Cyber school: how to support your child in all remote learning

Mourning loss of "typical in-person school experience:"   Let's take the guilt out of it

  * Remember that school socialization is not the same as last year

  * Your kids are not missing out on the same social experience as school had in the past, as there are new social distance rules in place now

Learning Environments:

* realistic expectations:  clear desk, less clutter

* setting alarms on Devices for specific log in times for specific school sessions

* Visual schedules

Logging in to Online classes:

* organized way to keep Zoom/Google classroom/Online learning passwords 

* Whiteboard with password for kids who are reading

* Kids who are not readers yet:  embed password in word document for children

* have a plan with children:  what is backup plan if zoom or other link is not working?

* when are movement breaks built into online schedule?  

* give your kids specific instructions for movement breaks when class schedule has breaks 

NYT:  How to protect children's eyes during remote learning

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/17/parenting/kids-eyesight-distance-learning-coronavirus.html

* Screen time rules for kids:

* 20-20-20 rule:  after every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away,  for 20 seconds

* Keep devices at least 2 feet away and preferably at eye level OR below eye level to minimize eye strain

* do not skip vision screenings and regular vision testing

IEP Issues:

* if your child is struggling now, do NOT wait for IEP meeting, reach out to school now, document issues in emails

* do not be afraid to suggest a solution if you have one

* do not be afraid to call more IEP meetings if you need

* schools often short-staffed and schools and parents still figuring out what IEP looks like for remote learning

* streamlining homework assignments, technological decluttering:

* If multiple programs and apps utilized by school districts:

      * Ask teachers to make a list of daily homework and what programs homework is due in:

       * example:  request DAILY WORK DUE TODAY LIST (and list each program work is due in)

       * WORK DUE TODAY  1. turn in video on book cat in the hat (flipgrid) .    2.  turn in math fraction homework (google classroom). etc. 

Technology Adaptations if needed in IEP:

* consider Assistive Technology evaluation

* need someone at IEP program that is familiar with the technology

* do you need simple technology adaptations:  perhaps a keyboard with the iPad? 

* put all requests for evaluations  in writing, emails etc.  (No phone calls: phone calls do not count)

Typing and technology resources: 

   * dance mat typing (great program to teach kids typing).  

https://toybox.tools.bbc.co.uk/activities/id/activity-dance-mat-typing/exitGameUrl/http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bbc.co.uk%2Fguides%2Fz3c6tfr 

* voice dictation programs

* snap type pro app (converts worksheets to editable documents so can type instead of writing)

Privacy issues:  

* some schools are not allowing children to turn off the camera 

* ask schools for a copy of their online policy in writing

Fun video: as promised, ending with a fun video about cyber school from the ladies of "#IMOMSOHARD"

https://youtu.be/ETqrzcF_ef8