Building Classroom Community - When You are Distance Teaching

What does classroom community look like when you aren't even in the classroom?  How can you build relationships when you are distance teaching?

 It may seem daunting to think about continuing to grow relationships with your students while we are all teaching remotely, but it is possible!

Here are some tips and ideas for building your classroom community from a distance.

1. Reach-out and Check in with students AND parents.

The most important thing right now is to check-in regularly with your students and their parents while you can't see them in class.  Consider using a service like Class Dojo or Classtag to send daily check-in messages with your families.  Pick 3-4 students a day to reach out to personally so that it isn't quite as big a chore.

2. Host Social Gatherings via video

Consider hosting virtual meetings via Zoom or Google Hangouts just for the purpose of letting your students socialize with each other.  You might play fun games such as virtual scavenger hunts or Would You Rather? 

Provide opportunities for those students who are unable to attend the meetings (due to parent work, or lack of devices) to participate in some way.  Maybe they can pre-record a video, or write a letter to be shared with the other students.

3. Co-Create Classroom Rules and Norms

Just like at the beginning of the school year when you created classroom rules and norms with your students, you may want to do this again for the on-line environment.  What are some rules for taking turns while talking?  How do we encourage equal participation?  What types of comments should we leave our classmates if we are collaborating on-line?

4. Continue Classroom Rituals Such as Read Alouds and Morning Meetings

Consider continuing some of the classroom rituals you may have already had in place virtually.  If you had a morning meeting, host a weekly one using a virtual meeting.  If you had a question of the day, consider using a padlet to have students answer remotely.  Many teachers are continuing to read stories to their students each day via Facebook groups or YouTube.

5. Let Students Share Their Lives

I don't know about you, but I have seen more pets, siblings, favorite toys, and even more glimpses into the lives of my students than ever before thanks to Zoom!  Whether through Zoom or emailed pictures, have your students share the things in their lives right now that are important to them.  My students have found more in common with each other as they share.

I share with them too!  Like this picture of our bearded dragon, who looks like he is ready to give a news report.  Pictures like this also make great writing prompts!

I also shared this picture of my son, Luke with a bear!

I shared how we took this picture on my Facebook page here.  If you aren't already following there, be sure to follow for even more teaching ideas, memes, tips, and more!

Before you go, head on over to enter one of our giveaways!

Using Class Dojo for Remote or Distance Learning

I am mid-way through my second week of this social experiment we are calling Remote or Distance Learning with my students.  I wanted to share how I have been using Class Dojo to handle pretty much EVERYTHING I have needed to do to continue to teach my students while we are all at home.

Why Class Dojo?

When I tried to figure out the best solution for making remote learning work, I realized that I needed to make it as easy as possible for parents.  They are already going through so much right now, they don't need additional software to figure out.  We have been using Class Dojo all year, so the parents ALREADY knew how to use it - learning curve flattened!

The second reason I decided to use Class Dojo, is because it is easy to use from ANY device including a phone.  Many of my students don't have access to their own computers, so this was a BIG consideration!

The last reason I chose Class Dojo for our distance learning is because I could do just about everything I needed to do in order for learning to occur with just this one app!  I can send files, pictures, lessons, and more.  I can also communicate both to the whole class and individually to students.  My students can also upload the work they are doing throughout the day.

So, now that you know my reasons for using Class Dojo for remote learning, here is HOW I am using it!

Messages

I use the messages feature to take attendance each day.  I send out a message in the morning reminding parents to check in for the day.  I use a Google spreadsheet to track the check-ins.

I also use the message feature as I have said before to communicate directly to parents.  This is where I let them know what assignments will be due, answer questions they may have about assignments, and more.

You can send also links to different websites you might be using such as Google classroom, YouTube videos, free worksheet sites, etc.

 Class Stories

I share all files on Class Story.  I upload them on my computer right into the story section. (All of my parents are signed up - I just made a fake student account today so I can see their side of the screen - lol).

You simply click on the file icon and upload your file from your computer.  You can also add photos, videos, record yourself, or send event reminders.  For me that would be assignment due dates since we have actual events at the school right now.

I post pictures of the answer keys after students have completed their work so the parents can grade and help me avoid being overwhelmed when we finally return to school.

(This is from my Daily Math Review resource - I currently have this for K - 5th grade).

Portfolios

The portfolios section is my new turn-in box.  Students can post their completed work to their portfolio and I can grade them and give them feedback right there! 

* One little tip:  I have found it easier to approve the assignments in their portfolios on the computer and then to respond on my phone.

Partner Teachers/Collaboration

I have also been able to add my school's ELL teacher and our SPED teacher so that they can also monitor, and work with the students they serve in my classroom. Just click on options and add co-teacher.  You will invite them just like you would your students!

BONUS Tip: Set quiet hours so that parents are not contacting you at all hours of the day.  It is ok if they message you or reply back when they can, but you will only be notified when your office hours are set.  

This situation can be super stressful as it is, you don't need to burn yourself out!

I wanted to share how I have been using Class Dojo in my class for remote or distance learning in case you were still trying to figure out how to handle this crazy situation.  If you have any questions for me, feel free to comment below or message me on my Facebook page.  I did a live feed about this post here.

If you would like to read more about how I am teaching remotely, check out this blog post.

And.... before you go, head on over to my giveaway page to enter to win a Teachers pay Teachers gift card!

Tips for Teaching Your Students At a Distance

If you would have ever asked me if I would be sitting in a meeting spread out 6 feet away from my co-workers listening to our state and district plan to teach our students from a distance for the next month, I never would have guessed I would be. But, that is exactly where I was yesterday at 8 A.M.

Because this is completely uncharted territory, and we are making this up as we go, I figured I would share some tips for teaching your students at a distance that I have figured out in this last 24 or so hours.  If you have any ideas to share, please feel free to in the comments below, because we are all in this together!

This post contains affiliate links. I earn a small commission each time someone makes a purchase using one of my links, which helps to support the blog.  All opinions are my own and I only promote brands and products that I have used myself and truly love.  


1. Take care of YOU!

As teachers we tend to put the needs of everyone else above our own, and I know this situation will be no different.  We will spend the next month (or more) worried about our students, (are they learning, are they safe, do they have enough to eat?).  That is just what we do.  But, as you have probably all ready been told, it is hard to fill others' buckets when our own bucket is depleted.  That is why my first tip for teaching during this challenging time is to take care of you!

1. Get plenty of rest.

2. Drink plenty of water and eat as healthy as you can during this time.

3. Take time to yourself - this is a great time to read that novel you've been putting off since you got it last Christmas! You can even get a free 30 day subscription to Kindle if you don't have enough books to read.

4. Resist the urge to be a news junkie - limit news and social media consumption right now.  I don't know about you, but I tend to freak myself out with information overload.  I have decided to limit myself to 30 minutes of news at night and Facebook posts that are only about things I love - teaching ideas, funny videos, etc.

5. Don't compare!  I have many on-line friends in other schools or districts who don't have to go in at all, or who are still in school.  There are so many considerations with this - just stay in your lane and focus on what YOU need to do for your students and your family!

2. Keep it Simple

Yes, that good ol' K.I.S.S. principle!  Restrain yourself from the urge to send all of the links, all of the copies, and all of the free resources that are bombarding you now.  You don't know what kind of situation each of your students is in during this precarious time.  Some may be home alone, others may be sent to daycare situations where they don't have access to internet.  Some have three siblings who are also vying for the internet during the day and possibly don't have more than one computer (if one at all).

My solution was to use Class Dojo to handle the majority of assignments because it is something my parents have been using all year and not a new program that they had to learn.  Keep it simple.

I shared links to my resources that I use ALL YEAR long - again trying to keep it something that the students already know how to do.

I sent my daily math review, my homework packets (I send home a daily sheet from 180 Days Reading and 180 Days math), and reading logs for the next few weeks.

That is it!  I have sent additional resources for fun, like some color by number math facts sheets, and some math games, but I have told parents to mostly worry about keeping their children safe and secure during this time.

Bonus FREEBIE

You can grab an addition and multiplication sample of my Unicorn math facts sets free here.


The full unicorn math facts sets are listed below:

Unicorn addition facts color by number

Unicorn multiplication facts color by number

If you own any of my resources, feel free to send them to parents however you need to - this is a trying time and we need to stick together!

Families can also get a FREE month of Kindle just for signing up! This might be a great way for them to keep up on their reading if they don't have enough books at home!

Kindle Unlimited Membership Plans

3. Use video.

I sent a video to my students yesterday, just to say hi and let them know that I was ok and still would be working with them distantly for the time being.  I also video recorded myself reviewing our homework so that they could check their work.

I plan on sharing mini video lessons throughout this time period.  I am sharing videos on my Class Dojo app and on a Facebook group that I set up for my classroom.  You can do the same or even send email videos.

I know many of us do not like the idea of videoing ourselves, but your students will really appreciate seeing your face as reassurance during this scary time! I am even going to be brave enough to share the video I made for them with you to help show you it's not as bad as you think!

4. Share Your Day.

Your students have been used to seeing you every weekday all school year, this sudden departure may be challenging for them, particularly since many of us didn't get to say "good-bye" before the long break. Take the time to share little bits of your day and what you are doing.

My students always comment about my lunch - how I always eat salad EVERY DAY!  I sent a picture on Class Dojo of my salad yesterday.  They loved it and some even shared their own lunch menus with me.  Just one of those little things to keep the relationship building even when we can't be with them.

I will be sharing things around my house such as my pet bearded dragon, my own boys, and my "temporary classroom/work-space".  I will also be encouraging them to share things from their day as well.

5. Manage Your Expectations

I've touched on this briefly, but, we don't know what circumstances each of our students or parents are dealing with at the moment.  They may have child care issues, employment issues, fear, etc.  We definitely DO NOT need to add to this burden with our teaching expectations.

Per our district policy, we need to make contact with each student and parent each day.  That is my ONLY solid expectation right now.  If you need a copy of this contact form, email me at kellys3ps@sbcglobal.net and I will send it to you! :)

If they get the work done I sent home - awesome! If they do above and beyond - even better! If their parent goes completely off course and does their own thing - fantastic! Maybe they need to do this to help ease their fears and stresses.  Let them!

I am not going to hold their individual circumstances against them, and neither should you!  Most states are making concessions because this is all NEW to all of us!

Those are just a few of my tips based on day 2 of this crazy experience of teaching my students remotely!  I will be sharing more tips and ideas as I have them here on the blog, on my Facebook page, and through email.  If you have any PLEASE share with me as well!

Before you go - head on over to my giveaway page to enter our current giveaways for Teachers pay Teachers gift cards! I know those will come in handy right now!

Hang in there teachers!  We've got this!