Distance Learning: Tools & Tips Community Presentation
General Study & Organization Tips These are the topics we will be covering: ● Organization ● Time Management ● Action Planning ● Monitoring & Evaluating Progress ● T echnology T ools ● Links to organizational tools and documents ● Mental Health Ideas/Resources
Organization: Prioritizing Work Higher HS Credit Classes ( World Lang + Algebra, Geometry, Pre-Calculus) ● Core Classes (Math, English, History, Science) ● Middle Reading + Health/PE ● Lower Electives (FACS, Chorus, Art, Gen. Music, Band, Creative Writing, etc.) ●
Sample Weekly Agenda High Lower HS Credit Classes & Core / Magnet Classes Health/PE Elective Math English/ESOL Science History Health/PE Elective Elective == Assignments Meeting Times ✔ Done: Done: Done: Done: Done: Done: Done: Submitted: Submitted: Submitted: Submitted: Submitted: Submitted: Submitted: ✔
Organizing Structure: A Step-By-Step Procedure 1. Open each teacher portal and go to this 6. When sending teacher emails, ❏ ❏ week’s assignments/module. always identify yourself in the subject line of the email. 2. Copy the titles/hyperlinked names of each ❏ assignment/document and paste them 7. When you finish an assignment, turn ❏ directly into the sample agenda . it in and then cross it off of your list. 3. Prioritize your work! Use the sample 8. Periodically re-check your teacher ❏ ❏ agendas for the Higher , Middle , and Lower portals (everyday or every other day) to priorities, which are already set up. see if they've added explanations or new materials. 4. Read through the assignments, and ❏ highlight or write a note indicating any 9. Add any new assignments to the your ❏ questions or points of confusion. calendar or task list. 10. Repeat steps 1-5 for each new ❏ ❏ 5. Individually email your teacher(s) to ask assignment. your questions and clarify what you need to do. Be specific.
Time Management - Daily Routine Daily Structured Routine Times Mon Tues Wed Thur Fri Teacher Office Hours Check Canvas & Google Classroom ➔ 9:00 - 11:00 1. Develop your own Daily Schedule. Email Teachers or Counselors with Questions ➔ Request Zoom Appointment (if needed) ➔ 2. Include: snack / meals; homework 12:45 - 4:15 Attend Distance Learning Classes time; study breaks; leisure / social time; binder organization (weekly), 4:30 - 5:00 CANVAS Grade Portal (weekly); 5:00 - 5:30 extracurricular activities / 5:30 - 6:00 commitments; chores; bed time; 6:00 - 6:30 etc. 6:30 - 7:00 7:00 - 7:30 3. If you sent a routine that you feel 7:30 - 8:00 you have some control or say in the 8:00 - 8:30 matter, you will be more vested in 8:30 - 9:00 it. 9:00 - 9:30 9:30 - 10:00
Time Management - checklist to structure your day Time Task Check! (Enter the time you want Wake Up! ✔ to wake up.) Get up, get dressed, eat breakfast (Give yourself an hour to Do something fun & productive! ✔ start the day out right!) -go for a walk, straighten your room, interact with family, play on your phone, etc.. 15 minutes Prepare workspace- -is my computer charged? ✔ -am I in a quiet place? -do I have my materials? -is my phone in another room? 15 minutes Log in, check school email, Google Classrooms, myMCPS Classrooms 15 minutes Create a “To Do” list for the day -Math: ______________________________ -ELA: _______________________________ -SS: ________________________________ -Science: ____________________________ -Other: ______________________________ 10 minutes Figure out if there is anything you need to do at a specific time today- for example, participate in a live lesson with a class, chat with a counselor, complete a chore at home, eat lunch, etc. Based on that- create your daily schedule!
Action Planning Each week, use the templates we provided to write assignments in ● agenda book. Parents can monitor initial work upon completion—that also adds a measure of accountability from the student’s perspective. Set Realistic Goals: chunk projects and studying for big tests into ● smaller / more manageable parts. Post the goal in a visible location (wall calendar, refrigerator, etc.) ● ▪ Define the goal: (be specific & realistic) ▪ List the action you will take ▪ Monitor / Evaluate your progress 8
Action Planning Define the goal: (be specific & realistic) ▪ (Not specific): Do better in school → (better than what & how ???) ▪ (Specific): I will turn in all HW assignments this week. List the action you will take . . . ▪ I will write assignments in my weekly agenda planner ▪ I will check off assignments in the agenda book once I complete it ▪ I will turn in my assignments on ( or before Friday ), the DUE DATE ▪ I will review my notes before quizzes and tests ▪ I will ask questions if I don’t understand ▪ I will email or request a Zoom appointment with my teacher
Monitor & Evaluate Progress ● How am I doing so far? ● Did I meet my goals this week? ● Do I need help in reaching my goal? ● Who can I ask for help? ● When is there time in my schedule to get help? ● Do I need to make changes to my daily schedule or routine?
Monitor Evaluating: When do I need help? Seek assistance- teachers/counselor during morning office hours ● Students can also email teachers with questions ☺ o Peers/get a study buddy & phone # /email ● Check Grade Portal & Google Classroom 1- 2 times a week ● pick the day to view with a parent. o o https://portal.mcpsmd.org/public/home.html#/termGrades
Incentives & Rewards This is optional and depends upon each student-you know ● your child the best, but who doesn’t love a payoff even if it’s as simple as positive recognition ☺ It’s also important for students to feel success early on (so as ● to keep them vested). Give it some time to see if these strategies are sufficient ● support. Just keep in mind that good habits are just as hard to start, as ‘bad’ habits are to break. Consistency over time is the key to success! 12
T ech T ools & Tips ● Cell Phones ( can be your friend!) ○ Have your child set reminders & alarms ● Email ○ Set up a group email with your child, the teachers & the counselor ● Bookmark Important Links to your “Favorites Bar” 13
More T ech T ools & Tips ● Zoom Login Directions (click this link for a tutorial) ○ https://mcpsmd.zoom.us/ ○ Then make sure you login with your MCPS student credentials ● Canvas MCPS Grade Portal ○ Select the ‘course’ ○ Then click the blue headings to check announcements, grades, assignments etc. ○ T eachers may have emailed ; so check the 'Inbox' for messages to the MCPS.net account and in Google Classrooms 14
Links to Organizational T ools & Documents ● Time Management - checklist to structure your day ● Time Management - Daily Routine ● T eacher Platform by Department ● Distance Learning Agenda Book ● T akoma Park Middle School Counseling Department (Mental Health Resources) ● Resource Chart for COVID-19 Closure Supports
Mental Health Ideas for Self-Care
Ways to cope with stress ● Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting. ● Take care of your body. ○ Take deep breaths, stretch, or mediate ○ Try and eat healthy, well-balanced meals i. Avoid loading up on junk food and refined sugar. ○ Exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep i. Regular physical activity and exercise can help reduce anxiety and improve mood. Find an activity that includes movement, such as dance or exercise apps. Get outside in an area that makes it easy to maintain distance from people ii. Go to bed and get up at the same times each day. Stick close to your typical schedule, even if you're staying at home. ● Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy. ○ Turn ofg electronic devices for some time each day, including 30 minutes before bedtime. Make a conscious efgort to spend less time in front of a screen — television, tablet, computer and phone. ● Connect with others . Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling. Stress and Coping - CDC Website Mayo Clinic - COVID and your mental health
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