Remote Learning Guide 2021-2022

Remote Learning

REMOTE LEARNING GUIDE FOR PARENTS AND STUDENTS 2021 - 2022

GOAL To continue to provide a quality Waldorf education during COVID-19 and support our students and families during a forced closure.

The remote learning strategy will ensure learning opportunities are similar for every student whether learning takes place in-class or in another form and that their skills and knowledge will develop.

EXPECTATIONS In order to maintain routines and offer students an equitable and consistent learning experience, a regular daily schedule should be followed wherever possible.

Grade school students will be provided with a schedule and routine similar to their daily schedules during in-person sessions, beginning their day with the Main Lesson. The schedule will consist of classes five days per week with approximately five hours of daily learning including music, physical education, and art, in addition to routine snack, lunch, social and rest periods. Class teachers will provide families with their class’ remote learning schedule when required.

Parents will be required to sign Waldorf Academy’s Remote Learning Waiver.

Ms. Colby’s Grades 2 & 3 Class in Action!

LEARNING PLATFORMS KINDERGARTEN

KG Website and Zoom

GRADES 1-5 (LOWER SCHOOL)

Zoom

GRADES 6-8 (MIDDLE SCHOOL)

Zoom and Google Classroom*

All classes will be held live via Zoom. Your child’s teacher will confirm Zoom lines with you. * Some Middle school Teachers will choose to post assignments, instructional videos, and instructions to their students through Google Classroom in addition to their live Zoom classes. These families and students will be notified and asked to read and sign our Middle School Online Waiver.

Kindergarten Puppet Show

ENGAGEMENT AND ASSESSMENTS

Students will be responsible for completing assignments on time as directed by their teachers.

Active participation and interaction is expected, which could include: • Joining classes and/or small-group discussions • Reading and/or writing • Practicing skills independently • Asking questions, seeking clarification, responding to feedback • Completing tasks and assignments Teachers will provide students with timely and descriptive feedback on coursework.

Report Cards: Report cards are distributed twice a year: 1) Mid-Term Report Cards: at end of December (grades six – eight) 2) End-of-Year Report Cards: at end of school year (kindergarten – grade eight)

SUGGESTED GUIDELINES FOR LEARNING AT HOME A typical remote learning experience will include: ● Overview and Instructions: A brief overview of the daily learning objective and task, including directions, materials needed, and connections to prior learning. The overview may take the form of a written or audio/videotaped explanation. ● Learning Task(s): This is something the students will do, such as read, watch, write, interact, create or practice. ● Feedback on Learning: A method of interaction to allow for feedback from the teacher on student progress and follow up with students to celebrate their successes will be provided by the teacher

ROUTINE Establish a comfortable place to work: dedicate a specific space for learning Find a distraction-free zone that has excellent light, low noise, and a comfortable temperature. Make sure there is a place to sit and lay out work.

We recommend using a home office, den, or quiet kitchen nook. Avoid using a bedroom as your child’s learning space: Not only are there too many distractions but bringing work into a personal space can turn a safe zone into a potentially stressful environment.

After designating a safe space for learning, focus on removing distractions. Too many toys, books, and supplies can crowd a space and create a feeling of chaos. Create an orderly environment by de-cluttering the learning space.

Set and stick to a regular daily routine Rhythm is simply your daily routine of what you do first, and then next, and then next so that your child(ren) can feel secure in knowing what to expect. With a sense of rhythm, you can move throughout your day with alternating activities of inward focus and outward focus, much like the rhythm of breathing, inhaling, and exhaling. So a pattern is established.

Make time every day for: ● healthy eating ● exercise ● positive social interactions

COMMUNICATION Stay in touch with your teachers and ask for help when needed In the event of a change from face to face to remote learning, communication between teachers, students, and parents will be important for the success of our learners.

Teachers will provide learning opportunities and connect with students daily.

This may include Zoom or Google Classroom.

Providing children with an opportunity to maintain contact with their teachers and peers helps ensure consistency and continuity not only in their learning but also in their sense of well-being.

Classroom and specialist teachers will arrange regular Office hours for checkins. Teachers will also engage with students on their weekly Zoom calls and can always be reached via email

TRY YOUR BEST Do your best work Students who are engaged in their work are energized by four goals - success, curiosity, originality, and satisfying relationships.

By optimizing on these four factors we can help each student to build the motivation to complete their work successfully and ultimately provide students with the energy to approach each day with engagement and enthusiasm.

ZOOM LESSONS: BEST PRACTICES To optimize the learning experience, it is advised that you…

1. Get a drink, use the washroom, eat a meal, check-in with family, freshen-up before Zoom Lessons (not during).

2. Check that you have the materials you need prior to your lesson (ex: pencil, paper, eraser, completed homework, list of questions, etc.).

3. Arrive on time (suggestion: 2 minutes before the class). Late-comers will be marked as ‘late’. Students who fail to show up will be marked as ‘absent’.

4. Turn your speakers/headphones ON. Choose a comfortable volume.

5. Your video camera is always ON. Choose a well-lit environment.

6. Turn your microphone on. Choose a quiet environment.

7. Face the camera. Head and shoulders in the frame.

8. Only use virtual background when prompted by the teacher.

9. Only use the chat when prompted by the teacher.

10.

Only surf the web when prompted by the teacher.

11.

Raise your actual hand to speak.

12.

Refrain from lying down or walking around.

13.

Avoid fidgeting, making extra noise or distracting yourself and others.

14.

Your Zoom ID is your full name.

15.

*Check your email and Google Classrooms daily for any updates.

16. Email teachers promptly if you require extra help with homework, Google Classroom, or Zoom.

17. For parents: Email teachers after the zoom lesson if you have any questions or concerns.

WALDORF ACADEMY 250 MADISON AVENUE TORONTO, ON M4V 2W6 © Waldorf Academy 2021. All Rights Reserved