Early Years

Note: The following information pertains to distance learning enacted because of campus restrictions or closure. Families who intentionally enrolled in distance learning will receive direction regarding their program from their teachers.

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When campus is temporarily closed or students are attending in a hybrid model, Early Years teachers will continue to provide instruction and learning activities that will engage and challenge our youngest learners. Students will participate in a variety of activities using SeeSaw as the primary tool for activities. Learning continues to emphasize collaboration, play, response, practice, and creativity. These activities involve both technology and materials readily available at home.

Our Approach

• Learning for students is holistically focused, giving students the opportunity to develop cognitive, physical and social emotional skills.
• Learning engagements are playful, inquiry-based explorations.
• Learning engagements encourage children and families to engage in learning together within their environment.
• Learning connects to current units of inquiry and curriculum. 
• Art and creative design ideas are intended to provide children with opportunities to develop creativity, expression, language, and fine-motor skills.
• Opportunities and prompts support students to share their feelings, considering how they can manage concerns they may experience as a result of the change in their schooling and being away from their friends and the school environment.

Daily Routines

Synchronous time will Include:

• Morning meeting (10-15 minutes).
• Synchronous mini-lessons in math and reading (10 minutes).
• Asynchronous learning activities through SeeSaw instructions.
• Small groups assigned weekly (2-3 times per week).
• Office Hours at the end of the day (10 minutes).

STARS classes will be asynchronous for Lower School. Teachers will use SeeSaw to communicate assignments and provide activities for students to participate in. 

Students

Students are expected to participate in all classes and activities scheduled below. Each student will be expected to follow the expectations listed:

• Students will need to log into the zoom link 5 minutes before class begins and wait in the waiting room for their teacher
• Students should be able to use the mute button as needed. 
• Students must have their cameras on so that the teacher can connect with the student when needed.

When the camera is on, keys to success include:

• Stable iPads. Refrain from moving the iPad around. Using a frame holder is a great way to ensure iPads are steady. 
• Sitting attentively. Minimize how much you move around and sit in a school appropriate location at a desk or table.
• Keeping pets out of the frame. We love your animals, but their cuteness can distract from learning.
• Dress appropriately. In addition to being in uniform, you are asked to not cover up with blankets and to keep the hoods of your hoodies down. 
• No eating during class. Finish all snacks and meals prior to class.

Families

• Set morning routine to ensure student is ready to attend classes and be successful that day.
• Provide a quiet learning environment.
• Families are asked to visit SeeSaw often to assist students with asynchronous work when needed.
• Help guide students with getting into their Zoom classroom, work to teach them to do this on their own. 
• Work collaboratively with your child’s teacher to build independent learning skills to work toward grade-appropriate accountability. 
• Continuous communication with teachers on the progress students are making at home.
• Utilize office hours to effectively communicate with the teacher and ask clarifying questions.

Classroom Teachers

Teachers will provide a variety of activities and learning opportunities that will engage our students at home. These activities can be done through a variety of methods such as synchronous Zoom lessons, independent work (asynchronous), research-based technology resources to differentiate instruction, and opportunities to connect with teachers as a family.