March 24, 2020
Dear 3K, PK, K School Parents,
I hope this note finds you and
yours safe and healthy. Mrs. Rogers and I are learning how to “do school from
home” also. We are missing you! Thank you for all the feedback, pictures, and videos
you are sending teachers. The connection helps teachers identify needs and the
connection the children get from seeing their friends and teachers is so
important too. 😊
Learning from a distance, “Distance Learning”,
is brand new for all of us. Each and every household has a different schedule
and is learning ways to best do this with their families. That is not going to
be the same for all. As teachers plan they seek to provide resources that can
be used in different ways and at different times during distance learning. We
realize some parents are still away from home at work full time. Others are at
home and trying to work full time from home during the day. Some children are
at home, some are with sitters, and some may be with grandparents that may not
be as tech savvy as others… all of this is ok. The daily lesson plans teachers
are posting to their blogs every day are filled with lessons, practice, and
review of skills and concepts. Teachers are also providing many web resources
online we have gotten access to for our parents. Do what you can when you
can and know that this is ok. Weekends may be a time to catch up
some. When all of this is over what will be important is what your child’s
feelings are through this unknown time. We all need to share patience,
kindness, and love. Remember that all are in the same situation and we all will
do the very best we can. We each are in God’s care.
For our younger students, 3K, PK,
K activities will be given, but learning will be very different from what their
usual school day is like. In a school
environment, a major part of these younger ages developmental emphasis is on
getting along with others in a classroom filled with others: sharing, waiting
your turn, being kind, making new friends in class and on the playground,
working in small groups, working in a large groups, and all the other social
and emotional ways they need to grow. Developing language, communication, and
comprehension skills as they communicate with their peers and teachers during
class time, centers, and going to co-curriculars are such a vital part of their
day as they learn at school. This group needs varied, shorter periods
of time to practice specific skills and concepts. The single best thing you
or a caretaker can do for these ages is for someone to read aloud to them as
often as you can…inside, outside anywhere! This is different from them
listening to a story on an iPad, which is fine at times but does not replace
the skills a child gets from sharing a story with someone.
Our goal is for the children to be provided
varied activities… some time with technology, some paper/pencil or activity
sheets, and lots of engaging hands on counting, patterning, building, creating,
reading, talking and sharing, praying, and active learning! Use the outdoors,
nature, and toys to engage and create fun learning. Sunshine and fresh air are
good for the soul.
Know that we are truly all in
this together. We know distance learning does not look the very same for all.
It will be okay. We will get through this. Love and laugh some every day! You
are doing a great job. Let us know how we can help you.
Hugs and love from afar,
Wade Putnal
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