why distance learning in the early years

For our youngest group, the 3rd term is about partnering with parents to provide at least 1 to 2 hours a day of meaningful learning activities.

The same guiding principle applies; "how can we best prepare children for the next academic year" ? Strong performance requires sustained learning throughout the year.

As such some parents have communicated that they would like day-to-day or weekly guidance on how to provide learning activities that prepare the children for their next class.

We will provide content on SeeSaw and we will also provide weekly printed material that parents can pick up every Friday or Saturday and submit them on our class app SeeSaw (photos).

Teachers will have 1 to 1 video sessions with children during the course of the week on WhatsApp video or Zoom. Teachers will also call and parents to discuss any learning goals, activities and concerns each week.

Each class will get essential activities for the day/week and parents. The activities will be put in 3 categories, essential, recommended and additional. Parents could also focus on the essential activities if they are pressed for time.

The learning goals for each week will also be shared.

Our 4 year olds will be joining the primary section in September 2020.

At Discovery, the 5 year old class is the first class of primary, we have aligned both the French and English sides to meet international standards, this requires that our 5 year olds follow a modified curriculum that engages primary content earlier than the usual 6 years old. The UK system starts primary in Year 1 at 5 years old. Our 4s will be joining Year 1 in September.

For example, for reading, according to our standards, our 4 year olds should read and understand simple sentences. They should use phonic knowledge to decode regular words and read them aloud accurately. They also read some common irregular words. They should also demonstrate understanding when talking with others about what they have read.

It is important for effective learning to continue for all children and for them to complete the academic content for this term. Please review the learning standards for the end of the 4 year old class here. These are summarised standards for the end of nursery or maternelle at Discovery, the learning goals for ages 3 and 4.

The 3 year old class as well is a preparation for the 4 year old class.

The parent or care giver will be an important part of the learning sessions.