As we end a school year unlike any other, most of us are just ready for a break! Parents and caregivers, however, will continue to depend on schools to provide support to help keep students engaged and to offset learning loss. Join us as we speak with Gisselle Herrera, an executive director of curriculum and instruction from Phoenix, Arizona, who offers practical tips on how to keep kids learning all summer long and turn a summer slide into a summer of success.
In this weekly video series from Common Sense, we sit down for short discussions with educators from all over the country to learn how they’re coping with school closures, putting together distance-learning plans, and addressing some of the challenges that come with teaching remotely.
Recorded on 6/5/2020.
SPEAKERS
Gisselle Herrera ( @GissHerr)
Director of curriculum and instruction, Tolleson Elementary School District, Phoenix
Vicki Saylor (@VictoriaKSaylor)
Arizona regional manager, Common Sense Education
QUICK TAKEAWAYS AND RESOURCES
Presentation slides
1. Keep on-going communication with families with accessible communication tools.
— https://www.remind.com/
— https://www.classdojo.com/
— https://www.commonsensemedia.org/techbalance
2. Help families find fun online and community resources for support.
— Reading log:
https://www.understood.org/en/friends-feelings/child-social-situations/summer-camp-summer-school/download-summer-reading-logs-and-planners
— K–8 summer reading list:
http://www.ala.org/alsc/publications-resources/book-lists/2020-summer-reading-list
— Books for teens:
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/lists/books-for-teens
— Multicultural books:
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/lists/books-with-characters-of-color
— Storyline online read-alouds:
https://www.storylineonline.net/
— Audible audiobooks:
https://www.audible.com/
— Distance learning resources:
— Choice board:
https://tesd-my.sharepoint.com/:w:/g/personal/gherrera_tesd17_org/EU9CClh8STpNkKi0piIsSKMBXbEMJFkeuEKXujS1j5aRDg?rtime=xaBbM_kI2Eg
— Maricopa County Library reading challenge:
https://maricopacountyreads.org/en-US
— Phoenix Public Library resources:
https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/
— Boys & Girls Clubs of America summer camps:
https://www.bgca.org/
— Arizona State University virtual youth program:
https://eoss.asu.edu/access/k-12-digital-resources/sparkys-virtual-experience
3. Educate the whole child, paying special attention to their social-emotional needs.
— Ideas for scavenger hunts:
— Calm-down toolbox:
https://tiltonstherapyfortots.com/resources/create-calm-down-toolbox
— SEL resources:
https://tesd-my.sharepoint.com/:o:/g/personal/kleone_tesd17_org/Eg-RstDWj39AgX9s1F3-O20BVYExR-m7TbSo_LwSqh5N_A?e=JiYOsr
— Family math activities:
https://www.imaginelearning.com/familyhub/activities
— News and media literacy resources:
https://www.commonsense.org/education/news-media-literacy-resource-center
— How to talk to kids:
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/coronavirus-how-talk-child.html
— Race and racism resources:
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/blog/common-sense-media-resources-about-race-and-racism
WATCH LIVE
Get registration notifications by email each week by signing up for Common Sense Education’s Digital Classroom newsletter: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/newsletters.
MORE RESOURCES
Are you looking for resources to help during the school closures? We’ve got you. Common Sense has free tips and tools for educators and families to support the transition to at-home learning. Get remote teaching resources, family education materials, and research-backed strategies to ease stress and encourage learning:
For educators: https://www.commonsense.org/education/coronavirus-resources
For families: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/resources-for-families-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic
Join the conversation in our Facebook group, Common Sense Educators: https://www.facebook.com/groups/CommonSenseEducators/.
See more videos from the series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8TjVyuBdsCm83SWlcCqv3yfnORe0g7_q
ABOUT COMMON SENSE EDUCATION
Common Sense Education supports K–12 schools with everything educators need to empower the next generation of digital citizens. Our innovative, award-winning Digital Citizenship Curriculum prepares students with lifelong habits and skills, supports teachers with training and recognition, and engages families and communities with helpful tips and tools. Schools everywhere rely on our free curriculum, expert advice, and edtech ratings to help kids thrive. Visit us at https://www.commonsense.org/education/.
