ENGAGEMENT is a key to the virtual classroom. Here are some activities that will encourage your students to get involved and think!
Body Spelling
For tall letters put your hands in the air. For midline letters stick your arms out by your sides. If a letter goes in the basement, touch your toes.
VIRTUAL CLASSROOM
Older children could use this technique for spelling words or sight words. Younger children could use it for learning sizes of alphabet letters.
Questioning Strategy (Mary Claire Porter)
When the teacher asks a question have the children blow their answer into their closed fist. When the teacher says, “What is it?” they “release” their answer by opening their hand and saying the answer out loud.
VIRTUAL CLASSROOM
We know that talking helps store information in the brain. This strategy enables children to speak without worrying if their answer is right or wrong.
P.S. I found this idea and I think it's a good reminder for kids and for teachers!!!
Out of My Mouth (Dori Bailin)
To engage children and help them remember tell them:
OUT OF MY MOUTH, INTO MY EAR, UP TO MY BRAIN!
Attention Grabber (Sherry Raessler)
I am looking.
What do I see?
I see (student, class) sitting (or standing or whatever you need) properly.
VIRTUAL CLASSROOM
Children want to please, but they don't always know what to do. By focusing on a child modeling the correct behavior you show them what to do.