Checklist For Preparing for School

• Check that you have received the correct course materials, books, and other supplies.

• Arrange a place where the supplies are to be kept. This need not be elaborate (a shelf in a cupboard or a cardboard box will do) but it should always be available and the student should have the responsibility for keeping it clean and orderly.

• Create a good work environment.  Try to provide a quiet peaceful atmosphere. Ordinary noises about the home, such as radio shows, conversations, or TV programs can be distracting. Your student should have a desk or table set at a comfortable height.

• Spend some time reading and discussing this guide. Once you have grasped how the system works, you will be surprised how simple it is.  However, expect to have lots of questions for your teacher.  Please ask them via email, phone, or face-to-face visits as they arise.

• Create a tentative timetable using the suggestions in this guide.  Be prepared to adapt your timetable to accommodate special activities and opportunities.

• See the “Equipment and Supplies” section on the next page to find out what additional supplies you will need on hand.

• Organize materials and resources that are three-hole punched into binders or duotangs.

• Attend a computer training session

Equipment and Supplies

Additional Supplies

Most of the materials needed for Grade Seven are contained in the materials you have just received. However, you will need to obtain the following additional materials:

• Binders/ duotangs/ notebooks:
Note:  some subjects could share a binder that has dividers between subjects. 

• A binder is needed for each of the following Subjects: English Language Arts, Social Studies, Science, and French as the material is 3 hole punched.
• A binder or duotang would be helpful for Personal Planning, Visual Arts, Drama/Dance, and Music

• Dictionary and thesaurus:  A dictionary and thesaurus are recommended for English Language Arts. CONNECT students can use www.dictionary.com and www.thesaurus.com. 

• Audio recording system:  An audio recording system such as a computer with First Class installed, a tape recorder or mini recorder is needed for both English Language Arts and French.                

• Metric ruler:  A metric ruler 30 cm in length is needed.

• Art supplies:  Supplies will depend on the fine art projects chosen.  The supplies for FVDES lessons are provided.

• Calculator:  A calculator is needed for Math.

• French/ English dictionary – optional

Teaching Procedures

By the time they reach Grade Seven, students should be able to do most of their work independently. Depending on the abilities of your child, your assistance will be needed with many tasks such as: to give guidance, carry on discussions, motivate or encourage, monitor task completion and to help correct the student's practice work.

To achieve a greater level of independence, we would like you to encourage your child to contact their teacher directly. It is not that we don’t want to talk to the parent, but we want to interact with the child directly. This also helps the child to take more responsibility for their learning (a worthy goal for your child). Your child needs to be encouraged to use e-mail, vClass and the phone to remain in contact with the teacher. Parents you are encouraged to do this as well.

Supporting your Child

Remember that the success of your student will depend in large measure on the enthusiasm you show. It is very important for the student to see that you are interested in what he or she is doing. When evaluating your student's work, offer praise for things well-done and special praise for improvement over previous efforts. If you feel you have to make an unfavourable comment, make your comment specific, constructive, and suggest remedies. Be positive and cheerful in your approach. When giving instructions, simply make sure that your student understands clearly what is to be done; give only such instructions as seem necessary. Encourage the development of good study habits and also teach your student to take pride in work well done.

What to do if support is needed:

• Reread directions
• Talk through the questions at home with other people
• Look at your teacher’s website
• Phone your teacher
• Email your teacher
• Make an appointment to meet with your teacher either face-to-face or in the virtual classroom (vClass)

Reviewing Returned Work

Submitted work will be assessed by a teacher and feedback will be provided.  The teacher will keep a record of each student's marks. Then the work is returned.

Where more review is needed, the student is asked to make the necessary corrections. 

When the marked work comes back from your Distance Education School, go over it carefully with your student. Pay close attention to the advice given by the teacher.