled reading resources for students. Kids access their leveled text through an interactive learning portal designed to keep them motivated and engaged. Every eBook is available in online and mobile formats, and allows students to listen to, read at their own pace, and record themselves reading.
Accessing RAZ-Kids at home:
Click the link below to access RAZ-kids.
When it asks you to enter "Your Teacher's Username," type: michaelaarthur
From there, look for your child's name (first name, last initial) then enter their Lexington Google password
Let me know!
Feel free to email me at: marthur@lexingtonma.org