Virtual Norms

Consider a timer as a cue for when class is to begin (e.g., display before school in the morning or at the end of a break).

Deliberately practice visual cues such as using the "shhh" finger to help students know when to quiet down or mute themselves.

Consider an audio cue such as you clapping and the students returning the pattern as a way to bring everyone back to focus after a lively section of learning.

When you are working with a small group, or you are not online at break, consider an icon students will recognize as you being unavailable.

Educators should always use a meet code generated in Google Calendar to ensure that they have host controls if they are not using the auto-generated one in Classroom..

When switching educators of a class (called a handshake), the current educator will wait on the meet until the next scheduled educator arrives.

Use your professional judgement on when to bring students back onto task - many of our favorite moments are those that happen in the inbetween zones in teaching.

Remind students that they may need to slow down when sharing. Weather there are connection lags or a lack of visual context, conversations online needs more breathing room.

Let students know when the weather is bad that it is OK if their connection isn't perfect, or that you suddenly disappear so that everyone is prepared for the day ahead.

Have some "back pocket" routines already in place with families in case of an extended loss of connection (e.g., some math games, reading time, etc.).

Co-create clear expectations for your class and refer to them regularly. This is the link to make a copy of the above image for your own use.