Update on virtual learning for kids with special needs.

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 Its been almost 4 weeks of virtual school as the pandemic continues. I must say my son is slowly settling down in the virtual learning routine as we know our kids thrive on a structure. 

The program is well organized. It is a well-known fact the first month of school is basically important for our kids to learn the routines and the structure.

It is a full-day school for kids 5 days a week. There is some amount of synchronous learning which occurs throughout the day wherein the learners and the teachers are present at the same place throughout the day. 

There is a lot of individual work time given to students as per their ability. There are lots of tools and programs used to support student learning. Google platform in the form of google classroom and google meet are used to facilitate the program.

The typical day begins around 9 am with the national anthem followed by a morning meeting. The morning meeting typically consists of children filling in information like the day of the week, the month of the year, and weather information. 

All morning meeting work is individualized as per the student's capability so they can feel successful. It is my son's favorite activity which sets the tone for the day.

The News2you program is used for the language component of the program. This program comes in 4 levels. Typically a story is posted every day and it has worksheets that are leveled to match students reading level.

The next class is Maths wherein there are different programs used to help kids learn Maths as per their ability level. Prodigy Maths is one of the tools used for the program whereby the students are given sufficient time during the class to practice the skills as per their ability

. There is also a different program which is called IXL Canada which is used for students who are learning basic Maths skills. My son is currently using this program. It is very engaging and motivating for him. The other program which all kids are learning is about coin Maths as it is a very important life skill which our kids need to learn.

In the class after lunch each day the kids do a fun activity. It can be mindful learning, show and tell, current events discussion, arts. This class also works on social skills and encourages students to communicate and connect with each other as this is something our kids are missing due to being home. 

The last class is designed for students to explore their world. There are lots of functional skills which the students will be learning such as safety in the neighborhood, digital safety, health and nutrition, and many more programs will be thought to kids.  

Overall it is a great program. The teachers are really working hard to engage the students as it is new for all involved. Do Comment and share your experience with virtual learning so we all can benefit from it.


 



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