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Teaching Amidst COVID-19 - some suggestions for you!

Amidst the chaos, we are finding some calm!  Today I spent all day thus far training staff on the Explain Everything app.  THIS BEAUTY allows you to create videos that explain whatever concept you are teaching.  You can put in videos, photos, audio, connect it to your Google Drive, etc.. and then record, save and upload.  IT IS AWESOME!  The three that we will do tomorrow are screen recording, using the Quicktime screen record option on the Macbook, Zoom! which is a video conferencing website/app perfect for small group or one on one instruction, and the Anchor website. 

I JUST posted this onto the Teaching During COVID-19 Facebook page, and it's SUPER simple:

Here is what we have talked to our staff about here in MN and I will CONTINUE TO ENFORCE THIS!!!
  1. This is NOT eLearning. You CAN NOT give kids packets and packets of work each day - THINK as a teacher what is MOST IMPORTANT for your kids to learn and focus on that!! These kids are babysitting and without parents, at daycares, etc... do NOT put that burden on them daily!
  2. BE INTENTIONAL!!! What is the specific goal and task you want your kids to KNOW and think of that - can they do 5 problems instead of 30 for math - can they record themselves doing them and then they're good?
  3. Use as many online resources as possible - I KNOW that this isn't feasible for ALL, but we are focusing on the Anchor website for podcasting, Zoom! for video conferencing, screencasting either with Quicktime or Screencastify, and the Explain Everything app. These can then be uploaded to Schoology or Google Classroom for viewing and use!
  4. There DOES NOT have to be assignments every day! There might be a day that they have to read a chapter in an book and write a summary. Maybe they have to read aloud to a stuffed animal at home for ten minutes - whatever it is PLEASE PLEASE do not have it take more than 1.5-2 hours TOTAL - yes I am going to say that again - NO LONGER THAN 1.5-2 hours TOTAL and MAYBE LESS - these kiddos are SO overwhelmed, too - and their parents are - we ALL are!
  5. We are having kids check in/take attendance daily - but kids might check in at 8am, and others at 10pm - our rule is each day by midnight
  6. Testing will look different - kids ARE GOING TO CHEAT - so maybe they do a project, a Pic Collage, a Google Slide etc.... you DO have to have some things for assignments YES as you need to show understanding, but maybe not tests this time?
  7. SHOW GRACE AND LOVE!!!!! We are ALL in this situation and need ONE ANOTHER - not criticism, or overwhelming work, etc...
WE GOT THIS! It is NOT going to be easy - but USE each other, HELP each other and do the same with your students and families:)!!💕💕

TAKE CARE - reach out if you NEED HELP PLEASE - I will do what I can to make this easier for you if it's possible -

Happy Tuesday
Mrs. I:)

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