Engaging in Online Meetings and Classes

Online meetings and classes can be awkward and challenging to engage in for all participants.  Setting your child and yourself up for success and managing expectations can be helpful ways to make the meetings a success!  

Tips to help your child engage and access their cyber "classroom": 

• Tell your child ahead of time about the class meeting and prepare them on what to expect, give warnings and countdowns to the meeting time. 
• Perhaps your child is nervous about the meeting and does not like the attention from the being viewed online, these are situations where you may need to offer rewards for their participation.  
• Be prepared ahead of the meeting: Make sure you know all the items and supplies your child may need for the meeting.  No matter what always have a pencil and paper in case they need to write something down.  Make them get all of their personal care done prior to the meeting as well; for example have them eat a meal or snack prior and use the restroom.  
• Make sure they have a quiet space set up away from distractions so they can hear and have full attention on their classroom activity.  
• Make sure they know how to use the tools they are on during the meeting, perhaps sitting with them the first time to help.  For example, mute when not talking and then unmute to talk, raising your hand online,  how to ask a question, etc.  
• Follow up with them after the meeting to see their thoughts and feelings, any questions they ,ay have  about it and discuss and find ways to make it better next time if needed. 

Tips for a smooth and successful virtual IEP meetings for you: 

• Ask for documents to review ahead of time or share any documents you would like to review ahead of time.  
• Have all information in front of you or open on your computer to review during the meeting.
• Choose a time that works for you to have your full attention.  
• Make sure to have your children set up with a highly engaging activity that will take up the entire time of the meeting or ask another adult in the household (if available) to be present to help with children in case they need anything.  
• Have paper and a pen with you just in case.  
• Make sure to mute your microphone when you aren't sharing anything.  
• Make sure you know how to use the tools so that you can participate fully and when needed.  For example, make sure you are able to unmute quickly if you want to ask a pertinent and timely question.  
• Be patient!  Know that it may not be perfect and all are learning this new way of holding meetings but at least it can be accomplished and as we continue these meetings will get easier!  
• Don't worry if you get an untimely disruption, these things happen and will continue to happen as people are working at home and their children are home too.  

Check out this useful website Understood for current updates, useful tools on Visual Schedules for morning routines, Learning Contracts, and much more helpful information for parents.  AND if you need any assistance please feel free to reach out to us!  Email me at shenh@mdusd.org or our special ed. website.