As schools across this country (and world) transition to Distance Learning in solidarity with their communities and in support of  health workers, the Cerritoberry teachers are beyond delighted with the resilience and can-do attitude displayed by the 4-5 students over this past week.

For our first day of Distance Learning, Cerrito students answered the question “what is something you’re looking forward to doing during our weeks Distance Learning?” While teachers might have expected answers such as “I can eat snacks whenever” or “I get to play video games,” the actual answers that rolled in exhibited each student’s desire to grow as a learner, even during these trying times. Here are a handful of screen shots of the answers we received:

Via platforms like Google Classroom and Google Meet, students have been able to continue working on curriculum-focused work as well as connect with their teachers and peers online. During our video-chat Morning Meeting each day, students get the chance to check in, look over the day’s activities and tasks, ask questions of teachers live, and see one another’s faces! After our Morning Meeting, students start their work. Because we do not have classes at certain times of day, 4-5ers must time manage as they move through assignments, which is one of the biggest changes for many students. However, this self-management also was listed as one of the “roses” of Distance Learning because students get to “work at [their] own paces.” Many students take the opportunity to check in with teachers during Office Hours at 11:00 and 2:30, as well as casually chat with one another about non-academic subjects during our designated “recess” times. A highlight for teachers has been seeing students use the comment sections of assignments to ask questions, and answer one another’s questions in a way that is helpful and supportive (and sure, sometimes silly).

Sarah checks in with students during her Office Hours.

Vivian shows Sam her Blue Fin Tuna sketch during office hours.

Teachers are mindful of the amount of time we are asking kids (and ourselves) to be on a screen, but hope to provide students with increasing chances to collaborate and get direct teaching from us. Moving forward, we will be launching more opportunities for students to check in with one another and teachers in a live fashion, such as through Book Club meetings and designated subject-specific “class times.” We will continue to support students in advancing their technological skills through “how-to” videos, and concise communication and screen-sharing on Meets.

This weekend, please ask your child to give you a tour of Google Classroom so that you may feel more familiar with the work we’re doing. We recommend asking them questions like:

• How are the classes organized? How do you know where to find your assignments?
• How do you know what time the Google Meet meetings are? How do you log onto the meetings?
• How do you know what assignments you need to do each day?
• Can you show me a video lesson created by one of your teachers?
• What are some ways you can ask questions of your teachers?

Check out the Distance Learning Google Classroom with your child!

If you have more questions about how to support your child at home, please go over the TBS Distance Learning Plan. The final tab has information specific to parents.