TakingITGlobal

To have the most successful sessions, it is vital to check the supporting documents (if there are any) and materials lists. Sometimes materials are required but not supplied. This is important to know ahead of time as it may mean a trip to the store or a request for collected supplies. Sometimes the provided materials need a few minutes of preparation (cutting, pouring, sorting, and delivering); I like to schedule my Connected North sessions to immediately follow a natural break (recess or lunchtime). During these sessions, students know I don't have all the answers, and I have a chance to model flexibility and adaptability in real time. Depending on the activity, I may have students sit on the carpet or at their tables upon their return. Sometimes they can have a snack quietly and their water with them because this minimizes distractions during the sessions, but it is not always reasonable. Sometimes we start at one spot, and end at another, so it's important to talk to the session provider in those introductory moments to find out what would suit them best. Often, the session provider wants to know what will work best for your class, so knowing that your routines are well- established will allow for seamless transitions if needed. Another thing to check with the provider about is whether they want the microphone on or off. I will often minimize our camera view, so the kids aren't distracted with seeing themselves. As students leave, I prepare them to understand that when they return, they are coming in for a Connected North session and that the guest teacher is the director of learning. C o n n e c t e d N o r t h i n O u r C l a s s r o o m Amber Allison - Connected North in Our Classroom 11

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