[elmo33]

We just switched to virtual- looking for an idea to do for families or kids something special .... Tonkin dog make this time easier and connect ..
Help... I feel like other teachers have ideas and I am stressed and stuck, my little ones deserve something special ..

[2teach2]

I've been virtual all year. My virtual partner and I decided to do a 'party in a bag' this Friday. We have had monthly curriculum pickups where parents come to pick up textbooks or art projects or other items their children will need for the month. This month we are combining our curriculum pickup with parents picking up the party in a bag. We put in a sugar cookie, a small container of frosting, a bag of sprinkles, a plate, napkin, and a bag of goldfish. On Friday, we will decorate our cookies together on Zoom, then watch a movie and eat our cookies together. We also made small goodie bags for our students. Every morning we have a check in question as we take attendance. Students unmute one at a time, say good morning to the class, and then state their answer to the question. We do directed drawing together each Friday afternoon. Each afternoon when groups are done, I have a time where students can come back onto Zoom and ask questions. I have a few who come just to 'hang out'. I think they like the company of other students while they are doing their work.

[rusty]

You're all so sweet to do special things for your kiddos. I hope the parents appreciate your efforts. My DGS has a 2nd grade teacher who is a real Scrooge. She does NOTHING fun....and if somebody tries to use the chat...she turns it off. Bah humbug.

[School Time]

I turn off the chat often. I see messages that are just saying to each other while I am teaching. Or a string of letters with no meaning.

[Gromit]

We’re also doing party in a bag. Cocoa & popcorn, and a “viewing party” where they get to share their favorite 2-minute or shorter video.

We’ve also been doing games for twenty minutes each day this week. Guess Who, Scattergories, Trivia, Scavenger Hunt, digital escape rooms, and taboo all convert to video really well.

[School Time]

Our last pickup was before Thanksgiving. I didn't have time to get party or gift things together. It will have to wait until January.

[Gromit]

I think they like the company of other students while they are doing their work.

I agree. We also have students who join the zoom and ask to be in a breakout room by themselves. I think they just like the security of knowing a teacher is a “please help” button away.

If you’re talking about other ideas besides just for a special party: we read a picture book first thing each morning and watch a funny video at the end of each day. The shared stories really foster a sense of connection.

We do weekend updates where you have to share something from your weekend - what you read, did, saw, thought, heard, said... at least one thing, no opting out. After a few weeks of shyer kids saying things like, “I breathed,” they’re now telling full stories.

Shared movement builds community so we have hand gestures and movements to indicate approval, agreement, disagreement, dislike, love, etc. And we do 1-2 minute dance parties for brain breaks. Also digital catch where we “throw a ball“ and say someone’s name and they have to pretend to catch it and throw it to someone else.

Lots of pet sharing too