No year, and no day, to be hones

2021/05/21

No year, and no day, to be honest, looked the same for us, even when I tried to plan it to be the same, and my kids turned out just fine. (n.d.). These can be accessed here: https://www.headspace.com/covid-19. Educators have never taught during a global pandemic, much less taught remotely or taught some students remotely and some in person at the same time. Retrieved March 16, 2020, from, Zao-Sanders, Marc. Awake and Mindful. Retrieved March 16, 2020 from, Center for Disease Control (CDC). This is when choosing distance learning through the school, working with the school on curriculum or even taking advantage of optional portfolio reviews, or employing a certified teacher in a pandemic pod could work out better than doing what we did with creating a custom curriculum. (n.d.). If you have decided that you are not yet comfortable physically sending your kids back to a school building, thinking through some of the following questions might be helpful in deciding between distance learning (assuming this option is available/offered through your school) and homeschooling: 1) Do you want to choose your own curriculum, make your own lesson plans, etc., or do you want to assist your children in completing teacher-assigned activities? You can choose to homeschool your children with you being the primary teacher (as opposed to distance-learning where you are assisting your children with work assigned by their teacher). A lesson I learned the hard way many times is that they cant both be done (effectively) at the same time. (n.d.). One way to focus and be able to sift through all of the options is to decide what modes you wish to use to teach each of the subjects you selected, and limit your searches to the selected mode for each subject. Breakfast choice is poor. Retrieved March 25, 2020, from https://www.commonsense.org/education/digital-passport, Common Sense Media. Khan Academy has provided help and getting started pages for their content here: https://www.khanacademy.org/about/blog/post/611770255064350720/remote-learning-with-khan-academy-during-school, and the lessons themselves are accessible here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vSZhOdEPAWjUQpqDkVAlJrFwxxZ9Sa6zGOq0CNRms6Z7DZNq-tQWS3OhuVCUbh_-P-WmksHAzbsrk9d/pub, Scholastic has provided schedules and lessons here: https://classroommagazines.scholastic.com/support/learnathome.html. To this day, we stand by that rule and have had very few issues. Age-Appropriate Chores. Most of our rooms can be cancelled free of charge - up until 6 pm on the day of arrival. Retrieved April 19, 2020, from https://www.roblox.com/, Wiess, S. R. (2020a). Your child or children will be perfectly fine with a couple or a few hours of school-related work and other fun, educational activities while you focus on work. These are all considerations when building a foundation of trust in a remote or distance learning team with all parties involved. SheKnows.com. Attention to results is the top and smallest portion of the pyramid. Are you comfortable sending your children to school in the fall, as long as CDC guidelines for schools are followed (CDC, 2020)? (Many states do not allow homeschoolers to participate in activities at the public school, but some states do. Best Kids Yoga Videos on YouTube. Free Printable Homeschool Planners. At those times, my kids were at the ages where they needed more hands-on help and their school workload was higher, so it worked well for us. What if schools open in a blended format, where schedules are alternating day to day or am/pm? AnimalCams. To step back and take a look at what this truly means, it is helpful to have a lens through which to view this team and the relationships and responsibilities of the members of the team. We want you to have the best time possible in the hotel, so grab your family and friends to enjoy a nice game of ping pong. Its important that parents, educators and administrators clearly define what the goals are and monitor progress toward those goals. It is also an opportunity for us to find ways for our kids to help around the house and to teach them new life skills that are no longer taught in schools. Either way, you will need to allocate time for schooling for your children and for your work. Thats all any of us can do, and the only way we are going to figure out what will work is for everyone to be comfortable communicating and providing constructive feedback when things are not working. Will you and your children be ok with this or able to handle any repetition or boredom by supplementing with other activities? Find a fort posted by someone else and draw a picture of their fort and estimate how many people you think could fit in their fort. If you plan to homeschool long-term or permanently, focusing on this alignment might not be quite as important or impactful. A great list of them compiled by STEAMsational is accessible here: https://www.steamsational.com/free-printable-homeschool-planners/. We also chose to provide our girls with education regarding proper behavior online, rather than feeling the need to constantly police them and their online activities. Remember the CDC guidelines and be innovative in your organization and space planning. You can find details under terms and conditions and FAQs. (These are usually set at the state-level and enforced at the district or school-level. We ended up placing them in lower grades than the work they were working on as homeschoolers, both because of their ages and because we knew the work would be easy for them, allowing them to focus on the major personal and social transition with less stress. Its important to have an honest conversation with your family and make the decision that is best for you, and to communicate that through these surveys. Many other options exist, just be sure that you are accessing them through sites that you trust. You dont need to go crazy buying organizing supplies. In Connecticut, the only thing you are legally required to do is file with your local board of education a letter of Notice of Withdrawal. Your little ones will feel at home in the hotel, which has its own play area. A few of the things that are currently within our control are: 1) our reactions to the current situation, 2) our attitudes, 3) our schedule and 4) our space. If your student is overloaded with work, have them work with their teachers and administrators to request extensions or accommodations where needed. The first consideration is the age levels you are teaching. At this point, state and local boards of education are doing the best they can with the little information they have to plan for something none of us have ever had to deal with before. (2018). The third consideration is the mode you wish to use to teach the subjects you have selected. How School Closures Can Strengthen Your Family. Opened: 2002 The Novotel Roma La Rustica hotel is located just off the ring road and close to the highway. For gratitude, an easy option to start your day would be to talk about three good or positive things. roma The rooms and communal areas of this 4-star hotel are tastefully decorated. (2020). Relax or be active A sun studio is part of the wellness section of our hotel. Resources for Families During the Coronavirus Pandemic. What is Montessori Education? A big lesson learned in this transition is that no matter what homeschool curriculum you choose, there will be differences in what they learn there and what is covered in the public school curriculum, thus, some material will be repeated and there will be gaps to be filled in other places. The second is what is being referred to as remote or distance learning, or, in our district, cooperative distance learning, which I think describes this option very well. Some organizations group activities in the following age groups, for example, Kindergarten to grade 2, grades 3-5, grades 6-8 and grades 9-12. We have never parented (or helped our kids with remote learning) during a global pandemic. (This is a big deciding factor that can save or cost you a lot of time and stress. 4) Ensure that roles and responsibilities are clearly defined and identify how each will be held accountable and how opportunities for improvements will be identified, evaluated, and implemented. Retrieved June 24, 2020, from https://responsiblehomeschooling.org/policy-issues/current-policy/, Digital Learning Collaborative. (n.d.). Retrieved March 25, 2020, from https://www.commonsensemedia.org/, Common Sense Media. What we sometimes forget, though, is that our kids are, as well. 3) Clear out, setup and organize your dedicated storage area for your schoolwork and related supplies. (2020). I was in the same situation as many of you, having to figure out what to do to keep the toddler busy while working with the preschooler. Homeschool Laws By State. Weathering the Storm. Retrieved April 19, 2020, from https://welltrainedmind.com/a/what-are-the-non-core-subjects/?v=7516fd43adaa, Common Sense Media (n.d.). Write a list of the equipment you used to make your fort. In all honesty, because we got sick of answering the question of Can we watch? questions, we came up with a specific rule to guide their choices. Enjoy your hearty evening meal in the relaxing surroundings of the eatery, and then meet family at the pleasant bar. Retrieved April 19, 2020 from https://grownandflown.com/soft-skills-for-teens/, Minecraft. There are also many online tours of national parks, zoos, and aquariums. Either way, some people are going to be happy and some unhappy, regardless of the plan or approach that is taken. It is nice to have a separate table, countertop, or other area that you could leave your work out on all the time, but in most cases, this is not an option. In the middle of the fall, we collectively decided that it was time for the girls to attend public school. They also expect to have to make up for missed learning in the fall for this last spring, especially for the younger students in lower grades. As parents, educators, and administrators, (and our children) we are all part of a team with a common goal of ensuring that our children are safe, cared for, and that their learning is promoted and supported in all ways possible. If this was or is you, trust me, you are not alone.

There are many misconceptions about homeschooling, in general, but especially with working and homeschooling. maura alba This is not true, legally. Why not act like the dedicated school time is just another meeting? Here are a few options, as examples: CDC. The fourth consideration is the schedule of the subjects you have selected to teach. Here are a few suggestions of where we might start: 1) Develop (and ensure everyone knows and understands) clearly defined goals. To commit to common goals, everyone on the team has to be aware of the goals, understand why those goals are important, and be aware and accepting of their role in helping the team attain those goals. You will need to determine the best balance and schedule for your family based on the ages you are teaching, the subjects you have selected, and the modes you have chosen to use to teach those subjects. Retrieved March 19, 2020 from https://awakeandmindful.com/best-kids-yoga-videos-on-youtube/, Bestow. The standard subjects tend to include math, language arts, science, history or social studies, art, technology, health, physical education, and music. 5) Choose activities to start your day off on a calm and positive note. 1) Draw out a rough daily schedule (or weekly, if your daily work schedules vary), allocating specific times for work and for schoolwork. Make a fort out of anything you like (Amazon boxes, sheets, blankets, etc.). ), 3) Do you think you might want to send your students back to school in person either some time this year or in future years? The activities in the basket could be anything from printed mazes, cut and paste activities, manipulative for counting, coloring books, etc.

It is important to understand the risks and the comfort level you have with those risks, and, depending on the approach taken, the health risks for your children and for you (and for everyone in your household). The rule for our girls was that they had to look at all movies, games, and apps up on Common Sense Media and bring them to us prior to asking the question of whether they could play, watch or download something.

K12. Connections Academy. We have many parking spots available where you can leave you car while you are staying in the hotel. Accountability involves all levels, including our children consistently being held responsible for their work. The state regulations say that families MAY submit a Notice of Intent to homeschool and participate in portfolio reviews. With the quick pivot to distance learning in the spring, and the large disparities with technology access and related issues, the schools and districts are still working to get some students caught up on their work from the spring. Stay home and stay safe. (n.d.). Homeschool Organizations. As homeschoolers, they worked at their own pace in different subjects, which was great for their education and learning, but made the transition to an age-based grade-level determination a challenging one. 3) All members of the team should remember that discomfort leads to growth and work on being ok with being held accountable, with hearing feedback that they dont really want to hear, and with giving honest, constructive feedback to other members of the team when things arent working well. A shower, a bathtub and a hairdryer can be found in the bathroom of your room. Best of luck with this years educational adventures. Are you comfortable sending your children to school in the fall if they are physically opened for attendance? It is also very important to note, especially when you are reading and researching your options, that there are two extremes to the homeschooling debate or conversation, especially in Connecticut, but it is likely evident elsewhere, as well. that you will be bound by? These are accessible here: https://awakeandmindful.com/best-kids-yoga-videos-on-youtube/. Florida is more strict, but does have umbrella schools that allow for smoother navigation of the requirements. Retrieved June 24, 2020, from https://hslda.org/content/orgs/, K12.com. If you are unsure, Common Sense Media is a great place to start. Our toddler also participated, at an age-appropriate level, in virtual field trips, science experiments, and other educational activities with her sister. The ability to have an open and honest discussion with their teacher, administrator, or even boss, is a skill that will only help them in their future. Retrieved June 24, 2020, from https://www.connectionsacademy.com/, CRHE. They are used to having their days and activities planned out for them months in advance.

For later years (grades 3-5 and 6-8) we elected to study math and language arts every day, and study science, history/social studies, art and music one day per week each, leaving the additional day (which happened to be Friday for us) for making up work we didnt complete earlier in the week. SheKnows.com. Considerations for Schools. (2020). Administrators need to be able to raise concerns when they see inactivity and absences, to agree or disagree with reasons behind them, and then for everyone to be able to constructively discuss options for solutions, and even test out different solutions (and yes, sometimes fail and try something else). However, with everything clearly defined and with trust, constructive conflict and commitment, holding each other accountable for their respective parts becomes much easier, and does not need to involve finger pointing or other negative non-constructive behaviors. It's a lot better at Novotel. On a sports team, each team member (player, coach, manager) has to understand their role in the teams success to be committed to being the best in that role that they possibly can, thus maximizing their contribution to the team and the teams progress toward that goal. Carter, Christine. (2020). Enjoy our free-of-charge daily newspaper. Our elevator is available to take you to the upper floors of the cushy hotel. ), As you think through the answers to these questions and others, I would like to share about our personal experience with the transition from homeschool to public school in Connecticut only a few years ago. Think about other ways that you can work to promote trust, constructive conflict, commitment, accountability, and attention to results as part of your students learning team and pick one item to focus on at a time. While I worked and homeschooled, I had a variety of types of jobs, all technical/knowledge-working jobs, some with more flexibility than others. Retrieved June 24, 2020, from https://hslda.org/legal, HSLDA. If your remote/distance learning/homeschooling is only planned to be temporary, keeping as close to the curriculum their classmates are learning in school will make for the smoothest transition when the time comes for them to go to school and join their classmates again. For those that had more meetings than others, I allocated the time for the meetings first, and then figured out what schoolwork I could fit in. In my personal opinion, consistency in accountability, especially for online learners, is fundamental to their success, I believe, but it takes everyone involved being on the same page to maintain an appropriate level of accountability. How might it impact their learning? Our friendly staff will greet you in the lobby. These are legally optional. (Remember: If you dont know where you are going, any road will get you there. It will make your planning much easier and less stressful if you acknowledge right now that you are one person and cannot be an effective fulltime teacher for 8 hours and full time worker for 8 hours, nor do you need to be. Kid-Safe Browsers and Search Sites. Marc Zao-Sanders (2018) wrote an informative article on TimeBoxing, accessible here: Organizing your space is another aspect of your current situation that you have total control over. Retrieved April 19, 2020, from https://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/2218929/how-many-hours-homeschooling-per-day/. Current Homeschool Laws. With everyone rushing around trying to figure out what they are going to do for the fall, it is important to also pause, step back, and consider how the plans you make for the fall fit into your future educational plans. https://medium.com/taskworld-blog/lencionis-5-dysfunctions-of-a-team-330d58b2cd81. Always be appreciative.). Instead of trying to convince your kids why they should be quiet and calm during your conference calls and hoping for the best, you might try giving them specific activities to keep them busy during these times. Children or the entire family can be accommodated in non-smoking rooms. (n.d.). 2) Block off the appropriate time for schoolwork on your work calendar and communicate these expectations to your manager and coworkers. (n.d.). CommonSenseMedia.org. The most effective approach I found was to create a basket of schoolwork for the toddler and let her choose her schoolwork from the basket. When you get stressed or overwhelmed, just remember that surviving is all you and your family need to do right now, and the rest will all work out eventually. Note that this option and how it is implemented differs greatly per state. Many state and local education-related publications have language that indicates that the notice of intent to homeschool and the portfolio reviews are required. However, we can control our reaction to it by staying safe, keeping our family safe, and following the Center for Disease Control (CDC) (2020) guidelines posted here: In my experience homeschooling and working full time (from various locations and time zones), the biggest lesson I learned was that I needed to be organized, but also flexible. Small wins go a long way. (n.d.). Trust that everyone is doing their best (whatever their best looks like on a given day) and trust that everyone has the childrens best interest at heart are a couple of others. ), So, with this conflicting guidance and information, what should you do? To avoid things becoming disorganized, piling up, getting dirty during meals, etc., it is best to dedicate a shelf or whole bookshelf to the schoolwork, books and all related equipment. (n.d.). Guests particularly appreciate the cleanliness of the rooms and the friendly, helpful staff. On top of a foundation of trust is constructive conflict. Almost three years later, I can tell you that it was the right choice for both of them, without a doubt.

As part of a successful, high-performing and well-functioning team, we have to work together as a team toward common goals, just like a sports team or a project team in an organization. You can make, download and print your own bingo card at sites like BingoBaker, accessible here: https://bingobaker.com/ Yet another alternative is to keep your call off speaker, but let your kids mark off the square on the bingo, and you tell them when the criteria has been met. Retrieved March 19, 2020, from https://www.headspace.com/covid-19, Khan Academy (2020). You will only pay for what you're already seeing at first glance. Commitment is built on a foundation of trust and constructive conflict. The last thing we need is to waste time searching for books, pencils, paper and other supplies while we are trying to work and homeschool. Retrieved June 24, 2020, from https://www.digitallearningcollab.com/state-virtual-schools, HSLDA. Retrieved April 19, 2020, from https://www.sheknows.com/parenting/slideshow/2173553/coronavirus-school-closings-keep-kids-busy/1/, Wiess, S. R. (2020b). Access to the WiFi connection is available from the public areas in the hotel. The CRHE and HSLDA do a great job of keeping up with the current state regulations and how they are implemented (along with your legal rights and options as a homeschooler) (CRHE, n.d.; HSLDA, n.d.). Remote Learning with Khan Academy During School Closures. Hotels with an inspection label have demonstrated enhanced protective measures to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 within their properties. It is important to be fully informed of all legal and regulatory requirements prior to making your choice, so that you are making a fully-informed choice. Digital Compass. (n.d.). How We Rate and Review. Star ratings are based on a self-evaluation by the hotel as well as the experiences of HOTEL INFO and HOTEL INFO customers. Our children need to be able to disagree and question things when concepts or instructions arent clear to them. You will need to research your options in your area if this is a deciding factor for you. Minecraft Official Site. (Note that this is not a comprehensive list.) (Note that we do still have the requirement that they add us on all social media accounts so that we can monitor their activities there if we choose to do so.)