Get Ready for Mrs. Lawson's Class Home Helper Orientation

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Getting Started with Google Classroom
3. Using Google Meet for Virtual Class Meetings
4. Expectations for Google Meet
5. Weekly Schedule and Virtual Schedule
6. Submitting Assignments and Communication
7. Recommended Daily Schedule
8. Encouraging Play and Movement Breaks
9. Conclusion
10. Frequently Asked Questions

Introduction

Welcome home helpers! Whether You're a parent, grandparent, sibling, or anyone else helping your student with their schoolwork, this video is for you. In this video, I, Miss Lawson, your kindergarten teacher, will guide you through the digital tools we'll be using in our virtual classroom, our daily schedule, and the expectations we have for each other. Let's get started!

Getting Started with Google Classroom

Our digital classroom, Google Classroom, is the hub where all the important things happen. It's where your child will access assignments, view announcements, and Interact with their classmates and teachers. To access Google Classroom, simply open your child's Chromebook and log in. Then, click on the Chrome icon on the Google homepage and select the Google app GRID (also known as the waffle icon) in the top right-HAND corner. From there, click on "Classroom" to join my class.

Using Google Meet for Virtual Class Meetings

Google Meet is a secure video conferencing tool that we'll be using for our virtual class meetings. It functions similarly to Zoom but is specifically designed for educational environments. We'll be using Google Meet at least once every school day. To access a Google Meet session, you can either click on the Meet link in our Google Classroom or find the link on the daily schedule in Google Slides. During a Google Meet session, you can control your camera and microphone settings using the icons on the screen.

Expectations for Google Meet

To ensure a productive and distraction-free virtual class environment, there are a few expectations we have for Google Meet Sessions. First, we ask that your child eats before or after the meeting to avoid distractions and potential damage to the school-owned devices. It's also important to mute your microphone when joining a Google Meet to minimize background noise. If your child needs to speak or ask a question, they can Raise their hand using the hand icon. Lastly, please ensure that everyone within the camera's view is appropriately dressed.

Weekly Schedule and Virtual Schedule

To provide structure and guidance, I will be posting the weekly schedule on our Google Classroom. This schedule will Outline the tasks and activities for each day. It's important to follow the schedule to stay on track and avoid falling behind. However, I understand that flexibility is crucial, especially for working families. Therefore, assignments can be completed at any time during the day that suits your family's schedule.

Submitting Assignments and Communication

When your child completes their assignments, it's essential to submit them on time for attendance purposes. To turn in completed work, simply send clear and concise pictures of the assignments through Remind. Timely submission helps me track and assess your child's progress effectively. Additionally, I have set office hours from 2:45 to 3:30 PM Monday through Thursday to address any questions or concerns you may have. Please allow 24 hours for a response to non-urgent matters.

Recommended Daily Schedule

While we provide a suggested daily schedule, you have the freedom to tailor it to your family's needs. Start the day with breakfast before joining the morning meeting at 9:00 AM. After the meeting, consider taking a movement break to re-energize before tackling the tasks for the day. Build in play and movement breaks throughout the day to ensure a healthy balance between learning and physical activity. Remember, play is an integral part of a kindergartener's learning experience.

Encouraging Play and Movement Breaks

As Mentioned earlier, play is crucial for a kindergartener's development. It supports their social, emotional, and cognitive growth. Therefore, I encourage you to incorporate play and movement breaks into your child's daily schedule. These breaks can be used to engage in physical activities, creativity, and imaginative play. Embrace your child's natural Curiosity and provide them with opportunities to explore, Create, and learn through play.

Conclusion

Thank you for being a home Helper and supporting your child's education during this time of remote learning. Remember, I am here to support you, so don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns. Let's work together to create a successful virtual learning experience for your kindergartener!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I access Google Classroom? A: To access Google Classroom, log in to your child's Chromebook and click on the Chrome icon. Then, click on the waffle icon in the top right-hand corner and select "Classroom."

Q: When and how often will we have virtual class meetings? A: We will have virtual class meetings every school day. The exact timing will be specified on the weekly schedule posted on Google Classroom.

Q: How do I submit my child's completed assignments? A: To submit completed assignments, take clear pictures of the work and send them through Remind. Make sure the pictures are easy to read and understand.

Q: Can I work ahead of the schedule? A: While it's possible to work ahead, please keep in mind that the schedule is subject to change. I recommend going day by day to stay in sync with the class and avoid rushing at the end of the week.

Q: What if I have technical difficulties during Google Meet sessions? A: If you encounter technical difficulties during a Google Meet session, please reach out to me via email or Remind. I will do my best to assist you and troubleshoot the issue.

Q: How will I know if there are any changes or updates to the schedule? A: Any changes or updates to the schedule will be communicated through Google Classroom and Remind. Please check these platforms regularly for any announcements or important information.

Q: Can my child wear pajamas during the virtual class meetings? A: Your child's attire for virtual class meetings should be appropriate and respectful. While they can stay in their pajamas if they wish, it's important that they are fully dressed and presentable within the camera's view.