Kindergarten Crew // Virtual Learning

Learning this year looks a little different here at DAA.  We may not be face to face every day but the students are working just as hard as ever.  On any given day you can see teachers on Zoom calls with students, on Classkick helping students with their math, trouble-shooting technology issues, or teaching students in their classroom.  This hybrid model allows students the chance to interact with their teachers and peers, develop social skills, develop self-paced learning abilities while remaining safe during this unprecedented time.

Being a kindergarten teacher has shown me how adaptive students can be.  The kindergarten crew is doing a great job learning all of our digital platforms. I have had the privilege of watching the students go from not understanding Zoom to being able to mute and unmute themselves in order to participate in class.  They have surprised me with their eagerness to engage through virtual learning. The kindergarten students are working on using their digital platforms to share their hopes and dreams for this year.  They are working on drawing and expressing what they would like to learn and do this year in kindergarten.

One thing that has been incredible to see during our community crew every week is how students still are able to incorporate our Habits of Character within virtual learning.  Students have been extremely responsible keeping their camera on and demonstrating responsibility with the chat feature on Zoom.  We have been able to do whole school activities and watch the students engage with each other in creative ways.

Virtual learning is not only an adjustment for teachers and students but also families.  I know that there are many families at DAA who are managing virtual learning for multiple students in a variety of grades.  This can be difficult and time consuming.  It is a testament to the dedication our families have at DAA for their children’s education. I want to thank our families for being so involved in their child’s learning and for being so patient as technology can sometimes fail. 

We look forward to seeing what this year brings and know that our students will continue to succeed in a new and creative learning environment.  We are working hard as a crew to ensure a safe learning environment.