Can we talk about remote learning for a minute?? So, we've been doing this since March. Which means that every teacher & school staff member is now an expert in what works/doesn't work far above every single district bureaucrat or politician anywhere. They have ZERO experience.

So...what are we seeing?? (Keep in mind I teach 1st-3rd)

1) Whole group lessons should be kept to a minimum. Some community building, announcements, maybe a quick read aloud. That's it. Small groups & 1:1 instruction is far more effective.

2) Less is more. Teaching through a screen presents unique problems. Tech issues, not being able to see student work in real time...Teaching ONE concept thoroughly with practice is so much better than more complicated work.

3) Reduce Screen time. I mean, duh. But seriously on this one. Doing RL should not mean staring at a screen all day. Quick, targeted lessons in small group/1:1 settings, then allow choice in follow-ups to practice. And the indep work MUST be work than can be done without help!

4) I'll repeat this one: Less is more. Shorter school days, more breaks, targeted small group/indiv lessons works best. The push for RL to mimic the pre-pandemic in-person school day is absolutely ridiculous.