Oakland’s Early Learning Professionals “connect with compassion”

2020 Oakland Early Learning Symposium Speakers and Staff photo

Just as our young students are learning and growing online, we’re doing the same -- through the Oakland Early Learning Symposium. Part II of the symposium, on November 14, focused on Online Learning and Family Support. Over 170 participants heard practical tips and inspiring stories of connecting with children and families during this challenging time. And, teachers and caregivers shared their personal pride in learning so many new tech skills to make their online teaching more effective.

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Ideas we heard for how to build more connection with families and children:

• Virtual field trips (see the list here)
• Lunch together as a class online (kids love to share what they’re eating, even virtually!)
• Classdojo.com to communicate with parents (recommended by OUSD preschool teachers)

We’ve compiled all the questions asked and answered here. The resources discussed during the symposium can be found here. Watch the full workshop here, including presentations from:
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• OUSD's Maria Sujo and Annette Wright on  “connecting with compassion”. 
• Keith Welch of OUSD on tech tips to better support distance learning
• Owita Howard from the City of Oakland, Head Start Program on continuing to try new strategies
• Family  child care provider Shonte Edwards on providing flexible structure for children during these tough times

Stay tuned for the next workshop in February 2021!