The first two weeks of Portland Public Schools’ (PPS) closure was considered an “extended spring break.” After the closure was extended to April 28, PPS created a computer request form to ensure access for all students needing to borrow a computer or tablet. A survey to gauge families’ access to the internet followed.
As of this writing, it appears that schools will not be replacing traditional classroom instruction with online classes, but will offer suggestions for optional learning activities.
While resources from PPSÂ via PPS Student Portal (sites.google.com/apps4pps.net/portal/pps-student-portal), are being created.
Here are other resources to keep kids learning and engaged.
PBS Kids for Parents offers a daily newsletter “to keep your kids playing and learning at home while school is closed.”
In one day’s email, the plan was to “explore creativity and problem-solving through art, watching Pinkalicious & Peterrific and a new online game called Scribbles & Ink” as jumping-off points to spark more creativity and conversation off-screen.
There were ideas for creating your own board game and a printable worksheet to create a story. Visit public.pbs.org/PBSKIDSDaily?source=pbskids.org to sign up.
Scholastic Learn at Home provides “day-by-day projects to keep kids reading, thinking and growing.” Divided by grade level, you will need to create a free account with the site-provided user name and password. Visit classroommagazines.scholastic.com/support/learnathome.html.
Locally, The Attic Institute has started sending out daily writing prompts to those on their mailing list, appropriate for older kids (and adults).
One instructed, “Write 500 words about the difficulties troubling you and put the energy of the demon inside household object, especially things that are inside your junk drawer.
Extras: 1)Frame this like a dialogue between you and the demon. 2) Add something “knocking” in the background. 3)Describe some feeling as “eyes right behind the door.” Visit atticinstitute.com and see Join Our Mailing List in the right hand column.