Thread by @CPESprincipal

What to Expect When You're Expecting to Learn Virtually: The First Two Weeks
(A Guide for Parents and Students)

There’s no question we are diving into a different way of learning soon, which might bring on nerves or even apprehension for what’s to come. Here’s a look ahead 1/

with tips to let you know what you can expect the first two weeks of #ConnectedLearning at Cunningham Park. When we all know what’s going to happen, then we’ll all be ready for a great start! 2/

Every day, set the stage for a full day of learning.  Students, this is your job.  Just like adults have jobs we take seriously and do our best, school and learning is your job.  Be ready!  (By the way, grown-up jobs are fun for us too - we laugh a lot while we work, 3/

we look forward to seeing our coworkers, we love to accomplish important things - so when we say "job," we mean the fun, challenging, helping you figure out the world kind of job!) 4/

Here's how:

Wake up early and set a morning routine that includes a healthy breakfast, washing up, putting on your ready-to-work clothes, and any chores you have to accomplish before 8:30am. 5/

What does your learning space need to look like?

Nothing! There is nothing special for a learning space except for YOU.  With your parents, find a space where you can keep your laptop and supplies and where you feel comfortable learning  6/

If you’re at childcare, find a special place that can be all yours. Mrs. Le likes her dining room table or the table on her porch. Mr. Kemmerer uses his breakfast table. Some people designate a special corner of their room or even their living room as their "Learning Corner." 7/

Maybe name your space.  "Learning Corner," "Curious Quad," "Explore Station," be creative!  You can even make a sign and designate visiting hours for brothers and sisters and pets and such so learning time doesn't get interrupted.
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What's going to happen in class??

Just like when we're in the same building, the first two weeks of learning are going to look super different than the rest of the year.  That's because you have to learn how to learn!
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Which means how to take care of yourself while you get smarter and take risks, how to make friends and show respect when you're on a computer, and how to get from one place to another on this thing!
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Don't worry, these first two weeks, you are going to get the how to's and procedures nailed!  Your teachers will make sure of that, and your parents too.  There will be lots of practicing, and even a bunch of games to make practicing fun. 
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Don't be fooled, though, as Mr. Rogers says, "Play is children's work."  You will be learning important skills even while you're having fun, and these skills will carry you through the whole year!
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Will we stick to the schedule?

Kind of.  You'll learn to stick to the schedule all by yourself.  Which means there will be lots of practice and lots of thinking about how you like to be organized.
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That means for the first two weeks, Language Arts might be more learning to communicate and share clearly and respectfully with circle activities.  It might look like learning how to collaborate to get what you want or need. 
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Math might look like how to use computer apps and programs at first. 15/

All this may seem weird, but it is very important.  Because if you don't learn how to learn in your new class and in this unusual way, learning will be harder the rest of the year.
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If you're ever curious about why you're doing something, wait for a quiet time and respectfully ask.  Your teacher will be happy to explain! 17/

Why do we have to learn how to learn?

Because whether you're at home, or at childcare, you have a big responsibility now!  You get to take charge of your own smarts, and you get to learn how to do your job just like a grown up!
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Your parents have work to do, & as much as we love our families, having them sit w/ us is super distracting. We want to get to where you can do this on your own so moms, dads, & childcare teachers can go to another room or just walk away & let you learn without being watched
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- because being watched can make it hard to take risks and make mistakes.
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...and by the way, mistakes are absolutely ok!  We just want your learning area to be a safe place where you can try new things and see what happens!
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So now that you know what to expect, come visit your classroom teachers and specials teachers this afternoon between 4:00-6:00 to check things out, say “hi!,” and ask questions you thought of. 22/

@CPES_AP and I are going to be popping in and out of all the classes, and we can hardly wait to see you! Your teachers are excited to see you too!
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Yes, it’s going to be different than normal, we’re all doing this new thing together. So we’re going to learn together, laugh together, and work a lot together - and this year is going to be just awesome! ♥️ /24

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