Oct. 12, 2020
For parents and teachers of kids with special needs, distance learning presents an entirely new challenge: how to support the neediest of children when they are stuck at home learning through a screen! When cameras are off, and teachers and their aides are all on the same call together, it can seem impossible for these kids to get the accommodations they so desperately need. Fortunately, there are a few tips and tools we can offer for both families and educators. Keep reading to find strategies for supporting students with special needs during virtual classes.
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. 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!
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.
March 23, 2020
In the past few decades, educators have learned a lot about how students learn best. One important consideration is the learning environment itself. Gone are the days of desks lined up in a row, all facing the teacher in the center of the room. Today, teachers are moving towards designing a classroom for 21st century learning. This article explores the essential ingredients that should go into making a modern and relevant classroom. Keep reading to find exciting new ideas to give your room a face lift!
March 10, 2020
For generations, students in America have been accustomed to receiving letter grades for their schoolwork. Most kids and parents have come to accept that letter grades from A-F measure a student’s success in a subject. But do those grades truly reveal the whole story behind a child’s proficiency? Many educational experts now think the answer is a resounding no! A new grading system has been sweeping the country, and it uses the best practices in grading and assessment to support student learning. Keep reading to find out more about Standards-Based Grading, or SBG, and discover how it benefits students, parents, and teachers.
Feb. 10, 2020
Sometimes it seems that everyone has different ideas when it comes to teaching character in school. Some believe that parents should be solely responsible for teaching morality and ethical values, while others think districts should include it in the curriculum, too. The truth is that character education has been an important facet of our educational system dating back to our founding fathers! Keep reading to learn more about character education in schools, and to find ways to support character growth in your classroom.