The need to increase your education has never been more important than now, especially as the global pandemic continues to grip our nation. With millions of students who are out of school due to COVID-19 closures, it is time for us all to start doing what we can to make sure that those children in particular that have missed so much learning that they are now returning to school. If you’re looking for a way to help students succeed, check out these ways that teachers and administrators are taking multiple steps to ensure that their schools are getting the best possible education for both students and parents. Here are some tips from experts on how to get your classroom back up and running fast.
Encourage Students to Take Tests
You may think that taking the whole class on an online test is going to be easy because most schools use them, but there are many things to consider when planning this kind of project. One of the biggest challenges is making sure that everyone has access to technology to take part in the program and understand just how difficult the content is. On top of having to find new materials to create quizzes that require reading passages, teachers must also balance providing additional instruction to teach material, along with explaining the rules and regulations regarding scoring questions so that everyone understands the material, and how to participate. Also, having enough books and equipment to provide multiple forms of assessment is essential to ensuring success. This includes having computers, laptops, iPads, or any other digital tool where students can do their testing when they’re not in class. While this may seem like too much of a burden in terms of resources, educators have found that combining assessments with activities is the best way to improve overall performance. For example, if schools use interactive videos as part of tests, every student is able to see what happens the next minute as opposed to just repeating the same information back in their textbooks, which can lead to confusion over what is expected out of students, and thus, less engagement among individuals. A study, published by Science Daily, found that “researchers measured the results of one team at Ohio State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine that created fun learning games for young people to practice skills for driving cars, operating ATVs, riding motorcycles, and playing ping pong.” Not only does engaging kids in these kinds of educational activities increase understanding, but they also increase motivation levels among kids when they know that they will feel good about trying something new. Consider implementing a trivia night where students engage in a variety of activities each day. These could include being able to play outside during warmer weather or creating games that involve cooking or baking. Even something simple like bringing food to the office, such as homemade granola bars or fruit cupcakes, can be beneficial for kids.
Make More Time Available
It may seem ridiculous, but research shows that many kids who don’t get the amount of sleep they need get lower grades in school. Some kids with short attention spans may struggle to keep up with the workload if they aren’t allowed to nap or take breaks. Additionally, when it comes to staying awake through the night, older kids may need to take down some work at least every few days. Make sure your school has available space in case classes move around a bit during the day and that your classroom is open during evenings as well. You can even make adjustments to how you schedule your lessons to make sure your classes are always available. Having enough room to accommodate the number of seats may seem silly to some, but it helps make sure everyone knows that they will be there to learn. Keep everything clean and organized, even the toiletry, to make it easier for students to stay focused when there’s no longer a teacher present (or vice versa). Lastly, ensure there is plenty of light in the room and that the temperature stays comfortable in order to prevent meltdowns. Whether you’re using computer lab equipment or supplies stored inside your classrooms, make sure you’re using the most optimal conditions possible! As a bonus, keep students busy and engaged, by keeping them occupied such that they aren’t waiting for your lesson to begin!
Provide Access To Online Resources
Many educators are now forced to choose between making it in school or letting kids go home. If you’re working with students from diverse backgrounds, you may want to support them academically through online resources or classes. Many educators report that the majority of high school students in their districts can’t make the required minimum hours of sleep, often because they spend so much of their day at school, and therefore, don’t get as much personal exercise as recommended. Others may be living with homeschoolers who frequently log into Zoom calls rather than going to physical classrooms as frequently. Either way, it is crucial to provide students from different demographics in the classroom with opportunities to improve their academic performance and maintain health. When possible, offer students virtual options for projects, labs, and electives in order to allow them to focus on assignments with a little extra assistance. There is a plethora of technology available, including platforms like Moodle where teachers can share ideas and monitor student progress without needing to physically interact. Another option would be utilizing websites like Edpuzzle that allows kids to set up virtual portfolios that showcase their accomplishments, which can then easily be sent home to their families. Furthermore, some schools have taken advantage of podcasts that give parents insight into their child’s successes while others have started giving kids an opportunity to discuss why they are struggling in math or writing. Regardless, whatever options you decide to utilize, you’ll want to make sure that you provide students with tools they can access at home while still teaching them the foundational knowledge they’ve learned in class.
Encourage Children to Learn From Their Peers
In most cases, educators are encouraged to talk to students about their struggles in order to better understand why they need the help, and then encourage them to seek assistance whenever necessary. However, some kids are afraid of talking to adults and may not want advice given that they fear their parents will judge them. That’s why educators should try to address this issue beforehand by inviting kids to speak about their lives to gain perspective. If you don’t want to risk upsetting your child, you should talk to some of your classmates by asking them about what they’re dealing with and what’s bringing them down. Talk to your colleagues about whether they might need extra tutoring, or to find some extra time during homework to give yourself the chance to go over some concepts or answer questions related to the topic. Once students decide they need some extra help, you can have their names listed on a list, or ask them to do individual work by themselves. During certain times, like summer break or after school assemblies, you can find time to have private student meetings and get your students involved by allowing them to do group assignments over video chat. Ultimately, encourage the growth of problem-solving skills by helping kids develop strategies they can use in school to solve conflict and come up with solutions together in order for everyone to maximize their potential.
Encourage Teachers to Have Fun
Teachers cannot expect students to perform at their highest level if they aren’t allowed to laugh or socialize with peers while working through the curriculum. Try to avoid forcing a serious demeanor into all your lessons and discussions. Instead, introduce humor so that students have the chance to lighten up and have a positive impact on their own education while also engaging in meaningful conversations along the way. Encouraging healthy relationships between students and teachers can improve communication, problem-solving, self-esteem, and creativity. Use laughter as a release mechanism for stress and anxiety by sharing situations and stories that bring joy or comfort to the classroom. You can do this by hosting mockumentary episodes, like ones involving funny accidents or moments in life where mistakes were made. You can also bring back memories via photos of experiences so that students can remember these happy events. Laughter is contagious, and you can encourage it with games like GoGems or cards that are filled with funny pictures. Be creative and let your imagination run wild! Finally, find ways to entertain yourself whether by watching stand-up comedy performances, participating in karaoke shows, creating your own game show, or taking music lessons. Whatever option you choose, you’ll want to be aware that not all jokes are appropriate or appropriate all the time, but there’s no harm in experimenting with different types of entertainment instead of punishing those naughty boys or girls with punishment. It’ll allow them to grow and become confident while becoming closer friends with their peers.
Encourage Parents to Spend Quality Time Together
When it comes to having a successful school, teachers and parents have very similar goals. Both groups want their children to thrive; however, it can be hard to make one feel valued on the other’s side. That’s why it is important for both sides to make sacrifices and prioritize maintaining those friendships and connections along the way. By spending time communicating with each other and supporting each other as you are educating your children, you can create lasting bonds that last long after the educator leaves. Start small and pick tasks that don’t require too many effort and then invite your family members to participate in each activity. Your kids will love it when you make plans together that are challenging yet rewarding, like building blocks that you both get a kick out of accomplishing. Similarly, don’t just stop there. Get your kids excited about school before your class begins. This means preparing snacks, choosing exciting clothes, and creating activities based off of what they did in science or art in grade school. No matter what your goal in getting your child interested in school, you still want to make memories that last that long. After graduation, your job and salary won’t always allow you full-time parental involvement like you once did, so you’ll need to be flexible in order to accomplish that dream. Don’t forget to keep track of your family’s involvement while you work!
Keep All Educational Documents Organized
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