What makes you believe distant learning will be better in the fall?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:I’m a teacher and I just wanted to hop on to say I’m not convinced in person is really going to be that much better from DL. The social distancing factor alone takes a lot of classroom “best practices” out of play — like collaborative learning opportunities and group work, small group station work, etc. It’s kind of an eerie scene to think about, tbh. I’m not quite sure I can wrap my mind around what my own classroom would look like in person! (Lecture, notes, individual assessments, ick!)

Thanks for sharing your perspective--I can completely see how it could eerie.

I'll say, though, that my young elementary kids have adapted well to the modifications their camps have put in place. I absolutely know it's not the same, but they've come up with creative ways to still engage with their peers even with masks, at a distance, etc. And the improvement in their moods from when we were doing DL this Spring is staggering. I appreciate your sharing around the lack of best practices for academics and learning, and agree on that, but from a social interaction perspective, in person with modifications, for many if not most kids, is likely to be far better than DL. And for the elementary kids in particular, I think that matters hugely.

Also for the middle school kids and high school kids. Everyone needs social interaction.

Of course they do, but that's not the point. This is a pandemic. We need to figure out priorities right now, and social interaction isn't first on the list. Ease up on screen time. Let your kids socialize online.

Kids need in-person social interaction. Elementary school kids, middle school kids, high school kids. And I don't know what your opinion is, but my opinion is that kids' needs are always a priority, including right now.

I would argue that our children's health is the number one priority.

Exactly, and our children require in-personal social interaction for their health.

I agree in person social interaction once it can be done safely like when there's a vaccine but until then herding kids into overcrowded schools with poor ventilation seems like a bad idea.

Sounds like a SAHM.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Well first of all, my 4th grader had a decent experience. Not amazing but good enough. He knows his fractions and decimals and he wrote 2 short essays. They did virtual reading groups too and responded to teachers recorded daily read alouds.

I have no doubt if we do this again, then work would be graded, which is a necessity.

My school hasn't announced a final plan yet, but we may go DO due to my quirky kids needs (not a great time to be
dealing with a sniffing tic for instance).

For every kid like yours there are 3 others who have a chaotic home life or other obstacles that make DL impossible. They will not be grading.

There are some plenty of kids with bad home situations who act out in school as a result. I’ve seen some pretty vicious posts about kids with those issues riot to this. I guess people have changed their tune.

I guess I’m not getting your point. DL was much more emotionally safe for my kid who is targeted due to his special needs. I’ve seen post on here, more than once, about how kids mine are obviously just messed up, since he dreads going back, or that his sensory sensitivities should exclude him anyway.

Yet, I’m not arguing that in-person shouldn’t be the goal. It’s just that DL can work and needs to work due to level of virus in the country.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m a teacher and I just wanted to hop on to say I’m not convinced in person is really going to be that much better from DL. The social distancing factor alone takes a lot of classroom “best practices” out of play — like collaborative learning opportunities and group work, small group station work, etc. It’s kind of an eerie scene to think about, tbh. I’m not quite sure I can wrap my mind around what my own classroom would look like in person! (Lecture, notes, individual assessments, ick!)

Thanks for sharing your perspective--I can completely see how it could eerie.

I'll say, though, that my young elementary kids have adapted well to the modifications their camps have put in place. I absolutely know it's not the same, but they've come up with creative ways to still engage with their peers even with masks, at a distance, etc. And the improvement in their moods from when we were doing DL this Spring is staggering. I appreciate your sharing around the lack of best practices for academics and learning, and agree on that, but from a social interaction perspective, in person with modifications, for many if not most kids, is likely to be far better than DL. And for the elementary kids in particular, I think that matters hugely.

Also for the middle school kids and high school kids. Everyone needs social interaction.

Of course they do, but that's not the point. This is a pandemic. We need to figure out priorities right now, and social interaction isn't first on the list. Ease up on screen time. Let your kids socialize online.

Kids need in-person social interaction. Elementary school kids, middle school kids, high school kids. And I don't know what your opinion is, but my opinion is that kids' needs are always a priority, including right now.

I would argue that our children's health is the number one priority.

Exactly, and our children require in-personal social interaction for their health.

I agree in person social interaction once it can be done safely like when there's a vaccine but until then herding kids into overcrowded schools with poor ventilation seems like a bad idea.

Says the person who doesn't understand that mental health is also health.

And just exactly what kind of social interaction do you think the kids will be doing when they are in the building? I understand the concern for mental health but do you really think kids will feel so much better mentally when they are in school under these current circumstances? It's not like we're going back to the way it was before. That's what the kids miss. They miss their lives before covid. We all do. I know for a fact that my 9 year old will be stressed AF and worried to death going into a poorly ventilated school building with masks on and barely any opportunity to "socially interact" with her friends. She and I think many kids will be more stressed knowing that they are being put in a situation where they could potentially catch Covid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m a teacher and I just wanted to hop on to say I’m not convinced in person is really going to be that much better from DL. The social distancing factor alone takes a lot of classroom “best practices” out of play — like collaborative learning opportunities and group work, small group station work, etc. It’s kind of an eerie scene to think about, tbh. I’m not quite sure I can wrap my mind around what my own classroom would look like in person! (Lecture, notes, individual assessments, ick!)

Thanks for sharing your perspective--I can completely see how it could eerie.

I'll say, though, that my young elementary kids have adapted well to the modifications their camps have put in place. I absolutely know it's not the same, but they've come up with creative ways to still engage with their peers even with masks, at a distance, etc. And the improvement in their moods from when we were doing DL this Spring is staggering. I appreciate your sharing around the lack of best practices for academics and learning, and agree on that, but from a social interaction perspective, in person with modifications, for many if not most kids, is likely to be far better than DL. And for the elementary kids in particular, I think that matters hugely.

Also for the middle school kids and high school kids. Everyone needs social interaction.

Nervous parents = nervous kids.

Of course they do, but that's not the point. This is a pandemic. We need to figure out priorities right now, and social interaction isn't first on the list. Ease up on screen time. Let your kids socialize online.

Kids need in-person social interaction. Elementary school kids, middle school kids, high school kids. And I don't know what your opinion is, but my opinion is that kids' needs are always a priority, including right now.

I would argue that our children's health is the number one priority.

Exactly, and our children require in-personal social interaction for their health.

I agree in person social interaction once it can be done safely like when there's a vaccine but until then herding kids into overcrowded schools with poor ventilation seems like a bad idea.

Says the person who doesn't understand that mental health is also health.

And just exactly what kind of social interaction do you think the kids will be doing when they are in the building? I understand the concern for mental health but do you really think kids will feel so much better mentally when they are in school under these current circumstances? It's not like we're going back to the way it was before. That's what the kids miss. They miss their lives before covid. We all do. I know for a fact that my 9 year old will be stressed AF and worried to death going into a poorly ventilated school building with masks on and barely any opportunity to "socially interact" with her friends. She and I think many kids will be more stressed knowing that they are being put in a situation where they could potentially catch Covid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m a teacher and I just wanted to hop on to say I’m not convinced in person is really going to be that much better from DL. The social distancing factor alone takes a lot of classroom “best practices” out of play — like collaborative learning opportunities and group work, small group station work, etc. It’s kind of an eerie scene to think about, tbh. I’m not quite sure I can wrap my mind around what my own classroom would look like in person! (Lecture, notes, individual assessments, ick!)

Thanks for sharing your perspective--I can completely see how it could eerie.

I'll say, though, that my young elementary kids have adapted well to the modifications their camps have put in place. I absolutely know it's not the same, but they've come up with creative ways to still engage with their peers even with masks, at a distance, etc. And the improvement in their moods from when we were doing DL this Spring is staggering. I appreciate your sharing around the lack of best practices for academics and learning, and agree on that, but from a social interaction perspective, in person with modifications, for many if not most kids, is likely to be far better than DL. And for the elementary kids in particular, I think that matters hugely.

Also for the middle school kids and high school kids. Everyone needs social interaction.

Of course they do, but that's not the point. This is a pandemic. We need to figure out priorities right now, and social interaction isn't first on the list. Ease up on screen time. Let your kids socialize online.

Kids need in-person social interaction. Elementary school kids, middle school kids, high school kids. And I don't know what your opinion is, but my opinion is that kids' needs are always a priority, including right now.

I would argue that our children's health is the number one priority.

Exactly, and our children require in-personal social interaction for their health.

I agree in person social interaction once it can be done safely like when there's a vaccine but until then herding kids into overcrowded schools with poor ventilation seems like a bad idea.

Says the person who doesn't understand that mental health is also health.

And just exactly what kind of social interaction do you think the kids will be doing when they are in the building? I understand the concern for mental health but do you really think kids will feel so much better mentally when they are in school under these current circumstances? It's not like we're going back to the way it was before. That's what the kids miss. They miss their lives before covid. We all do. I know for a fact that my 9 year old will be stressed AF and worried to death going into a poorly ventilated school building with masks on and barely any opportunity to "socially interact" with her friends. She and I think many kids will be more stressed knowing that they are being put in a situation where they could potentially catch Covid.

Nervous parents = nervous kids.

[Anonymous]

I think there are small/simple changes the schools can make, based on experience. I think they will.

1. There should be more synchronous learning. Sure, allow breaks, but let them engage with each other for longer each day. I don't expect 7 hours of instruction, but 3-4 is reasonable, even for ES (like their current summer school).

2. There need to be smaller classes/groups/cohorts for DL. 30 kids gazing in the computer screen is not good for anyone. BPt them in classes of 10-15 kids, do lots of small group activities with groups of 3-5.

3. There should be small asynchronous assignments that students can use to review with little or no help (as parents may or may not be able to help).

4. More instruction from people the kids know (local school teachers/staff), and less from a generic teacher.

5. Challenge them. Introduce new material. Try to push them and then provide additional support for those that need it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Will there still be two hours a day blocked out for kids to pick up lunch?

Seriously, how can kids possibly be expected to do this? They are too young to advocate for themselves - we must do it for them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m a teacher and I just wanted to hop on to say I’m not convinced in person is really going to be that much better from DL. The social distancing factor alone takes a lot of classroom “best practices” out of play — like collaborative learning opportunities and group work, small group station work, etc. It’s kind of an eerie scene to think about, tbh. I’m not quite sure I can wrap my mind around what my own classroom would look like in person! (Lecture, notes, individual assessments, ick!)

Thanks for sharing your perspective--I can completely see how it could eerie.

I'll say, though, that my young elementary kids have adapted well to the modifications their camps have put in place. I absolutely know it's not the same, but they've come up with creative ways to still engage with their peers even with masks, at a distance, etc. And the improvement in their moods from when we were doing DL this Spring is staggering. I appreciate your sharing around the lack of best practices for academics and learning, and agree on that, but from a social interaction perspective, in person with modifications, for many if not most kids, is likely to be far better than DL. And for the elementary kids in particular, I think that matters hugely.

Also for the middle school kids and high school kids. Everyone needs social interaction.

Of course they do, but that's not the point. This is a pandemic. We need to figure out priorities right now, and social interaction isn't first on the list. Ease up on screen time. Let your kids socialize online.

Kids need in-person social interaction. Elementary school kids, middle school kids, high school kids. And I don't know what your opinion is, but my opinion is that kids' needs are always a priority, including right now.

I would argue that our children's health is the number one priority.

Exactly, and our children require in-personal social interaction for their health.

I agree in person social interaction once it can be done safely like when there's a vaccine but until then herding kids into overcrowded schools with poor ventilation seems like a bad idea.

There is NOT going to be a vaccine. That’s a pipe dream. It’s an RNA virus and it’s take forever to get this approved for kids.

What do we do for the next year? DL learning only?

This is our new reality and we have to work around it. Waiting for an elusive vaccine is not productive.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

There is NOT going to be a vaccine. That’s a pipe dream. It’s an RNA virus and it’s take forever to get this approved for kids.

What do we do for the next year? DL learning only?

This is our new reality and we have to work around it. Waiting for an elusive vaccine is not productive.

So? There are lots of vaccines for RNA viruses.

The problem won't be developing a vaccine. The problem will be getting the vaccine to the people who need it. There's no reason to assume our vaccine strategy in the US will be any more effective than any of our other covid strategies.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
And just exactly what kind of social interaction do you think the kids will be doing when they are in the building? I understand the concern for mental health but do you really think kids will feel so much better mentally when they are in school under these current circumstances? It's not like we're going back to the way it was before. That's what the kids miss. They miss their lives before covid. We all do. I know for a fact that my 9 year old will be stressed AF and worried to death going into a poorly ventilated school building with masks on and barely any opportunity to "socially interact" with her friends. She and I think many kids will be more stressed knowing that they are being put in a situation where they could potentially catch Covid.

If your child will be more stressed going to school than staying home, then you should choose for her to stay home.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

There is NOT going to be a vaccine. That’s a pipe dream. It’s an RNA virus and it’s take forever to get this approved for kids.

What do we do for the next year? DL learning only?

This is our new reality and we have to work around it. Waiting for an elusive vaccine is not productive.

So? There are lots of vaccines for RNA viruses.

The problem won't be developing a vaccine. The problem will be getting the vaccine to the people who need it. There's no reason to assume our vaccine strategy in the US will be any more effective than any of our other covid strategies.

I'm assuming you mean "RNA vaccine" not "RNA virus".

There aren't any RNA vaccines for humans. I'm not saying it won't work - I really hope it does. It's a very cool and promising idea. We just don't know that it will.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
And just exactly what kind of social interaction do you think the kids will be doing when they are in the building? I understand the concern for mental health but do you really think kids will feel so much better mentally when they are in school under these current circumstances? It's not like we're going back to the way it was before. That's what the kids miss. They miss their lives before covid. We all do. I know for a fact that my 9 year old will be stressed AF and worried to death going into a poorly ventilated school building with masks on and barely any opportunity to "socially interact" with her friends. She and I think many kids will be more stressed knowing that they are being put in a situation where they could potentially catch Covid.

If your child will be more stressed going to school than staying home, then you should choose for her to stay home.

DP, but not all kids will be SO much more stressed going to school than they would be at home. I hope you’re emphasizing to your daughter that the vast majority of children her age who get COVID don’t get that sick.

And no, things being totally normal isn’t what the kids miss most. My kids have adapted fine to modifications required at their day camp. It’s really NBD. Staying home indefinitely? That’s a big deal.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
And just exactly what kind of social interaction do you think the kids will be doing when they are in the building? I understand the concern for mental health but do you really think kids will feel so much better mentally when they are in school under these current circumstances? It's not like we're going back to the way it was before. That's what the kids miss. They miss their lives before covid. We all do. I know for a fact that my 9 year old will be stressed AF and worried to death going into a poorly ventilated school building with masks on and barely any opportunity to "socially interact" with her friends. She and I think many kids will be more stressed knowing that they are being put in a situation where they could potentially catch Covid.

If your child will be more stressed going to school than staying home, then you should choose for her to stay home.

DP, but not all kids will be SO much more stressed going to school than they would be at home. I hope you’re emphasizing to your daughter that the vast majority of children her age who get COVID don’t get that sick.

And no, things being totally normal isn’t what the kids miss most. My kids have adapted fine to modifications required at their day camp. It’s really NBD. Staying home indefinitely? That’s a big deal.

Agreed.

If you or your kid are terrified about going to school, then you should opt out and keep your kid at home.

Why do all kids need to stay home because of your anxiety? They are giving YOU the option to opt out. Let others have the option to attend school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

There is NOT going to be a vaccine. That’s a pipe dream. It’s an RNA virus and it’s take forever to get this approved for kids.

What do we do for the next year? DL learning only?

This is our new reality and we have to work around it. Waiting for an elusive vaccine is not productive.

So? There are lots of vaccines for RNA viruses.

The problem won't be developing a vaccine. The problem will be getting the vaccine to the people who need it. There's no reason to assume our vaccine strategy in the US will be any more effective than any of our other covid strategies.

Can you provide an example of a vaccine for an RNA virus?

The vaccine is a pipe dream. We need to adjust to the fact that there will be changes to in person learning.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

There is NOT going to be a vaccine. That’s a pipe dream. It’s an RNA virus and it’s take forever to get this approved for kids.

What do we do for the next year? DL learning only?

This is our new reality and we have to work around it. Waiting for an elusive vaccine is not productive.

So? There are lots of vaccines for RNA viruses.

The problem won't be developing a vaccine. The problem will be getting the vaccine to the people who need it. There's no reason to assume our vaccine strategy in the US will be any more effective than any of our other covid strategies.

Can you provide an example of a vaccine for an RNA virus?

The vaccine is a pipe dream. We need to adjust to the fact that there will be changes to in person learning.

Measles.