March 16, 2020

Dear Early Elementary Families,

During our school closure, UCDS wants to keep students actively learning while away from the classroom. In addition, we want to support families to keep children in familiar routines. As an Early Elementary family, you have access to several resources online that teachers are designing for your children. Because UCDS’s approach to education is so unique and individualized, it is impossible to replicate that exact experience from afar. However, teachers are striving to create curricula that will feel as seamless as possible to the types of activities that students have been engaged with in the classroom. We want you to have resources that will allow students to do some reading, writing, and math everyday. In addition, we have suggestions for how your child can practice social skills and engage in Theme-related activities.

While teachers are designing curricula that should keep kids learning for 1-2 hours each day, please know that these activities are all optional for our Early Elementary students. Families should make decisions and engage with these resources in a way that is best for their own unique situations. Feel free to adapt activities to best suit your child’s needs. If it seems that they are excited and able to do a bit more, encourage them!  If their skills in an area are still developing, feel free to jump in to support them! For example, this could mean taking their dictation and writing words for them, or writing down the numbers that are part of their math process.

This should be a low-pressure experience, so feel free to press pause if your child is feeling overwhelmed in any way. Your child’s teacher is available to help guide you, as needed. As our school closure unfolds, we are hopeful we can make the distance learning experience more individualized to each student’s unique needs. For now, take your child’s lead.

We know that we are navigating a unique situation and value our ongoing partnership with your family. Do not hesitate to reach out if there is any way that we can support you.

Best regards,

Abby Sandberg, Ph.D.

Early Elementary Division Head