Schedule
Please DO NOT expect to have school from 8:15-3:15. We cover a larger distance in the school building, and it takes time to prepare for and walk 20+ students from Point A to Point B, whether it be to the bathrooms, the cafeteria, the gym on the other side of the school. Handing out papers takes longer simply because we have more papers to give to more people, making sure that everybody got a paper, that their names are written on the paper, that they put the paper in the correct place. Class discussions take time because teachers are checking for understanding among a large group. Students get distracted and distract others, teachers hit the pause button to get everyone back on track. The phone rings and someone is early dismissal. Somebody lost a tooth. Somebody else threw up and a custodian needs to be called.
Yes, you can have some of the same kinds of interruptions at home. But generally speaking, the larger the group, the longer it will take to get anything done. The more people you have together, the higher the possibility of someone not listening, not understanding, needing more help.
Yes, you can have some of the same kinds of interruptions at home. But generally speaking, the larger the group, the longer it will take to get anything done. The more people you have together, the higher the possibility of someone not listening, not understanding, needing more help.
You can expect for your child to not take you seriously. Children can react differently depending on the setting or environment. In a classroom, there is peer pressure--wanting to please the teacher, not wanting to be singled out with respect to their peers. They may get away with things at home that may not be acceptable in a classroom environment.
You can expect for days when nothing goes right, when nothing gets done. I do not believe in superheros because I am not the product of someone's imagination. We are real people living in a real world where real things happen. High standards and goals keep us moving forward, but keep them realistic.
Suggestions
- Set a routine, and stick to it as much as possible.
- Get up, get dressed, make the bed, eat at regular times, go to bed at a regular time.
- Stick to a positive lifestyle--eat healthy, exercise, take breaks, maintain good hygiene, play, find something to laugh about.
- Keep school materials together. For some students, it may help to wear the school uniform or maybe just the shirt during their school time.
- Start small, get a handle on that, then add to it progressively. Do not go for everything all at once.
- Do not give up; try and try again. Find something that works for your family and situation.
- Please do not rely solely on the television or internet. We grew up without technology 24/7; it can be done.
- You may be juggling work from home plus babysitting plus teaching your kids. Go easy on yourself. Many teachers were not made in a day; it will take time. Allow for mistakes, be honest with your kids, start over.
- Do reach out to me if you are in need of anything--food, medical, mental or emotional sanity. I cannot promise an answer to everything, but I can share what I have learned, and I will listen to you.
CMS Suggested Schedule
Suggested schedule for K-3 daily, which I have modified to reflect language immersion:
- Math - 40 mn
- Literacy - 40 mn (French Literacy - 20 mn, English Literacy - 20 mn)
- Science & Social Studies - 20 mn
- Specials - 20 mn