Tips & Tricks for Navigating Virtual Learning
Virtual instruction and teletherapy services are new to many educators who are trying their best to keep up with the latest technology and resources to make this transition as easy as possible.
We know this isn’t going to be perfect but we are all learning together. Hang in there parents and teachers! You are doing great. Us therapists are here to support you during this process to best help our students.
Here are a few tips/tricks to help us navigate through virtual instruction. You got this!
1. DEVELOP A SCHEDULE
Creating daily schedules and setting up expectations at the start of this year are crucial, especially when the instruction is going to be conducted through virtual learning for most. Keeping track of all this schoolwork can be a challenge and lead to frustration. One suggestion to help manage all of this chaos is to set up a planner. This doesn’t have to be anything too fancy, it just needs to work for you. If you have an agenda or calendar, use it.
Parent Tip: Create an email account specific for your child’s school if one hasn’t been provided. If using Google or Microsoft Outlook, you can also use the calendar feature if you prefer.
Clinician Tip: Send parents a copy of lesson plans ahead of time so they can create visual schedules or checklists. Planning ahead will benefit everyone involved.
2. KEEP THE KIDS ENGAGED & HAVE FUN!
Learning through engaging experiences is so important for development. There are many resources available to make virtual sessions fun and interactive. Some interactive learning materials are available through:
Boom Learning - The ultimate workshop for learning. Teachers create rich, engaging self-grading lessons. Students play and get instant feedback. Academic's Choice Smart Media Award Winner 2018
Flipgrid - Flipgrid empowers social learning in PreK to PhD classrooms around the world. Use video the way your students do.
Starfall - At Starfall, children have fun while they learn - specializing in reading, phonics & math - educational games, movies, books, songs, and more for children K-3.
News2You - Introducing students with special needs to the informational text in News-2-You helps them meet ELA standards and creates important connections to the world.
Parent Tip: Get up and move! Take brain breaks with music and build in time for stretching throughout the day.
Clinician Tip: Google Classroom is your friend! Collaborate with the general education teachers and SPED team to brainstorm ways to get involved. Teachers can add service providers as co-teachers who can set up breakout rooms and link therapy activities. Set up Google Meet links in advance as well as your virtual classroom for parents to access materials and resources easily.
“Don’t decide that you can’t before you discover that you can”.
3. BE FLEXIBLE
Tensions are high and we are all navigating through unknown waters. This is not going to be perfect, but we are all in this together. All we can do is try and take it one step at a time. Keeping a positive attitude and growth mindset are crucial during this time for all involved in our students’ lives. We appreciate how challenging this must be for parents and teachers to take on but we are here for you!
Parent Tip:Take time for self care. If it means getting outside or reading a book, try taking 30 minutes for yourself to unwind. Remember, you are doing amazing things and children learn through engaging experiences. You got this!
Clinician Tip: Remember, your work is valuable and you are important. You are here to make a difference. What you do matters. You got this!