The Peppercorns 10s & 11s
We Hit the Ground Running!
The Peppercorns hit the ground running with our first Zoom meeting on Wednesday 15 April 2020. It was so lovely to see the children’s smiling faces. The excitement and enthusiasm that was brought forward was a breath of fresh air. Whilst we have found ourselves in very trying times, the Peppercorns have embraced this new learning environment with confidence and a determination to make it work. We would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge all the time and hard work the Preshil community: teachers, management, administration and families, have put in to allow learning and connection with the children to continue.
The scheduled Zoom times have been developed to allow the children and ourselves to virtually connect on a daily basis. The Peppercorns have ‘morning meetings’ and ‘sign offs’ everyday as well as ‘check ins’ throughout the week with ourselves and specialist teachers. This platform is allowing us to conduct discussions, express experiences and address any questions the children may have related to their learning. It will also be used to conduct some virtual lessons once we settle in. Despite a few connection issues, the Peppercorns have been able to successfully join the zoom meetings on a regular basis.
The Peppercorns are familiar with the use of some of the Google Suite applications (Gmail/Google Drive) as well Seesaw. We use these platforms on a regular basis in the classroom. Our distance learning program has been designed to continue to promote the use of Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Drive and Seesaw. A distance learning folder has been shared with all the children via Google Drive. In this folder, the children have access to weekly learning schedules, ‘to do lists’ and resources. The children also have their own student folders set up on Google Drive which they have shared with us. Here, students can upload their work. The distance learning folder and student folders have also been shared with the specialist teachers which has allowed them to link in to the program. We will continue to use Seesaw for folio purposes only. Both Google Drive and Seesaw allow us to provide live feedback to the students.
The ‘to do list’ (choice board) has been designed so that the children can choose which learning activities they would like to work on throughout the week. At the moment we have been directing which activities and how many the children could be working on each day in the hope that the children will soon be able to model this approach and begin to manage their own time in the coming weeks. Learning intentions and Instructions have been provided for each learning activity below the ‘to do list’. Here, the children will be able to find out what they need to do, where to upload their work and access links which will direct them to specific websites or resources that have been shared with them.
Although some support will be required at home, the ‘to do lists’ are being designed so that the children can work through the tasks independently. It has been great to see some of the children emailing us directly when they need support. They are encouraged to continue to make contact with us, with any questions, concerns or queries. We are here to support them! We would also like to mention that it is absolutely fine if the children do not complete everything on the ‘to do list’ each week. We do not expect them and families to take on more than what they are comfortable and happy to take on.
Overall, there has been some overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents regarding the program and we appreciate this dearly.
“Preshil staff are beyond amazing. The online learning program they have put together is so well considered and manageable. I want you all to know that it’s working!”
“We really are so grateful for all the incredible work you have put into making this work on many levels.”
We acknowledge that there will always be things that aren’t working. After all, we are only human! In saying that, we also hope that together we will be able to troubleshoot any issues, and, fine tune and amend the learning program if needed. Myself and Rosie will endeavour to check in with each family during the week whether it be by phone or email. In the meantime, feel free to contact us at any time.
Rosie Grimm & Victor Toufas
10s & 11s Classroom Teachers