Help for Parents with Online Teaching during lockdown Mod Warning in OP

khalessi · 07-01-2021 8:58pm #1

Hi,

I am a 6th class learning support teacher who will be teaching online.

I understand how frustrating it is looking for explanations online to show how a child who is stuck how to do something and sometimes as a parent you end up pulling your hair out.

Sooo If you have a question or are looking for help please post here.

THere will be a few teachers it seems on here both primary and secondary. So if you get stuck put a question below and we will do the best we can.

Thank you

Mod:

Can we not have any discussion of the schools closures or teachers in this thread please. There is a seperate thread for that. This will be strictly enforced

mental wellbeing ideas

https://twitter.com/mssweeneyhomeec/status/1347309615139184640

https://www.curriculumonline.ie/Home/ national primary curriculum

https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/healthandwellbeing/arid-40202144.html?fbclid=IwAR0TEXtjqpr7UeCbZ_O6lNVBr407Eble6-s_-oSWPkVTRMV75tZQz1idBvg list of free educational resources for parents

SusanC10 · 07-01-2021 9:13pm

Thank you so much.

I am a Parent of a 5th Class child and a 2nd Year child.

I may have questions as we go along !

mirrorwall14 · 07-01-2021 9:21pm

I’m maths and music second level teaching both to LCHL. Happy to help with any questions I can.

History Queen · 07-01-2021 9:23pm

I'm an English and History second level teacher very happy to help in any way I can

jayo76 · 07-01-2021 9:28pm

History second level, junior cert or L Cert

KatW4 · 07-01-2021 9:29pm

I can help too. I'm a Special Class teacher (age 5 to 9) and have worked in infants for 9 years. If I can help at all, please don't be afraid to ask!

SusanC10 · 07-01-2021 9:48pm

mirrorwall14 wrote: »

I’m maths and music second level teaching both to LCHL. Happy to help with any questions I can.

Oh great. Our son (2nd Year) is doing Music.

eviltwin · 07-01-2021 9:50pm

Does anyone have a recommendation for a times table app for an easily distracted child with ASD? Many thanks in advance.

mirrorwall14 · 07-01-2021 9:50pm

SusanC10 wrote: »

Oh great. Our son (2nd Year) is doing Music.

Any questions shout away. They’re on the new specification so I’m just getting to grips with it myself but should be able to lend a hand. Biggest opportunity for him here though is performance. Get loads of practise in. They need three pieces on any instrument or any group for the junior cycle.

lulublue22 · 07-01-2021 9:55pm

Might be an idea to split thread into primary and secondary. So that posts don’t get lost.

khalessi · 07-01-2021 9:57pm

lulublue22 wrote: »

Might be an idea to split thread into primary and secondary. So that posts don’t get lost.

Good Idea
Does someone want to set up the secondary thread and I will link it here?

cowboyjoe · 07-01-2021 9:58pm

eviltwin wrote: »

Does anyone have a recommendation for a times table app for an easily distracted child with ASD? Many thanks in advance.

'Hit the button' is a tables game and is a winner in school, it might help - it's on topmarks.co.uk

eviltwin · 07-01-2021 10:00pm

cowboyjoe wrote: »

'Hit the button' is a tables game and is a winner in school, it might help - it's on topmarks.co.uk

That’s brilliant, thank you

Tpcl20 · 07-01-2021 10:02pm

eviltwin wrote: »

Does anyone have a recommendation for a times table app for an easily distracted child with ASD? Many thanks in advance.

https://www.multiplication.com/games/play/flying-high-race
https://www.topmarks.co.uk/maths-games/hit-the-button

In the meantime, teach them to use one of these:
https://www.sparklebox.co.uk/previews/11726-11750/sb11741-simple-multiplication-squares.html

And then get them to use them regularly to solve multiplication problems. They're a quick reference and with regular practice of the times tables (reciting), they'll start to remember these number facts.

eviltwin · 07-01-2021 10:03pm

Tpcl20 wrote: »

https://www.multiplication.com/games/play/flying-high-race
https://www.topmarks.co.uk/maths-games/hit-the-button

In the meantime, teach them to use one of these:
https://www.sparklebox.co.uk/previews/11726-11750/sb11741-simple-multiplication-squares.html

And then get them to use them regularly to solve multiplication problems. They're a quick reference and with regular practice of the times tables (reciting), they'll start to remember these number facts.

Thanks for that. They are great.

olestoepoke · 07-01-2021 10:07pm

I have two boys one in 3rd class and another in 4th class. They are great students with years of fantastic reports and no difficulties, the older lad in fourth we have been told is gifted in that he is doing math and reading way beyond his years etc. Now the last lockdown home schooling was living nightmare, they had some kind of a disconnect. They were stubborn and didn't want to do it and half arsed the work and moaned. I tried everything from being nice and talking them through it to warnings of xbox taken off them or bed early, both the carrot and the stick. I for one am not looking forward to this carry on again. Any advice would be great. Thanks

SusanC10 · 07-01-2021 10:12pm

mirrorwall14 wrote: »

Any questions shout away. They’re on the new specification so I’m just getting to grips with it myself but should be able to lend a hand. Biggest opportunity for him here though is performance. Get loads of practise in. They need three pieces on any instrument or any group for the junior cycle.

He is doing Piano. Was meant to have Grade V Exam before Christmas but it was postponed. We are starting the Grade VI Pieces soon anyway.

Smacruairi · 07-01-2021 10:14pm

https://touch.boards.ie/thread/2058147798/1/#post115844131

Secondary school link

khalessi · 07-01-2021 10:17pm

olestoepoke wrote: »

I have two boys one in 3rd class and another in 4th class. They are great students with years of fantastic reports and no difficulties, the older lad in fourth we have been told is gifted in that he is doing math and reading way beyond his years etc. Now the last lockdown home schooling was living nightmare, they had some kind of a disconnect. They were stubborn and didn't want to do it and half arsed the work and moaned. I tried everything from being nice and talking them through it to warnings of xbox taken off them or bed early, both the carrot and the stick. I for one am not looking forward to this carry on again. Any advice would be great. Thanks

Have you tried Scratch it is computer programming for kids and might keep them engaged. Get them to do 2 topics and then free time.

Also you probably know already but DCU has a gifted programme for kids which might be available online.

I will have a think for other ideas, maybe some STEM which you can use as bribery.

Also just be kind to yourself. Last time I had days where my kids just didnt want to do anymore and I let them play or read or draw whatever they are interested in.

Give them breaks and often and remember any work sent out is only a guide you get done what you get done. Dont stress yourself or them.

karlitob · 07-01-2021 10:27pm

khalessi wrote: »

Hi,

I am a 6th class learning support teacher who will be teaching online.

I understand how frustrating it is looking for explanations online to show how a child who is stuck how to do something and sometimes as a parent you end up pulling your hair out.

Sooo If you have a question or are looking for help please post here.

THere will be a few teachers it seems on here both primary and secondary. So if you get stuck put a question below and we will do the best we can.

Thank you

Thanks for this.

Child in junior infants. Is there published curriculum for students in each class/year.

It would be really helpful to know what the expectations are for the child by the end of the year and what they need to have learned.

Thank you.

karlitob · 07-01-2021 10:29pm

mirrorwall14 wrote: »

I’m maths and music second level teaching both to LCHL. Happy to help with any questions I can.

Can I ask - when would you suggest a 4, going on 5, would start music lessons.

She’s got instruments - piano, trumpet (toys ones obviously); loves singing and dancing.

Thanks.

Hold My Hand · 07-01-2021 10:30pm

karlitob wrote: »

Thanks for this.

Child in junior infants. Is there published curriculum for students in each class/year.

It would be really helpful to know what the expectations are for the child by the end of the year and what they need to have learned.

Thank you.

During the last lockdown, the book publishing companies were great at providing free access to their resources. I find cjfallon very generous in making their materials available for free. Usually, the teacher resource materials give a long term plan for the year.

karlitob · 07-01-2021 10:34pm

Hold My Hand wrote: »

During the last lockdown, the book publishing companies were great at providing free access to their resources. I find cjfallon very generous in making their materials available for free. Usually, the teacher resource materials give a long term plan for the year.

Thanks for this. Very helpful.

I was more wondering - do the DoE publish standards or guidelines on what each class/year should be able to achieve?

How do teachers know what to teach? How do you know if a child can go to the next class?

Sorry if that’s a funny question. It’s the way my head works.

Necro · 07-01-2021 10:35pm

Mod:

Mod warning added to the OP, let's keep it clean here folks - there are other threads for discussion on closures etc. This is a good idea and could be very helpful.

karlitob · 07-01-2021 10:35pm

Hold My Hand wrote: »

During the last lockdown, the book publishing companies were great at providing free access to their resources. I find cjfallon very generous in making their materials available for free. Usually, the teacher resource materials give a long term plan for the year.

Link here. Thanks again for that. Looks great.

https://my.cjfallon.ie/dashboard/student-resources/

khalessi · 07-01-2021 10:36pm

karlitob wrote: »

Thanks for this. Very helpful.

I was more wondering - do the DoE publish standards or guidelines on what each class/year should be able to achieve?

How do teachers know what to teach? How do you know if a child can go to the next class?

Sorry if that’s a funny question. It’s the way my head works.

Yes there is a curriculum available online. https://www.curriculumonline.ie/Home/
We do plans based on the curriculum and we assess the children in our care.

olestoepoke · 07-01-2021 10:36pm

khalessi wrote: »

Have you tried Scratch it is computer programming for kids and might keep them engaged. Get them to do 2 topics and then free time.

Also you probably know already but DCU has a gifted programme for kids which might be available online.

I will have a think for other ideas, maybe some STEM which you can use as bribery.

Also just be kind to yourself. Last time I had days where my kids just didnt want to do anymore and I let them play or read or draw whatever they are interested in.

Give them breaks and often and remember any work sent out is only a guide you get done what you get done. Dont stress yourself or them.

thanks for that, we know about the DCU summer camp, his teachers recommended it a few times.

irishlad. · 07-01-2021 10:36pm

karlitob wrote: »

Thanks for this. Very helpful.

I was more wondering - do the DoE publish standards or guidelines on what each class/year should be able to achieve?

How do teachers know what to teach? How do you know if a child can go to the next class?

Sorry if that’s a funny question. It’s the way my head works.

Yea there is a curriculum for each subject, that has aims for each class level.

Now I don't know if you should bother getting yourself in that deep. If you wanted to know some areas to focus on, someone would definitely give you a few things to aim for!

mirrorwall14 · 07-01-2021 10:37pm

karlitob wrote: »

Can I ask - when would you suggest a 4, going on 5, would start music lessons.

She’s got instruments - piano, trumpet (toys ones obviously); loves singing and dancing.

Thanks.

I have a five year old almost six myself and I actually just went asking about voice training. On piano or instrument training I’m very much wait. Wait until they ask for it. Wait until they want it. I was one of many piano players in school. I didn’t start until age 13 but I was grade 5 by TY. I’m the only one who still plays it. Because I really really wanted it.

For voice training I was told he’s too young for formal training yet. Make sure he’s having fun, singing a lot, lots of playlists, lots of fun.

I may look into a theatre style school for him for confidence but serious music lessons are going to wait for now in our house.

SusanC10 wrote: »

He is doing Piano. Was meant to have Grade V Exam before Christmas but it was postponed. We are starting the Grade VI Pieces soon anyway.

In that case he is almost certainly finding music fine. Then only thing he needs to keep an eye on is the exploration of composing in the new specification and that he learns the material for the areas like advertising that he wouldn’t know automatically from piano. I’m sure his teacher will have plenty for him but if you have access to a device that he could compose on (eg musescore for computer, GarageBand for Mac/iPad) he could have fun playing around with different melodies and accompaniments and projects without the time pressure of school.

Leftwaffe · 07-01-2021 10:42pm

I have no problem helping as well. History & Maths to LC. I may be of help when it comes to technology issues such as streaming, etc.

karlitob · 07-01-2021 10:42pm

khalessi wrote: »

Yes there is a curriculum available online. https://www.curriculumonline.ie/Home/
We do plans based on the curriculum and we assess the children in our care.

Brilliant. Thanks so much.

karlitob · 07-01-2021 10:51pm

mirrorwall14 wrote: »

I have a five year old almost six myself and I actually just went asking about voice training. On piano or instrument training I’m very much wait. Wait until they ask for it. Wait until they want it. I was one of many piano players in school. I didn’t start until age 13 but I was grade 5 by TY. I’m the only one who still plays it. Because I really really wanted it.

For voice training I was told he’s too young for formal training yet. Make sure he’s having fun, singing a lot, lots of playlists, lots of fun.

I may look into a theatre style school for him for confidence but serious music lessons are going to wait for now in our house.

In that case he is almost certainly finding music fine. Then only thing he needs to keep an eye on is the exploration of composing in the new specification and that he learns the material for the areas like advertising that he wouldn’t know automatically from piano. I’m sure his teacher will have plenty for him but if you have access to a device that he could compose on (eg musescore for computer, GarageBand for Mac/iPad) he could have fun playing around with different melodies and accompaniments and projects without the time pressure of school.

Great advice. Thanks so much.

Marz66 · 07-01-2021 11:30pm

It is really nice of teachers to offer their help.

However should parents not be contacting their child’s teacher in the first instance if they have questions? Their teacher knows their child and understands their ability and knows what they have covered and not covered.

khalessi · 07-01-2021 11:37pm

Marz66 wrote: »

It is really nice of teachers to offer their help.

However should parents not be contacting their child’s teacher in the first instance if they have questions? Their teacher knows their child and understands their ability and knows what they have covered and not covered.

Yep agreed, but if someone is having difficulty with something and cannot contact their teacher they should feel to throw a question up here on the chance we can help.

BonsaiKitten · 07-01-2021 11:41pm

4th class teacher checking in to assist. Also experience with 3rd, 1st and SET.

Just to pick up on something from earlier in the thread I never, ever use Sparklebox - I actually won't have anything from it in my classroom - and wouldn't recommend anyone else do so. The founder has child porn convictions. Just visiting the site generates money for him.

Hold My Hand · 07-01-2021 11:43pm

BonsaiKitten wrote: »

4th class teacher checking in to assist. Also experience with 3rd, 1st and SET.

Just to pick up on something from earlier in the thread I never, ever use Sparklebox - I actually won't have anything from it in my classroom - and wouldn't recommend anyone else do so. The founder has child porn convictions. Just visiting the site generates money for him.

Agree. Twinkl is great

9db3xj7z41fs5u · 07-01-2021 11:45pm

khalessi wrote: »

Yep agreed, but if someone is having difficulty with something and cannot contact their teacher they should feel to throw a question up here on the chance we can help.

It is also a nice resource of information for parents to look through.

Thank you so much to the teachers!!!

khalessi · 07-01-2021 11:52pm

Biggest thing is to look after the children's mental wellbeing

https://twitter.com/mssweeneyhomeec/status/1347309615139184640

Murple · 08-01-2021 12:07am

Marz66 wrote: »

It is really nice of teachers to offer their help.

However should parents not be contacting their child’s teacher in the first instance if they have questions? Their teacher knows their child and understands their ability and knows what they have covered and not covered.

Often it is but sometimes people feel more comfortable asking anonymously.

Murple · 08-01-2021 12:27am

olestoepoke wrote: »

I have two boys one in 3rd class and another in 4th class. They are great students with years of fantastic reports and no difficulties, the older lad in fourth we have been told is gifted in that he is doing math and reading way beyond his years etc. Now the last lockdown home schooling was living nightmare, they had some kind of a disconnect. They were stubborn and didn't want to do it and half arsed the work and moaned. I tried everything from being nice and talking them through it to warnings of xbox taken off them or bed early, both the carrot and the stick. I for one am not looking forward to this carry on again. Any advice would be great. Thanks

Maybe it was their way of trying to control a situation that they were finding difficult to cope with.
Would you have a chat with them outside of schoolwork, before it starts at all and ask how they feel about it this time. Talk to them about each persons role in the family and how you need to work together. See if there is something they could suggest to make it easier.
I would also say that it’s very important for you to remain calm yourself. Yes they need encouragement and guidance but you are their parent and home is a different space to school. Take a step back and reassure yourself that academically they will be fine. Your relationship with them is what’s most important at this time. We will be in the company of whoever we live with for near 24 hours a day for the next few weeks. So long as they are doing something to develop their minds and bodies, the time is not wasted.

Murple · 08-01-2021 12:49am

karlitob wrote: »

Thanks for this. Very helpful.

I was more wondering - do the DoE publish standards or guidelines on what each class/year should be able to achieve?

How do teachers know what to teach? How do you know if a child can go to the next class?

Sorry if that’s a funny question. It’s the way my head works.

There is a curriculum which somewhat guides what a teacher teaches. I say somewhat guides as it is quite general with the exception of Maths. Your child is in Junior Infants so the teacher will be following objectives laid out for Junior/Senior Infants. Maths is the only subject with class specific objectives.

A child will go to the next class unless a decision is made that they need to repeat, which very very rarely happens. All children progress at their own rate and there would only be a need or consideration for a child to repeat a class for exceptional reasons and it would be a joint decision by school and parents.

In Junior Infants, one of the most important ways a parent can support their child is by sharing books with them. Read to them every day. Talk about the pictures. Ask them what they liked about the story or what might happen next. Playing I Spy is also good. Vary it by saying ‘something that sounds like....’ to develop rhyming, or ‘something beginning with ssss (using letter sound rather than name) or even ‘something that ends with ...’

Lashes28 · 08-01-2021 1:59am

Great thread. I've junior and senior children that will be using the seesaw app,can anyone tell me is there an easier way to flip between their profiles other than scanning the QR code everytime? I feel like I'm missing something somewhere but can't figure it out.
Thanks.

mirrorwall14 · 08-01-2021 8:30am

Actually should have mentioned I should be able to help with ICT. The most important thing I’ve noticed as a teacher is sending absolutely huge pictures in of work. I would advise using the notes app in iOS or something else to send in a PDF or reducing the quality of the photo. So long as it’s readable, it doesn’t need to be big and if your wifi isn’t great or you are trying to live stream or the teacher hadn’t great internet it makes it really difficult

Ashersmc · 08-01-2021 9:33am

This is brilliant I have a 6yr old who im concerned about his speech, are there any apps that help with sentence formation, he loves books but struggles with blending in phonics.
I also have a 10 yr old with dyspraxia, the 10 yr old really struggles with mental maths ,money,telling the time and english comprehension any suggestions re apps welcome.She had a major meltdown the first day of her school holidays because of the lack of structure.
Major struggles here I'm a front line worker depending on my hubby to do most of this with them.
Are there any carpenter/soccer/golf apps that might ease his pain.LOL

Neyite · 08-01-2021 12:28pm

Following this thread as I may very well have questions down the line though I'll be taking my lead from his teacher - they've SeeSaw and in second class.

He's wanted to learn guitar for a while so I got him a 3/4 size but he's just got basic tin whistle skills so really an absolute beginner. I might get his cousin to go though a few basic chords for fun rather than feeling like it's actual lessons.

My approach this time around is that I'm happy if core subjects get handled by the teacher, and I'm happy to throw myself into some arts & crafts, board games and crank up the reading at bedtime. With that I'll be happy and focus on his mental health - the solitude of being an only at home with two working parents will be tough on him so that's my main concern.

hesaidshesaid · 08-01-2021 5:11pm

Neyite wrote: »

Following this thread as I may very well have questions down the line though I'll be taking my lead from his teacher - they've SeeSaw and in second class.

He's wanted to learn guitar for a while so I got him a 3/4 size but he's just got basic tin whistle skills so really an absolute beginner. I might get his cousin to go though a few basic chords for fun rather than feeling like it's actual lessons.

My approach this time around is that I'm happy if core subjects get handled by the teacher, and I'm happy to throw myself into some arts & crafts, board games and crank up the reading at bedtime. With that I'll be happy and focus on his mental health - the solitude of being an only at home with two working parents will be tough on him so that's my main concern.

Board games like chess or checkers, connect 4 are great. Simple card games. Pictureka is always a winner and great for observation and concentration.

ETA: Jigsaws are brilliant for that age too.

Neyite · 08-01-2021 5:14pm

hesaidshesaid wrote: »

Board games like chess or checkers, connect 4 are great. Simple card games. Pictureka is always a winner and great for observation and concentration.

He's great at chess, and has kicked his dads ass in 25. And bankrupted us in Monopoly!
I think it's his parents that need the simple easy stuff, he's grand

khalessi · 08-01-2021 5:16pm

Just putting this up here as a useful hack if kids dont have devices but have access to PS4 or XBox

https://twitter.com/EoinBearla/status/1347499945427873793

BonsaiKitten · 08-01-2021 5:58pm

Lashes28 wrote: »

Great thread. I've junior and senior children that will be using the seesaw app,can anyone tell me is there an easier way to flip between their profiles other than scanning the QR code everytime? I feel like I'm missing something somewhere but can't figure it out.
Thanks.

That's something that my school looked into a while back and the short answer seems to be: no. Unless you are using Seesaw Families app (which is something I don't know much about other than that parents can message teachers through if). Seesaw is great in many ways but very clunky in others!

khalessi · 08-01-2021 7:37pm

BonsaiKitten wrote: »

That's something that my school looked into a while back and the short answer seems to be: no. Unless you are using Seesaw Families app (which is something I don't know much about other than that parents can message teachers through if). Seesaw is great in many ways but very clunky in others!

Seesaw drove me bonkers as a parent the last time. Sooooo cluncky to use. CHangin word docs to PDFs to ensure I could upload work. Mind you could have been the work that was given, the highlight was having to upload 54 photos for one exercises, like I have the time to take them and upload them sheesh.

mirrorwall14 · 08-01-2021 7:50pm

khalessi wrote: »

Seesaw drove me bonkers as a parent the last time. Sooooo cluncky to use. CHangin word docs to PDFs to ensure I could upload work. Mind you could have been the work that was given, the highlight was having to upload 54 photos for one exercises, like I have the time to take them and upload them sheesh.

If you have IOS (and I’m sure there’s a way on Android) use the scan to PDF feature in notes. Open a new note, open the keyboard, click on the camera icon and chose chose scan. Then you can take pictures one after another, click done when finished and you have a pdf straight away

Help for Parents with Online Teaching during lockdown *Mod Warning in OP*

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Help for Parents with Online Teaching during lockdown Mod Warning in OP