Keep in Touch

This is what I did with my kindergarten class. It was wonderful for all of us!

1. Explain to students how video chat works.

2. Demonstrate with someone outside of the classroom (perhaps the school nurse).

3. Practice with students on how to talk to the camera (ie not wiggling, bouncing, etc.) if standing, mark spot on the floor to stand.. How to stay within camera range, how to show something ( a drawing, book, etc.).

4. If student at home will have bandages or some other device, prep kids ahead of time, possibly with a recent photograph.

5. Visit or lesson one - have children say hello to the student at home or in hospital.

Lessons included reading a book, joining in a math activity and others. The social connection was the real benefit for all of us! The student returned to school after an extended absence and it felt as if she had always been there!