Remote Learning Resources

Lower School

As a progressive Lower School, our goal is not just to fill the time with simple tasks, but to provide opportunities for exploration, inquiry and hands-on application aimed at the growth of the whole child—academic, social/emotional and physical. Generally, that type of interaction takes place on campus with peers and teachers and is fun and exciting. We want students to be creative with remote learning while they practice basic skills.
 
In summary, regarding remote learning:
 
  • We are not providing a traditional, full school day. Students should work at their own pace, mostly independently, unless the classroom teacher/grade team indicates adult supervision is necessary/beneficial.

  • Our goals are engagement with students, continuation of topics we’ve already explored—slowly introducing new ones as we add more components to the school day—and continued community-building with peers and teachers. Please expect some Google Meetings to achieve these goals.

  • JK and SK students rely on the devices families are able to share with them. JK and SK students need supervision as they interact with their teachers via Google Hangout/Meet and watch any recorded videos teachers have prepared. Grade Heads will communicate with families and share optional activities for students. 

  • Students in 1st–5th grades have taken home their iPads to access school accounts, pre-loaded learning apps and Google Hangout/Meet to engage with the teacher, when the teacher determines this interaction might be beneficial.

  • In 1st–3rd grades, teachers and students use Google Classroom for their daily learning engagement, and teachers will send out assignments each day.

  • Departmental teachers will share content with the Grade Heads to distribute assignments on Google Classroom.

  • We hope students don’t feel overwhelmed with work. We have been thoughtful in the amount of time we expect students to spend on assignments.

  • Remember, students in Lower School learn by doing and experiencing through fun, repetitive activities.

  • We encourage each family to create a daily, written schedule that fits their needs.

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Questions?

Lower School Head
Kimeri Swanson-Beck
kswansonbeck@fwparker.org

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330 West Webster Avenue | Chicago, Illinois 60614 | 773.353.3000
Francis W. Parker School educates students to think and act with empathy, courage and clarity as responsible citizens and leaders in a diverse democratic society and global community.