Distance Learning and Home Schooling
While Connecticut is currently planning to reopen schools full time at the start of the 2020-21 academic year, part of that framework is to be prepared to return to remote learning if in-school classes are canceled. Below are resources available to both children and parents, as well as educators, to help encourage distance learning during this challenging time.
Thinkalong.org: Using trusted source materials from PBS, NPR and local public media stations, Thinkalong is a free program that helps students think critically about media, develop informed opinions, and practice respectful, civil discourse.
PBS Learning Media: CPTV and PBS have curated FREE, standards-aligned videos, interactives, lesson plans, and more for teachers.
PBS Kids: The CPTV PBS Kids 24/7 channel provides PBS Kids’ high-quality content is available to all children and caregivers on a platform and at a time that works for them, including prime time, weekends, and other out-of-school times when they are most likely to tune in. The live stream includes a first-of-its kind integrated games feature, enabling children to toggle between a PBS Kids show and an activity that extends learning – all in one seamless digital experience.
WORLD Channel: As schools across the country close in response to the COVID-19 virus, Connecticut Public is supporting distance learning for students in grades 6-12 by offering WORLD At-Home Learning on CPTV Create. WORLD At-Home Learning offers educational programming Monday through Friday from noon to 5 p.m. Tune in to CPTV Create for programs on science, history and English language arts, plus find out about related learning resources from PBS LearningMedia, a free online service of thousands of educational resources. DOWNLOAD THIS WEEK'S AT-HOME LEARNING PROGRAM LINEUP.
The College Board: The College Board is offering free, live and on-demand AP review courses.
Kitchen Classroom: America's Test Kitchen has launched a series of cooking lessons with kids. Kitchen Classroom is providing recipes, activities, and quizzes each weekday, as well as a family project each weekend.
Here's a great list of children's authors doing online readings and activities.
What Will Happen With This School Year?
From young learners to those prepping for college, coronavirus has had a dramatic effect on all students this school year. Educators and institutions at the state and national level are working to ensure students are not left behind, but because of the uncertainty around the pandemic, plans are in a constant state of flux.
Here are some resources where you can find the latest status on distance learning, SAT, AP, and other testing, and the state the Department of Education's guidelines on grading and graduations in the time of coronavirus.
Gov. Ned Lamont has canceled all in-person classes at all K-12 schools in Connecticut for the 2019-2020 school year.
The Connecticut Department of Education has released a resource guide to support student learning while schools are closed: Volume 1 | Volume 2 | Volume 3
More resources for families and educators from the Department of Education.
The College Board has released updates regarding SAT dates and other testing currently planned for 2020, as well as more resources to assist students and families with college preparation.
They have also shared updates for AP students impacted by coronavirus.
Gov. Ned Lamont has suspended all school testing assessments for the 2019-2020 school year.
The state Department of Education has issued guidance on grading and graduation requirements.
Gov. Lamont and the State Department of Education previously issued a waiver for the 180-day rule. This will ensure the school year will end on the previously established schedule, even if the year consisted of under 180 days of school.
How do I talk to my kids about Coronavirus?
NPR education reporter Cory Turner asked some experts what kids might want to know about the coronavirus, and created this comic to help explain to kids (and to the rest of us) what we need to understand about the virus and how it is spread.
Source: https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/02/28/809580453/just-for-kids-a-comic-exploring-the-new-coronavirus
Meet The Helpers has produced a series of short videos to help kids understand the coronavirus and how to stay safe, as well as tips for parents.
- What is The Coronavirus: A doctor explains coronavirus for young children (3-8 years).
- Wash Your Hands: Hand washing tips for young children (3-8 years).
- Coronavirus Do's & Don'ts for Parents: Tips for parents to talk to young children about Coronavirus.
- Explaining Social Distancing to Children: Explaining social distancing to young children (3-8 years).
"Meet the Helpers" videos are produced by WUCF and distributed by NETA Program Services vis PBS Source
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