Remote Learning Opportunities!

First Grade Families,
We are writing this with such mixed emotions as we begin this journey!  We are heartbroken that we are not greeting your children at the door today, but also optimistic that we will find amazing ways to connect and help your children grow through remote learning. This is a work in progress and a learning process for all of us, so bear with us and let us know how we can help you!  We know this is long, but please read and save this email for reference as we get started!  

ONLINE RESOURCES
The First Grade team has worked on a learning plan for you and your child this week. We have created a website for you to refer to, click here to visit our new Remote Learning Site. On this site you will find  daily assignments, pages specific to each subject ( math, reading, writing) as well as links to specials (Art, Music, PE, Tech). There are other resources available, links for educational websites, ideas for brain breaks and a link to access our counselor Mrs. Fitch. We have also included links for writing paper, math pages and reading charts. Please know that we do not expect you to print these resources.  They are there if you want or need them. You can use ANY paper for writing and have your child solve the math problems on paper or a white board! We are hoping that as our learning continues we will add more resources to this site.

Each day we will send an email with the day's learning opportunities. We will also keep our website updated as well. You will receive a daily email by 9 am. The website is where you will find the resources you need for the day. If you have any questions about a specific assignment, please reach out to your child's teacher via email.  We would also be happy to chat directly with you or your child through a phone call or face time. 
All of the suggested activities are completely optional and are meant to serve as a resource for you. We realize each family has a different set of circumstances!  Please know that the suggestions we are giving can be done at any time in the day and can be combined together throughout the week. We want this process to work for everyone.  If you are struggling, please contact your teacher. 

We feel that the most important thing you and your child can do is read. You were given your child's current reading level at conferences. If you do not have this, please contact your child's teacher. It is important that your child is reading books at their current reading level. Research shows that children will regress in their reading level if they don't read daily.  It is important that this time is spent with you, practicing utilizing a variety of decoding strategies to figure out words they might get stuck on.  We find that many of the kids - especially those who might be struggling a bit - if left on their own, will pretend to read and just end up looking at the pictures.  On Raz-Kids or Epic Books the kids the kids can just flip through the pages, or even just listen to the books.  While it is great for the kids to listen to books, it is essential for them to be practicing the skill of decoding the words themselves, practicing the skill of reading. Please set aside at least 30 minutes a day to have your child read to you. They can read from the sites above aloud or do those sites at a different time. More time would be even better!  As with anything, the more you practice something, the better you become! You can break this time up throughout the day.

 SCHEDULES AND ROUTINES
Every child and every family is different.  For some, daily structures that mimic our school day may help create routines that feel familiar and consistent.  For others, flexibility, shorter learning blocks, and self-directed use of time might best serve your family's needs.  You may consider sitting down with your child and having them help you plan their days and think about what area of the house they think might be best for learning.   Your child’s stamina can look very different at home and that is ok! We are ALL in uncharted territory here and we need to be patient and flexible with one another. Find what works best for your child and your family--and know that what works best might change from day to day!  

If you are finding your child is resistant to a particular assignment, do not battle with them. Find a way to compromise, go for a walk, take a brain break, play a game or adjust the assignment to better fit your child's needs, or your needs.  Each day might look different and we understand that. Another great resource is I-Ready. If there is a day where our assignments are not working for your family, read and then allow your child to do lessons on I-Ready Math & Reading. You should have your child's login information (it was sent home at the beginning of break). 

LEARNING TOGETHER
This is going to be a learning process for all of us, and I am here to support you and your child as much as I can!  I welcome emails from you or your child with any questions, celebrations, writing you want to share (screen shots or students typing) or anything else that helps you and your child feel supported and connected to me and to our classroom.  Please reach out with any questions, concerns or feedback along the way. Our resources and approaches may change as we settle in and figure out what works best to support each learner.  

 Thank you for embracing this challenge with us!  I know that this is a time of uncertainty and high anxiety for everyone--above all, I want your child to feel cared about, connected, safe, and happy!  Please remember that we are in this together!!  Please don’t hesitate to contact your teacher anytime you have questions or concerns!
The First Grade Team