Virtual class but don't want to turn on the camera

[Anonymous]

I have a 3rd grader, I am having a hard time telling my her to turn on her camera during class. She said is she is very shy and not too comfortable. She listens and
very attentive though. Is this normal for her age? I asked the teacher if they require them to do that. She said they are encouraging them to do so but is not required.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have a 3rd grader, I am having a hard time telling my her to turn on her camera during class. She said is she is very shy and not too comfortable. She listens and
very attentive though. Is this normal for her age? I asked the teacher if they require them to do that. She said they are encouraging them to do so but is not required.

I'm not sure whether "normal" matters here. It's her preference and it's okay with the teachers. Of all the battles, I think I'd choose to sit this one out.

[Anonymous]

Totally fine, OP! If she's paying attention, that's what's important. Depending on the platform, the teacher can't see all the students anyway.

[Anonymous]

I have a 4th and 6th grader. My 6th grader never turns his camera on but is doing very well with his schoolwork. He pay attention and seems to be in a good spot with DL. My 4th grader always has his camera on and is super social and chatty online. He does not finish his class work and seems to be having difficulty with DL despite being engaged during class and participation. All kids learn differently.

[Anonymous]

The teacher may ask them to turn it on once or twice per day to take attendance, and sadly since it's the best they can do in the form of a welfare check (teachers are mandatory reporters), but they don't have to keep them on all day. Expect teachers to urge them to do so, though. DC's vice principal just joined the class morning meeting to tell kids how important it is to keep cameras on and how she wants to call parents to praise their kids for keeping cameras on.

[Anonymous]

it's normal

[Anonymous]

Our k-5 school requested all cameras on always but if it’s not a requirement no big deal.

[Anonymous]

This is so normal. Can your dd aim the camera at the ceiling when she doesn't want to be on camera? And then just put it down when she is interacting? My tween idol with the camera but I have to require my teen to use it. I would not push it with a 3rd grader though. I know a lot of kids are very anxious about being on camera at all ages. It is hard for teachers to teach to empty screens though.

[Anonymous]

Sorry my tween is ok ^^^

[Anonymous]

If you want it on, just tell her to keep it on. If she turns it off, take away a privilege.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you want it on, just tell her to keep it on. If she turns it off, take away a privilege.

[Anonymous]

Mine is turning the speaker off.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you want it on, just tell her to keep it on. If she turns it off, take away a privilege.

Yeah, that's terrible advice from a terrible person, Jesus.

Depending on the platform, can she just show a picture of herself if she'd be more comfortable doing that? That's what I've been doing a lot on all these video calls everyone's having and it's a good middle ground. Actually it'd be kind of awesome if she put up a picture of a stuffed animal or something.

[Anonymous]

OP if you're on Zoom, there's a way to show video but not see yourself on your own screen. It's sometimes easier for a child when they don't have to look back at themselves. In a normal in-person classroom they wouldn't be looking in the mirror! Check the video settings.

Showing video is really helpful for teachers. It gives them so many cues so they aren't "teaching into the void."

[Anonymous]

We're in MCPS (not sure where you are) and it is not required to have the camera on. If it isn't required, stop forcing her to turn it on.