Most of us would agree that we are at a point where some connection and fun would be a welcomed change! We are looking for interactions with our friends and family, especially with those outside of our dwellings. I have a fifth grade niece that has been using Schoology as a learning platform in her district in Northeast Ohio. Audrey has called me daily during the closure of schools. I believe the uptick in calls is because she is craving connections and a little fun like so many kids who were thrust into an online, home learning situation. In the daily calls, we've learned five magic tricks together on youtube, played a virtual Online game called Psych (more than once), but what she really seems to enjoy is comparing what she is doing in her online work to what we are doing here in Manheim Central. Last week she shared with me a list of her assignments. I asked her how she felt about her teachers and the connections they are making with her. She proceeded to inform me that she had not received one personal connection from her teacher since the start of the closing of schools. No videos, No Zoom, no chats, no messages...just a list of assignments each week. This saddened me as I could definitely see in her eyes over Google Duo that she was yearning for connection and relationships with her teacher and friends from school.

Once again, I am amazed at all that we are doing here in Manheim Central to connect with kids, respond to their needs, and provide them with positive learning experiences during these times of uncertainty. As I reflect, it is so apparent that our facilitators are connecting with kids in so many awesome ways! So many of you are providing your students with these connections in creative ways that inspire our learners and provide them with a bright spot in what can be a very dull day. This week, let's highlight the creative ways facilitators are reaching out to kids to connect and add some fun into their lives in this online environment each day!

Today, my niece called and explained to me that her 5th grade teachers set up a way for her classmates to talk with each other for the remainder of the school year. When she read me the information from the teacher, she was so excited! What she described was just the use of the "posting feature" in Schoology (I guess it was previously turned off?) to answer a teacher's question and interact with classmates and teachers. Her first assignment was to take a picture of herself showing what she has been doing during the shutdown. This was exactly the kind of connection she was craving. A little attention and fun can go a long way! How are you connecting and providing a little fun as you close out the school year with your learners? Is there a way for them to feel a sense of closure, say good-bye to their classmates and to you?

Providing Kids with Fun Ways to Share Their Learning!

Great example of connecting weekly and showing kids they are loved and valued!

Choice Boards for each day of the week that offer fun choices, engaging learning activities tied to the curriculum, and opportunities for kids to have meaningful connections with the teacher and with other classmates!

Mrs. Lewis is doing a project where she is encouraging her kids to share a picture of her involved in an at home activity or going on an adventure with them. Providing her kids with an exciting way to connect with her during the closure of schools. Find out the details of the project below.

Engaging and fun choice board activities with many opportunities for kids to interact with her as the facilitator and each other as a class!