Because of COVID19, and enhanced community quarantine, most schools are planning to do online learning or distance learning with their students.
In this blog post, I will share my experience about conducting online class using Zoom to first graders.
Please take note that this is an informal online class set-up.
Before the class:
1. Decide which program should you use for this class. Make sure to maximize its features.
In my case, I used Zoom because it is free and I can invite a good number of students there. You can easily explore the other features of Zoom. Discover how these features will help you. I really like its breakout group feature.
2. Be detailed about the online class instructions.
Create a simple poster or reminder about the class. In your reminder, include the following details: a. date and time of the class, b. the app or program to be used, c. meeting ID and password, and d. materials needed (if there are any).
Do not forget to list the materials that students need during the class. Inform them if they need notebook or papers, and coloring materials.
3. Be ready with your teaching materials (slides, videos, audios) and your equipment as well.
Double check whether your internet connection is good thru speedtest.com. Double check whether your laptop and other computer accessories are functioning well.
When it comes to teaching materials, make sure that your slides are suited for your young audience. Review your slides. Also, your videos and audios must be new and relevant to your students. These materials must cover the skills for the day. Also, make sure that your instructions would be simple for kids.
During the class:
1. Set your classroom rules.
The first five minutes of your online class must be about classroom rules. Be mindful of the following when setting up rules.
a. How should the student respond when she has a question? (Thumbs up, Use the Chat Box, Use the Microphone etc.
b. When should the student Mute or Unmute her microphone? Would the teacher unmute the mic for all?
c. When will the student speak? Would you call them by names? If yes, how?
Note: Always remind the students to look at their screen. Sometimes, they tend to multi-task. When your students know that you are keen about this, greater are the chances that they would really pay attention.
2. Set the objectives for the day.
Let your students know what specific skill would you teach them. For a 40-minute class, I believe one essential skill for first grader will do.
3. Inform the students about the flow of the class.
You also have to tell them the flow of the class.
Sample Online Class Flow:
- Rules
- Objectives
- Energizer/Motivation
- Lesson Proper
- Evaluation.
For longer online classes, a five-minute break is okay.
After the Class
1. Remind the class when the next online class would be.
It is important the students and parents know when is the next class so they would look forward to it. They would be mentally-prepared for the next class. Remind them when and how would they submit their homework if there are any.
2. Allow your students to ask questions.
Always encourage students to ask questions. Since they are too young to type, they may use their microphone to ask questions. If there are no questions, then you may formally end the class.
3. You can ask feedback from the parents about your class.
Evaluation surely helps you on how to plan your next activity.
It is really difficult to conduct online classes to younger students. But still, we should know how to adapt to this situation. At the end of the day, all we can be is to be more flexible in daily challenges when it comes to education. Naks!
I pray that you may conduct your online class well. If you have queries, let me know.
Wanders of Kim 