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distance Learning

The Ins & Outs

March 17th was the last day I ventured out into “the wild”. The news of Covid-19 was on the rise, and before I knew it, the world seemed to freeze. As a certified Orton-Gillingham instructor, I knew consistency with my students was key to their progress and success. So I faced my fear: tutoring online. With the on-going support of many colleagues and friends, I taught myself the ins and outs of online tutoring, and I’d love to share them with you:

Step #1: Basic Materials

Secure a computer and a strong wifi connection. ipads, Chromebooks, and phones simply don’t make the cut (they can conduct a Zoom video call but all other features are limited).

Step #2: Zoom

Create a Zoom account for free. Zoom is now your best friend.

Step #3: Google Drive

Second only to Zoom, Google Drive is your additional best friend. Create a “Distance Learning” folder. This is where you will store games and activities- many of which I’m happy to provide.

Step #4: Consider Platforms

Decide what platforms you are going to use to continue your Orton-Gillingham instruction. Whizzimo is a great option, but there is a fee. Fyi: It is entirely possible to conduct an online O-G lesson sans “platform”.

Step #5: Scheduling a Zoom Lesson

Let’s get to know Zoom. Zoom is a free video conference website that allows you to easily conference with your students. Using a few simple features, you will now be able to execute an online Orton-Gillingham lesson. You have two options for setting up a meeting. A.) “Schedule” a meeting and simply share the invitation link with your student. B.) “Start” a meeting and simply provide the meeting id to your student.

Step #6: Lesson Prep

Prior to initiating your Zoom session, prepare your lesson by opening each file you plan to use. For example, if you plan to use Whizzimo, Wilson Workbooks, Bookwidgets, and Word Wall, make sure that each website is open and tabbed at the top of the page for easy access. (more info to come about said resources).

Step #7: Sharing Screen

One your student has joined your meeting, now comes the fun part. At the bottom of your Zoom screen, select the green button “Share Screen”. A new window will pop up- simply select “share” in the bottom right corner. Your student now sees everything that you see. From here, you will commence your lesson.

Step #8: Giving Student Mouse Access

Now comes the fun part. In order for your student to be able to move tiles, game pieces, etc., you will need to give the student control of the remote/mouse.. I’ve found that a physical mouse works best, but a touch pad can work, as well. Set expectations re: use of the mouse prior to giving access, and then once you’ve shared the screen, you will select the “Give Mouse/Keyboard Control” button.

Below, you can find my favorite resources listed for each component of an Orton-Gillingham Lesson:

[table id=1 /]

Click the button below to download remote learning phonogram deck:

Phonogram Deck PPt

Phonogram Deck PDF

In short: Be BRAVE (you can do hard things), access zoom, create a google drive distance learning folder, access/bookmark links provided above, create games/activities on Book Widgets and Word Wall that you can use over and over again. Go do great things!

You’ve got this,

Jennie at Carolina Orton-Gillingham

Distance Learning: The Ins & Outs

distance Learning

The Ins & Outs

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Author: Jennie Roberts

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