Lakecrest Remote Learning: Kindergarten Parent Edition

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Lakecrest remote learning was up and running within days. We know that our parents appreciated the fast turnaround that allowed their children to continue learning, and making sure learning could proceed was our goal at Lakecrest.

Over the next few months, learning continued, and we know it was a challenge for everyone, especially our parents. Many were juggling working full-time from home and overseeing the education of one or more of their children, not to mention the thousands of little tasks that go along with parenting and life.

With that in mind, we reached out to parent Lisa Smith to ask a few questions about her family’s experience with Lakecrest remote learning. Her son Christopher attended kindergarten during the 2019-2020 school year.

How did your family deal with adjusting to the school changes?

We have managed to adjust extremely well and very quickly to the online learning platform. I believe this is mostly due to how proficient it was set up, as well as the materials provided, before the first online class took place. Christopher was also very excited to connect with his friends and teachers which encouraged a positive and enjoyable experience for him.

What are some things you/your child enjoys about online learning?

Christopher is becoming very proficient on a laptop and iPad and enjoys many programs such as Raz-kids, Zorbit’s Math Adventure, and using Seesaw.  He likes that he is able to play them independently with minimal guidance. We both love the various links his teacher has provided for us whether it is phonics, a story, an activity, or an interesting video.

What new skills or areas of growth have you seen developing in your child since the shift to remote learning?

Christopher’s reading has improved immensely.  He enjoys Raz-kids thoroughly, and it has definitely made it more interesting for him. His math is exceptional as well, and he really likes working with numbers. Even the Lego Challenges his teacher posted has upped his level of creativity and design.

Describe some of the school activities that you have enjoyed watching your child participate in from home.

I love watching Christopher participate in his gym class.  It is amazing to me how well this class actually works online and how much joy he gets from it.  The Student Star Assembly is also nice to watch.  Although there was only two, it is a way for him to see pictures of other familiar faces and friends that he has gotten to know throughout his first year at Lakecrest.

What is something that the COVID-19 pandemic has taught you about yourself, or about the world around you?

Two things that the pandemic has taught me about myself or the world around me is that sometimes I just need to slow down, simplify life, and enjoy the important moments like family time, me time, or a new hobby.  Secondly, although hard to do when our only form of socializing is through social media, internet, and other platforms, sometimes I need to disconnect from it all.  Although it is important to stay current, informed, and socialized in times like these, I have learned when to connect and disconnect.

Big thanks to Lisa Smith for her answers to these questions. Please join us for future installments of our Lakecrest Remote Learning series as we hear from students, parents, and staff about how they adjusted to our new normal.