Practical Ideas to Reach Students

Practical Ideas to

REACH Students

As you all work to both reach students and keep them engaged, MEA’s Maine Educator reached out to our members to learn more about what techniques are working. Below are the ideas from educators in Gorham and MSAD 6.

Neile Nelson

High School Math teacher, 130 Students

Schedule

• Sunday Night: Nelson records herself teaching two twentyminute lessons. • Monday Morning at 8am: Nelson publishes the first video, with half of the assignment for the week. • Wednesday: The second video is posted, along with the other half of the assignment. • Friday: Assignment is due by 1pm.

Throughout the week: Nelson offers office hours and support (see below).

The schedule is the same each week and is working. Nelson reports that every student checks-in every week. Early on, Nelson did have to reach out more frequently, but now the routine is set, students know what to expect and reach out as required.

Office Hours

Nelson offers office hours through Zoom and help sessions to support students as they work on their assignments.

Check-In With Students

Each student is required to check-in at some point, either at a help session or via email.

Report With Parents

Nelson sends a weekly summary email to all parents keeping the lines of communication open.

Social Emotional

Schedule

Two whole class morning meetings and one small group meeting are held to check-in on students and provide them time to socialize.

“My goal is to make sure the connections I’ve built with my students and the connections they’ve built with each other continue to thrive because it is the connectedness that we all need to survive,” says O’Neil.

Academics

Schedule

O’Neil says the class is moving slowly with a goal of maintaining skills, following this schedule:

One math skill a week via two mini lessons Two brief writing lessons Daily reading Optional enrichment Drive-by students’ home

Sarah Rubin and Sherry Coyne

7th Grade Integrated Project-Based Team

This team’s focus centers on equity and trauma-informed approaches plus the unique developmental needs of middle school students.

The team created a web-based menu of options for students to choose from to complete enrichment.

Direct skills across all contents Free choice (virtual tours of aquarium, language Duolingo lessons) Home Activities-anchored in what can happen at home, students can explore their own interests, showcase their hobbies and earn credit for at-home responsibilities like helping a younger sibling.

Lenny Holmes

Director of Alternative Education

Holmes is conducting socially distanced wellness checks to the homes of students who have been largely absent from check-ins and academic tasks.