Sept. 28, 2020
As a teacher forced into virtual teaching thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic, nothing is more deflating than logging into an online class ready to see the student’s smiling faces, only to see a cold, dark screen. Even though many schools are requiring children to turn on their webcams, the reality is that is oftentimes simply not happening. For these students, it can be impossible to tell if they’re even behind the screen participating during the lesson! Fortunately, there are a few tricks of the trade to increase engagement and build positive relationships with students, even when the screens are off. Keep reading to find out why some screens are going blank, and what teachers can do to engage kids during virtual instruction.
Sept. 14, 2020
Managing stress during the Covid-19 pandemic hasn’t been easy for anyone, but for teachers, it has been especially tough to keep up while completely revamping lesson plans to deliver instruction over the web. Now more than ever before, it’s important that educators remember to take time for themselves and to practice self-care as much as possible. This article offers teachers helpful strategies to avoid teacher burnout and to keep stress at a manageable level.
Aug. 31, 2020
The 2020-2021 school year has just begun, and already it is proving to be one of the toughest that teachers and families have ever encountered. With children finding themselves in a mix of online and in-person learning, more instruction and assignments are moving online with digital formats dominating teaching methods this fall. So, as everyone adjusts, what can teachers do to support their students as they adapt to changing guidelines and new learning tools? The answer is none other than flexibility and grace. Keep reading to discover the importance of flexibility in the classroom, and to find a list of do’s and don’ts when it comes to teaching practices this school year.
Aug. 26, 2020
Does your child need extra motivation to get pumped for heading back to school? Heading back to the classroom after a long summer break can be tough for kids, both young and old. This article reveals 5 of our best ideas to get your child excited by making crafts that are both fun and functional!
Aug. 25, 2020
For working parents, including teachers, the pandemic presents a whole host of problems that didn’t exist just six or seven months ago. One of the largest hurdles for teachers headed back to the classroom this fall is the prospect that their own children may be expected to learn at home virtually while they themselves have to report to campus. What can educators, or any other essential workers do? While the answers are less than perfect, there are some potential solutions. Keep reading to learn more about utilizing classrooms as online monitoring stations and find alternative ideas for childcare during the coronavirus.
Aug. 11, 2020
You may have seen something about it on the news or social media, but during this strange summer amidst ongoing coronavirus outbreaks, microschooling has become all the rage! If you’re looking to find more information about teaching pods, what they are, and benefits versus disadvantages, you’ve come to the right place! Keep reading to learn about how pods can help both teachers and families!
Aug. 3, 2020
Back-to-school season is officially underway with supplies lining the store shelves, but as most parents are vividly aware, the upcoming school year will look nothing like usual! Without knowing what kids might need for this uncertain year, you might find yourself asking, “what are the most needed school supplies for teachers”? The answer isn’t what you think! Instead of pens and pencils, another list is taking shape. Read this article to find 10 things that teachers need from schools, the community, and parents before reopening the classroom door this fall!
July 28, 2020
We’ve already talked a little bit about the touch choices parents will have to make as students prepare to head back to the classroom, whether in person, or online. But one option that many parents are considering in the age of the coronavirus is to homeschool their children. At this point, you might be asking yourself, “is virtual school homeschool?” It’s a great question, too, because many parents may be confused over what makes it different if kids are learning at home under both modes of instruction. This article is meant to lay out the differences. Keep reading to learn more about these options, and points to ponder when making a decision between the two!
July 21, 2020
Inequality in schools is still one of the biggest problems that our students must face in today’s classrooms. Whether it’s gender bias or racial discrimination, there’s no doubt that prejudices occur on many levels, just as they do in society at large. Fortunately, teachers can fight back by challenging inequality in their own classrooms. This article discusses equity and inequity in depth and presents teachers with steps to take to banish inequality once and for all!
May 14, 2020
We’re happy to announce that the new version of Kids Academy for Schools is live! This update brings more tools for educators making it easier to differentiate instruction, follow student assignments, and help prevent the dreaded summer slide.