Distance Learning and You

We are entering an unprecedented time in our recent history.  Even in times of war, schools were still open and games were still played, but now we face a new challenge and one we must all face together.  We must do what is best for humanity by shuttering down our social systems and avoiding one another until this virus passes through and hopefully affects as few people as possible.

With this social distancing comes the need to perform learning from a distance, which is a challenge.  Will students have devices and Internet capabilities?  What about families with 4, 5, 6, kids and only one device?  What about families who can barely afford to put food on the table or can hardly function as a family, how can we expect them to undergo this latest challenge?  There are so many questions and so few answers right now, but the best we can do is to provide as many resources as possible.  Along with that, grace and understanding, flexibility and patience must be in our wheelhouses.  This is not going to pass without questions, uncertainty, trial and error, and many hiccups.  Be prepared to be unprepared and you’ll feel less cajoled when the issues arise.

I have compiled a short list of resources I have discovered over the past few days that are making your job as an educator hopefully a little easier during this tumultuous time.  Please use any or all of these that you can, and be sure to show them some appreciation when all this is over for helping you out.

• Kahoot – Offering premium services for the rest of the year for free.
• IXL – Is providing free access for 90 days.
• Edmodo – Offering access for communication and learning during this time.
• Discovery Education – Offering free access through the end of the year to affected schools.
• Boom Learning – Offering free Ultimate subscriptions good through June 30.
• Active History – Offering one month free trials upon request.
• Kids Discover – Kids Discover Online is being offered to schools through the end of June.
• Shurley English – Offering their program for K-8 for free, no code required.
• Turn It In – Has a 60-day free trial.

• Big Blue Button – Webcams, whiteboards, and posted curriculum made for online teaching.
• Zearn – A K-5 curriculum.
• Khan Academy – Online lessons in a variety of subjects.
• Wonderopolis – Short videos and readings that answer questions for students.
• Xtra Math – Math fact practice.
• Typing Club – Typing practice.
• ReadWorks – Reading passages and lesson plans for students from K-12.
• Math Celebrity – Math tutoring.
• Quizlet – Practice and master content with quizzes.
• HippoCampus – Free videos in 13 different subject areas.
• Phet – Science and math labs.
• PBS Learning – PreK-12 digital learning materials.
• Fiveable – Free resources for AP students which includes trivia, study guides, and reviews.
• No Red Ink – An online curriculum that builds better writers.
• Go Noodle – Movement and mindfulness videos.
• Dreamscape – Reading game for grades 2-8 that combines strategy, engagement, reading passages, and a game.
• Class Tag – Communicate with parents and send home lessons and assignments.
• Classroom Cereal – Grammar practice.
• Collisions Chemistry – Digital games rooted in the rules of chemistry.
• Arcademics – Arcade like games for math, language arts, and typing practice.
• Museum Tours – Tour 12 museums for free with virtual tours.
• Kids National Geographic – Geography, history, and science information.

While you’re busy taking care of your students, don’t forget to take care of yourself as well.  It can be daunting to feel trapped inside or to have little social contact with others, so make sure to take some time for yourself and do what you need to do to protect yourself and your health and emotions.  Here are some suggestions.

• Go for a walk – Even though we’re supposed to be practicing social distancing, it is okay to get outside and get some fresh air.
• Take a bath or shower – Freshen up and get clean with a soaking bath or a rejuvenating shower.
• Read a book – Too often we don’t have time to get lost in a novel.  Pick a book off your shelf and dive in to a great story.
• Watch a Ted Talk – Whether to learn something or just hear some words of inspiration, a Ted Talk can give you a break and put you in just the right mood.
• Meditate – Get a subscription to Calm or Headspace and partake in some meditation.
• Pin It – Explore Pinterest and reconnect with your hobbies. As a teacher you rarely have time for you and your hobbies.  You may have even forgot what hobbies are.  Now is the time to reconnect with what you like to do.
• Complete a Gratitude Journal – During hard times it can be difficult to remember to be grateful.  Completing a gratitude journal will help you to remember all the good there truly is to be thankful for.  I have this one and love it. This is an affiliate link.  I am an Amazon Associate and earn from qualified purchases.

I hope these lists provide you with some resources that you able to use to make your days easier as we all walk this new unknown together.