Virtual Kindergarten Continues...

Congratulations to Kindergarten families that have made it through a difficult school year! Last year’s kindergarten class had an advantage; relationships were established in the first six months of school. Having survived March to June instructing young students virtually, I have learned a couple of things. Regardless of my opinion of how we should be educating students, I must accept that we are starting online. I need to see the positives and develop strategies to keep students feeling cared for, motivated, encouraged, safe, and able to learn. To be successful this fall, I believe parents and teachers need to work together for students to:

• Communicate

• Not feel overwhelmed

• See each other face to face

• Be flexible and understanding

• Have at home options

• Limit online screen time so that it is not too much all at one time

• Give opportunities for movement

• Use music to learn

• Have time to play and socialize together

• Meet individually, in small groups, and with the whole class virtually

• Write to each other

• Use technology that works and makes sense

• Follow a schedule

This past spring, I scanned and created many read-alouds that I have decided to share with everyone. The books I read aloud include books from Eric Carle, and non-fiction and fiction books for early learners focusing on insects. I plan on sharing more as the months pass and we get prepared for fall. Please visit my YouTube channel: Zest2Teach so your child can read along with me!