10 | S EPTEMBER 2020 | BACK TO SCHOOL Benefits of a new approach to learning Th e validity of the adage “necessity is the mother of invention” has been on full display during the COVID-19 outbreak. People had to learn to adapt to a new way of life, including an educational sys- tem that was transformed dra- matically by social distancing guidelines. More than 76 million stu- dents are enrolled in United States schools, per the latest Census Bureau information. In a matter of days, millions of students who once at- tended classes in-person were forced to transition to virtual learning instruction. Th e pro- cess showed just how fl exible learning systems can be, and how virtual instruction may become more than an emer- gency protocol in the future. Schools utilized systems like Google Classroom, Can- vas and virtual meeting apps to connect and learn. While in-class lessons provide the socialization and one-on-one interaction that can be vital for students’ academic suc- cess, there are many diff erent reasons why virtual instruc- tion can be a key component of learning models as well. When virtual learning is used in conjunction with tradition- al teaching, students may have a more well-rounded experi- ence. Here are some potential benefi ts that may unfold as more data is collected: • Pace: Virtual learning af- fords students the chance to work on lessons at a pace that fi ts their individual needs. Students can go back and re- read or re-work problems un- til they’re satisfi ed they have learned their lesson. Lessons can be slowed down or sped up depending on profi ciency, creating a customized educa- tional experience. • No more weather days. Many school districts include snow or extreme weather days into their calendars, adding on extra days at the end of school year to meet the specifi ed number of educational days. Remote learning can take over in these times and keep school districts from having to pad calendars. • Convenience: Th e Ameri- can Academy of Pediatrics recommends that middle and high schools start at 8:30 a.m. or later to provide students the best chance to get the amount of sleep they need. Still, most adolescents cur- rently start school before 8:30 a.m. Remote learning enables students to complete their as- signments when it works best for them. Th is may help them get more sleep, too. • Apps: Learning apps are a new wave of educational tools that have helped buoy virtual instruction. Primary school students or those with individ- ual education plans may ben- efi t the most from reinforced app skills that match their learning pace in fun ways. Virtual home instruction may become a large part of the educational landscape even aft er it’s no longer a social dis- tancing necessity. Chad E. Clement — Bright Beginnings Preschool Bright Beginnings, 2100 art, music geography, math, Your dentist for any age Spruce St. at New Life Lu- science, reading readiness, Welcome to Chad E. Clem- ent, DDS, PC, your local Florence dentist offi ce. We’re a family-friendly practice that provides comprehensive dental care to this communi- ty. Take a virtual tour of our offi ce at www.myfl orencedds. com. We enjoy working with pa- tients of all ages! From guid- ing a child through his or her very fi rst dental appointment to helping adults makeover and restore their smile, it’s our pleasure to look aft er your whole family. We have special amenities for all ages, including pillows, blankets, WiFi and kid-friendly toys so everyone can feel a little more at home. To make things even easi- er, we off er block scheduling, which saves you time and minimizes the number of trips to the dentist you have to make. With this option, you can book back-to-back or same-time appointments for you, your spouse and your kids. Come into the of- fi ce one time and the whole gang will leave with happy, refreshed smiles. Chad E. Clement is locat- ed at 1256 Bay St.. For more info, call 541-997-3423 or visit www.myfl orencedds. com. theran Church., is a nonprofi t Christian preschool founded in 2008. It upholds the philoso- phy that early childhood is a time of warmth, security, ex- ploration and kindergarten readiness. Bright Beginnings promotes the importance of learning social skills, team- work, emotional awareness, kindness and respect for oth- ers. We off er a developmen- tally appropriate curriculum aimed at preparing each stu- dent for success in kindergar- ten. Th e Bright Beginnings daily schedule includes: circle time, free play, language, story time, P.E., Bible stories and lessons, computer time, multi-cultural learning and sensory play. Parents can choose from Monday, Wednesday, Friday class, 8 a.m. to noon, or Tues- day, Th ursday class, 8 a.m. to noon. Bright Beginnings also of- fers a Monday through Friday option from 8 a.m. to noon. Th e preschool currently has openings. Classes begin Tues- day, Sept. 8. For more information, call or text 541-999-0783 or email bbcpre@yahoo.com. Bright Beginnings Christian Preschool is a 501(c)3 non- profi t public corporation.