Distance Learning Resources

Mindfulness Ideas

Progressive Relaxation: Follow along to what the narrator is saying in the video to practice mindfulness... this is something you could do every morning before starting your Distance Learning!

TIMERS

Set a digital timer for students while they work- this could help parents/ guardians avoid the question, "how much longer do I have to do iReady!?"

https://www.online-stopwatch.com/classroom-timers/

https://www.timeanddate.com/timer/

Visual Schedules

A visual schedule is a graphic representation of scheduled tasks and activities. They are very useful for breaking down tasks that have multiple steps and ensuring that children follow rules and deadlines. Visual schedules reduce anxiety through providing consistency while also reducing resistance that comes with certain activities.*

Schedules can be written on a piece of paper, whiteboard, chalkboard, a google doc.. whatever you have!

Example: First, then schedules:

First 30 minutes on iReady, then free time for 15 minutes

Example: List of items for the day:

9:00-9:30 - iReady Ready
9:30-9:45 - Writing Response
9:45-10:15 - Free time
10:15-10:45 - iReady Math
10:45-11:00 - Math Activity
11:00-12:15 - Lunch & free time
12:15-1:00 - Specials!

Ways to modify a list:

Don't write times, just activities for the day
Designate ideas for "free time"
Try to have students complete academics in the AM; or split reading/math between AM & PM
Consider including "rewards" for completed blocks of academic time
Schedule academic time to take place when YOU (parent/guardian) need to work or need to have a quiet house to get something completed
Include "family time" into your schedule-- this can be a time to check-in with your child about the work they are completing, how they're feeling about distance learning or to do something fun together
Let your child cross off items that they complete

*Information about visual schedules can be found at: https://www.appliedbehavioranalysisprograms.com/faq/what-is-visual-scheduling/

Take A Break: "TAB"

If you notice your child is becoming frustrated, overwhelmed or upset with a task, take a break... here's some ideas you can use at home:

Go Noodle- Free resource that provides guided movement breaks- follow the link to the left
Zones of Regulation- Use the reproducible(s) below to ask your child what Zone they are in? Ask them what tools they know to help them get back to the Green Zone (Lazy 8 Breathing, 6-sided breathing).
Exercise- If it's a nice day, go outside for walk, a bike ride, or do a WOD (workout of the day).. Mr. Adolph posts a new one each day on his website!
Play a game- Play a quick round of Go Fish if you have cards... or make a game up to play together!

Charts & reward systems

You do not need formalized training to set up a sticker chart or reward system to encourage participation and work completion at home! Thanks to Teachers Pay Teachers (TpT), I was able to attach a few free charts below with the links to find more.

Here's how to set up a chart or reward system:

Pick a behavior or goal for your child to work towards: i.e. "Complete 30 minutes of iReady reading each day this week to earn 1 sticker" or, "Complete all assignments for Monday: iReady Reading (30 mins), iReady Math (30 mins), writing prompt. Each completed assignment will earn you 1 sticker; 3 stickers will earn you 1 reward." -I suggest writing a goal similar to the second example
1. TIP#1: Make sure the goal is clearly stated in order to limit confusion over whether they reached it or not... for instance, "working for 30 minutes," is different than, "complete 10 problems in 30 minutes"- the second goal is clearer than the first
2. TIP #2: Consider daily goals instead of weekly goals.. this will allow your child to earn a reward in a shorter amount of time and may help them "buy into" the system quicker!
Add a sticker or check mark to the chart every time your child meets the goal or engages in the behavior: Students would earn a sticker for each activity they completed (1 sticker for iReady reading, 1 sticker for iReady math, 1 sticker for writing... and so on).
Create a reward menu with appealing items: Stickers=reward. Consider including how many stickers are needed for a reward when outlining to goal with your child... for instance, "5 stickers=1 reward item"

Need help? Reach out to me... I'd love to help you set something up for your home

FREE STICKER CHARTS

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