Student Engagement

Distance Learning Tips from One Teacher to Another, PBS article

In a Time of Crisis, Students Need Open Educational Resources More Than Ever, 20MM 

Executive Functioning in Online Environments, CAST article

The following is a collection of Connectivity Strategies shared by CO principal candidates of the Principal Institute. Strategies can be incorporated in virtual and face-to-face environments:                

• Student-led Meetings;
• Student-led Parent Conferences; 
• Poetry Slams; 
• Mini Courses for Extension or Remediation; 
• Virtual Debate Club; 
• Virtual Trivial Pursuit as Content Review; 
• Zoom Tools such as the polling, group breakout, and whiteboard features;
• Demonstration of Learning Challenges using Jing or phone video to record a student's demonstration of knowledge gained. Create a gallery of videos and feedback forum for peer interaction;
• Connection Circles through Zoom to help students stay school-connected virtually. Teach students gathering protocol and "rules" and invite them to join the circle to share based upon teacher or student made prompts; 
• Circle Up (Expansion of Connection Circles) Once weekly the entire class takes 30 minutes to check in with one another. (Visit The Discovery Institute for more details on this high engagement activity and other social emotional learning support methodology); 
• Online Parenting Classes for De-escalation Methods and learning not to engage in power struggles with their own children; 
• Virtual Spirit Week or Spirit Fridays: School colors, crazy hair, pajama day, famous people in history, contemporary scientists or writers.