Here are 10 ideas for distance learning.
1. Breathing – In school we always started our class meetings with taking 3 deep breaths. This helps us to relax and focus. There are lots of ideas out there for different ways to breathe and sometimes I let my kids make up their own. Here’s one example of a Breathing tool from Conscious Discipline. For our distance learning, we use STAR -Smile Take A breath and Relax. You can also say “smell the rose (breathe in through your nose) and blow out the candles” (exhale out your mouth)
2. Go Noodle-We used Go Noodle for brain breaks and transitions in school. During our distance learning, I tell the kids to make sure they have room to move. I share my screen and then pick one of our favorite Go Noodle selections. Check out their fabulous website Go Noodle.
3. Flashcards-During our distance learning I have been using flashcards as a warm up. I’ve been making my own- sometimes to review concepts or just for fun-like would rather? (See #10) I put the card up and the first person can unmute and answer. Sometimes to make it fun, I say “If you have the answer, put your finger on your nose.” Then I will call on someone to answer. I also use the chat feature-see more about that in a bit.
4. My name is-During our morning meetings we would often play games. One of our favorites was My name is ____ and I can ___. Students stand in a circle with voices off. I would start and my example might be “My name is Mrs. Honts and I can do this” (I might dab or do a disco dance move). Students would repeat and say “Her name is Mrs. Honts and she can (and then they would copy my moves). For distance learning, I say, “Mute yourself and then look straight at the camera and smile when you are ready.”
I call on someone to start and I remind students that whatever action they do, we must be able to see it. They love the challenge of this new version!
5. Good news, bad news or no news today-This was also something we did in our classroom-usually on Mondays. For our distance learning, I call on each student and they unmute and say good news or bad news and then share their news. If they don’t have anything, they say “no news today.” When their turn in over, they mute themselves again.
6. Choose a Letter– Assign each student to find an item in their home that starts with the same letter as their name. You can do this ahead of time or you can give them the direction and set a timer. At the end of the time students can share what they found in their home. Even during distance learning, I use sentence frames to practice academic language. Here’s an example
My name is Angel and I found an apple because I like apples.
My name is _________ and I found a ______ because __________.
7. Singing-You could sing a song together-we’ve had several birthdays during distance learning so of course we’ve sung to our classmates. We have a school song and kids love to sing that too as it brings us all together. You can play Disney songs (Let it Go anyone?) and have a sing along.
8. 20 Questions– This is alway a favorite game to play anytime. During our distance learning meetings, we choose a noun first-person, place, thing or animal. I start usually by choosing a student and everyone takes turns asking questions. I let the winner choose the next time.
9. Chat feature-When we first started with distance learning, I taught my students how to use the chat feature. I created a screencast to show them where it was and how to access it. We also discussed expectations. I use the chat feature as an opportunity for students to respond to questions. Students are expected to put their answer in the chat box. I can call out when students get the correct answers or when they need to try again. During a spelling review, I might ask “what letters make the /ch/ sound?” The possibilities are endless!
When our meeting is over I can go back through and look at the responses. When my instructional assistant joins our meeting, she keeps track of questions and answers.
10. Would you rather?- I use would you rather every day during my morning meeting. We discuss the answers and our opinions. Students respond digitally or on paper. Click to find my Would You Rather digital and print activities on TpT.
To get you started, here is a free sample of Would You Rather Questions to use with your class.
Finally read this blog post for a list of Fun ideas for kids that your students can do with their families anytime! Want the quick checklist version? Click here to get your freebie!
I know these ideas will help you keep your kids engaged during your distance learning.
