CV 19 Update

Dear friends of SSD,

We sincerely hope that each and every one of you reading this message are healthy and settled into your new normal. I’m writing today to share a glimpse into our journey of learning at home, and after I share what we’ve been up to, I’ll have some tips and tricks that you’ll hopefully find helpful if you find yourself struggling to get into a good groove of learning at home with your family. 

First, here’s how we’re keeping our school open so our students can continue learning:

When schools started closing and the reality of the situation began to set in, The Studio School of Durham sprang into action. In just two days, we were able to begin offering our entire program in digital format.. Yep, that’s right! It only took us two days to make the shift.. It wasn’t perfect, but it was incredibly effective.  

We’re using videoconferencing technology to continue Socratic discussions, story time, and project launches. Learners at SSD are also still able to socialize, have class discussions, and collaborate through hands-on projects while remaining safely in their homes. They are able to continue feeling like a part of the community by having virtual lunches together, chatting happily about a variety of topics as they all remote in from home. The lower elementary students even enjoyed a virtual field trip to the zoo, as well as more light-hearted events like lovey dance parties.

Because several online learning platforms already figured into our regular teaching of core skills -- reading, writing, and math -- the shift to going all online felt natural.. Our small school size gives us a leg-up as well, making both 1:1 and small group instruction a feasible reality for our learners.

Learners in a self-directed environment are resourceful and solve problems with their peers, relying less on adults for answers This makes it easier for parents now that they are all home together. Many of our students are lightening their parents’ load by taking their education into their own hands.. We’ve seen 6 and 7 year olds signing into online meetings with very little help from their parents, emphasizing the ownership they have over their own education.

By the end of the first week, we surveyed our families to see what was working, what wasn’t, and what suggestions they had for us. Hearing feedback, the good, the bad, and, thankfully, zero ugly, was helpful in us meeting the needs of our community. We know that all of our families are different, and our ability to work with families individually, like the children who attend our school, has been powerful for our staff community. 

If you have questions about what we’ve been up to, or how we’ve made this all come together, please feel free to reach out to our founder, Danielle Sunde. In the meantime: 

Here are 7 Tips for a More Effective Home-Based Learning Experience:

1. Create Goals

Create goals for the individual learner as well as the whole family using the SMART goal method:  Link: https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/smart-goals.htm. On Fridays, re-visit the goals for that week to evaluate progress and then set goals for the following week. It’s okay if some of your goals are to complete household chores or help watch over a sibling. These are valuable lessons on being a good household citizen. When setting goals, ask: “What does everyone truly want to do right now?” If the children say, “sleep in and watch cartoons,” remind them that those might be fun for the weekends, but during weekdays, they are going to focus on learning. That doesn’t mean learning needs to feel like a chore, though. Studies show that children learn best when they are having fun.

2. Set a Home-Learning Schedule 

Children need structure. Create a daily schedule with chunks of time for a variety of activities, such as reading, exploring the outdoors, exercise, and project time, as well as academic skills such as math, writing, and spelling. Rather than having to come up with everything on your own, ask your children for ideas. Often they will have even better ideas than adults about how to proceed. It also gives them some control over their own learning, making buy-in more likely. 

3. Explore a Passion through Project-Based Learning

Ask your children what they want to know more about, including skills they’d like to develop. Do they want to play the guitar, learn how computers work, make their own robot, or speak with children in Spanish? Asking probing questions will help you identify what they yearn to know and do. 

4. Use E-Learning Tools

Research shows that when learning is combined with the use of technology, engagement increases. There are numerous e-learning programs available, including free programs such as Khan Academy, to help students learn core skills. Many museums and attractions now offer virtual tours, and YouTube makes it possible for you to learn just about anything. 

5. Stay Connected

Use video conferencing programs like FaceTime or Zoom to keep your children connected with their friends, teachers, mentors, and family members. Schedule time for them to showcase their projects, learn from others in their social circle, and just have fun. Our learners enjoyed a school-wide game of Dance Master one afternoon! 

6. Engage in Thought-Provoking Discussions 

Have family conversations where everyone shares their responses to a “big question.” At SSD, we start the morning by asking a Socratic question for which there are no right or wrong answers in order to encourage critical thinking. We will be posting some of our questions on Twitter, so be sure to follow us at @studioschooldur if you want ideas.

7. Have Fun and Be Flexible

What are ways in which you can infuse your days at home with fun? Turn to your community for ideas. For my family, the goal is to use the stay-at-home order to grow together as a family as we navigate uncertainty. When uncertainty and restlessness throw your family out of orbit, bring your family back to center by asking, “What does our family need the most right now?” This might change daily, but that’s okay. Honor that.

About The Studio School of Durham: 

The Studio School of Durham is a new, research-based, project-focused independent school for children in kindergarten through 5th grade. We believe children deserve and need a 21st century education, so we equip our students with a spirit of discovery, mastery, and adventure that will empower them to fulfill their greatest potential across their school years and beyond.

For more information about SSD, contact the school at admissions@studioschooldurham.org.

Remote-Learning Testimonials

“You guys are doing a fantastic job!  I love the daily schedule and the ability for my son to see and speak with his classmates via Zoom. We have friends with children at other private schools in the area, and the distance learning plan you guys have in place is vastly superior!

“Thank you so much for all your hard work! We really appreciate all you do to keep our daughter excited and learning, especially when she misses seeing you in person!”

“Superheroes right here!”

“We love it and the flexibility has been nice. I think it’s a great balance you’ve been able to achieve in a really weird circumstance. Thanks so much for everything.”"