On Your Mark, Get

Set...Go!
WSSD Elementary Families

Getting Remote Learning Off to a Great Start

While no one expects you to replicate all of the features of a typical classroom or include all
of the routines of a teacher, we highly recommend that you establish expectations for what
"school" will look and feel like at home or other location your child may during the day. The
degree to which you include your child/children in the process will vary but can be quite
helpful.

Your child's teacher will soon provide information on the speci c classroom learning schedule
including live or synchronous time, special area instruction, and lunch/recess. In the
meantime, you can start the transition back to school by working on the topics noted in this
newsletter.

1. IDENTIFY THE LEARNING WORKSPACE

To help your child think of home as a remote school, you

should work with your child/children to establish school space
in the house. Whether you are fortunate to have an o ce, are
handy enough to convert a closet, or simply plan to have your
child work at the dining room table, you are encouraged to
decide in advance.

If the space you select has to be used for other things after
school, you can also decide upon the daily clean-up process. For example, if your child is
going to work at your dining room table, he/she will put all learning materials in a crate or the
corner at the end of the day.

Other tips:

Cardboard boxes can be cut to make a study carrel to help with distraction in the
workspace.
The Dollar Store has different plastic carriers that can be useful to house basic supplies
which makes clean-up a little easier.
 Have your child make a "Do Not Disturb - I Am Zooming" sign to let others in the house
know he/she needs some extra quiet time!

Transform a Closet Let Your Child Pegboards are

Claim a Small handy for supplies
Area

2. CREATE AND POST A DAILY SCHEDULE

Walk into almost any elementary classroom and you will see
the daily schedule posted somewhere prominent. Students
really do thrive on the structure and predictability of the daily
schedule. Whether you print one out, write it yourself on paper,
or have your own dry-erase board, a visual reminder is a great
tool for them.

The sample on the left is one I had on my refrigerator last year

for my 5th grader!

Click Here for Editable Daily Schedule

If you click the button, you should be asked if you want to make a copy of the Google Document. This
allows you to personalize the information. If you are not used to the Google platform, there is a word
document below that you can save and edit.

Our Daily Schedule.docx Download

docx
This is a Microsoft Word version of the daily schedule template. 17.7 KB
 Emotional Check-in Worksheet
This is a resource provided by Centervention to support parents and caregivers working with youth as
they deal with all that is going on in the world.

#3. CO-CREATE THE DAILY SCHOOL AT HOME ROUTINE

Although it is tempting to let every day be a pajama day, there is a lot to be said for trying to
stick to your typical school routine as much as possible. One family last year had their
children go outside and come in a different door to signal the start of the school day!

Things to consider in your routine:

How will your school day start?

What can you wear?
What are the clean-up expectations during the day and at the end of the day?
What should your child do if he/she needs help but you are busy with your own work?

Students are very accustomed to classroom routines for everything such as passing out
materials, completing work, going to lunch, etc. Doing it together empowers your child and
gives him/her a voice even if there are a few "non-negotiables" that you need. While they often
require practice and reinforcement, you can make it work to t your household and your
needs!

#4. ORGANIZE SCHOOL SUPPLIES & RESOURCES

While you will receive curricular materials from your school at

some point, there are some basic supplies you will want to
have on hand to get your year started. Your child's teacher(s)
will be in touch soon about other items you may need. If you
have any issues nding supplies, please contact your building
principal.

Depending on what you already have in your house, you may not need to go buy anything.
Pencils, paper, crayons, scissors, and glue sticks go a long way and will help you get started. If
your child is working in a space that needs to be converted each day, consider getting a small
tub at the dollar store to store items at the end of the day so that your house is not overrun
with school supplies!

INTRODUCTION TO TECHNOLOGY PLATFORMS

This video and document download are for Kindergarten families
or anyone new to accessing iPads, Zoom, or Seesaw.

Introduction to WSSD Kindergarten Technology

Download
pdf
How to Access Seesaw Information
143.4 KB

Download
pdf
Connecting iPad to Home WiFi
264.1 KB

This video and document download are for Grade 3 Families or

anyone new to the Chromebook and Google Classroom.
WSSD Getting Started Chromebook and Google Classroom (grades 3-12)

How to Access Google Classroom

Download
pdf Download this document if you need a reminder about the username
209.8 KB
and password for the wssdgmail.org account.

WSSD Virtual Learning Resources Website

This website was created to support families with using our district platforms. You can nd quick
tutorials and other guidance related to navigating and using Seesaw, Google Classroom, & Zoom.

Help Desk
helpdesk@wssd.org

Nora Wheeler, WSSD Director of

Instructional Technology
@norawheelerwssd

200 South Providence Road, W… nwheeler@wssd.org

610-892-3470 wssd.org/