Shared Learning Overview

April 24, 2020 Shared Learning Letter from the Director

Shared Learning started on March 16, 2020

Times such as these require collaboration and innovation in countless different realms. Although we have missed two months of school, that can be remediated, and know that each parent is always their child’s first teacher. There is so much to be gained from the practical aspects of everyday life. The faculty, administration, and staff at YRCS are working hard during this unusual challenge of remotely continuing our uniquely social education. This communication will provide an outline of the Yuba River Charter School’s Shared Learning Plan during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Shared Learning Tools:

The faculty agreed that the platforms and tools we use for Shared Learning must be specific to age, so our program has been divided into the following groups:

Early Childhood (preschool and kindergarten)

Grades 1, 2 & 3

Grades 4 & 5

Homestudy: The Home Study Program will continue to use the curriculum that was provided at the beginning of the school year. Parents are encouraged to keep a rhythm that includes “breathing,” warmth and reverence and teach in a three-fold way, incorporating the thinking, feeling and willing.

Grades 6, 7 & 8

Shared Expectations:

Expectations of Students (Grades 1-8)

Students should understand that Shared Learning is an important part of this year’s school experience.
Students will try to fully engage in lessons, bringing their best efforts to this new experience.
Students will work with parental guidance but strive to work independently, and know that their parents can contact teachers with questions.
Assignments should be submitted in the recommended format, and clearly labeled with the student’s name.
Students are encouraged to engage with the enrichment activities.

Expectations of Parents

Parents should provide a dedicated place and time for students to work at home.
Rhythm is important. At-home learning will not match in-school class time hours and so each family will have to set a schedule that works best for their family’s situation. Your child’s teacher will have some suggestions about this.
It is important for the student to complete the work to the best of their own ability. Parents can be supportive by ensuring their child understands the learning task, has the required resources, and is located in a productive learning space.
Parents should recognize that they may be required to provide support to help their child remain engaged in learning. Parents may also need to assist their child in submitting assigned work.
Parents are encouraged to reach out to any teacher via email. It is also possible to schedule a phone call within communicated office hours.
If a child is unwell and unable to participate in the lessons, please advise the class teacher to make alternative arrangements.

Commitment of Teachers:

Lessons may include written assignments, activity instructions, and/or pre-recorded audio or video, depending upon grade level. All materials will be available for current YRCS families only and should not be shared beyond the YRCS community. Materials will be distributed through individual teacher’s preferred methods. The class and special subject teachers will work collaboratively to plan and deliver lessons. Weekly Class–Parent emails or ParentSquare Posts of support will go out at each Grade Level. Teachers should reach out to other teachers then report to Paula Barber (Curriculum Specialist) for needed support and to report any students (Grades 1-8) who are having difficulty engaging with the Shared Learning Program. Teachers can differentiate lessons according to student and family needs.

Internet Access & Screen Time:

We are very aware that our Shared Learning Plan relies heavily on both internet access and screen time. We recognize this presents a contradiction to our teaching philosophy of limiting screen exposure and learning through personal connection. As you can see with the progression of our Shared Learning Plan, we only expect online screen time with our oldest students.

If you do not have internet access in your home, please notify your class teacher so that alternative arrangements can be made. If your child will be unattended online for the first time, here is an article that outlines parental settings – How to Set up Parental Controls on all Devices.

The Learning Curve:

Schools nationwide have found themselves in the situation of moving to virtual instruction in a short span of time, so the learning curve will be steep, particularly for Waldorf Schools that consciously choose hands-on learning above virtual experiences. As such, we anticipate experiencing a few “hiccups” as we roll out this new teaching platform. Thank you for your patience.