TIPS FOR ENGAGING WITH YOUR STUDENTS THROUGH VIRTUAL PLATFORMS
Get to Know Your Students at the start of the first class (learn their names, what they look like, and something special about them)!
Teach students how to use the reaction buttons at the beginning of the first class.
Mute students while you or another student is talking.
Call on the students by name (connections are made when you use a person’s name).
When using a whiteboard for drawing or writing…offer tips and ideas for the children to extend their ideas!
Give specific compliments on a child’s work by using words of affirmation such as good job, thanks for sharing, love that idea!
Ask engaging questions while the kids are working on their projects so there is not idle time….JOT THESE QUESTIONS DOWN BEFORE CLASS on a sheet of paper and put next to you!!! For example, what happens if you make a small tower and a tall tower? What other ways can you make a chemical reaction?
Turn off the chat feature!
Check your waiting room after class starts to allow enrolled missing students the chance join class.
When sharing your screen, engage with the children so it is a seamless transition.
Use body language and facial expressions…smile a lot!
Props are fun KEY; if you are doing a lesson on wizards wear a wizard hat.