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During this #StayHomeStaySafe time, in which we’ve had to take on a much larger role in supporting our 12-year-old soon through the current school-at-home scenario, we’re finding ourselves using a lot of new tools and learning new lessons. Here’s a list of some of the things we’re currently using, and lessons learned:
One (or both) of these devices is necessary for us to manage and access all of the school-required apps and programs. Thankfully, we’ve been able to dedicate an iPad for his use with schoolwork, which makes it a little bit easier. We’ve also set him up as a user on the laptop so that when he logs in, the web browser is logged in as him, has his Favorites/Bookmarks saved, etc.
This is the app that we use as a family to manage all of the logins (both the parents’ and our son’s) for the school-required apps and programs.
Our son has a school-assigned email address that runs on Google’s Gmail. Like most (all?) 12-year-olds I know, he doesn’t have the executive skills to successfully manage an email account on his own. We as parents are copied on some of the school-related emails, but not all of them, including some assignments, schedules for online group meetings, and more. So we’ve added our son’s school email address to our own devices so we can stay updated on what is required of him.
Used by parents to check on the student’s grades, assignment completion, etc.
Used by the student (with their own login) to check grades, assignment completion, etc.
Used by the student (with their own login) to access and complete assignments, chat with the teacher, etc.
Used for discussions with teachers, other students, group meetings, etc.
Necessary for both the student’s and the parents’ productivity and sanity.
Necessary for some assignments. This must be accessed from the student’s Google account.
Used by some teachers for quizzes, to get feedback, etc. This must be accessed from the student’s Google account.
Used by teachers to provide video recordings of lessons.
Used by teachers as a resource to provide videos related to lessons and assignments.
Used for math lessons and assignments.
Used for science lessons and assignments.
Used for spelling words and lists.
Used for quizzes.
Yep, we still have to use textbooks, too.
Some assignments are email attachments that have to be printed off. And we’ve found we work better as a family when we can print the weekly lesson plans and check them off as we go.
Very little of the above works without good internet access (Wi-Fi and/or cellular).
And I wonder why our productivity in every other area has taken a hit…