Tips and materials for Teacher Orientation
Why?
Orientation is a fidelity requirement because it introduces the basics and benefits of LENA Grow, prepares teachers to for their first LENA Day, and starts the consent and enrollment process. It's also an opportunity to build excitement about participating and to address any concerns or questions.
What?
LENA provides the content – you provide equipment and enthusiasm! Here's what to prepare and bring to Orientation:
☑ Coach Guide
Review the Essentials Orientation guidance in the Coach Guide | Guía del instructor. Practice the script in advance, and bring your binder with you. Feel free to add your own personal touch or anything that might be helpful to this group of teachers!
☑ Orientation Slide Deck
Download the LENA Grow Orientation or Orientación sobre LENA Grow slide deck to a laptop computer you can bring to the orientation location.
Important!
- Be sure to download the file to your computer, even if your internet browser offers a "present" option. The important videos will not play through the browser.
- You'll need a laptop with PowerPoint to present these slides. If you require a different format, such as Google Slides, please contact support@lena.org.
- Consider what additional presentation equipment you may need to make the material accessible to your audience, such as a projector or extra speakers.
- Run through the slides to check your A/V settings and to be sure the videos play correctly.
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☑ Sample Materials
Bring to Orientation:
- LENA device
- LENA clothing
- Teacher Guide
☑ Forms and Handouts
- LENA Grow Room Sign Up Sheet | Registro de salón. Print one per classroom. Collect these after the meeting. You will use the information to set up the group in LENA Online. This sheet is also in the Coach Guide, Appendix A.
- Family Consent forms. Customize and print copies for each classroom according to the center's preference. See this article for considerations. Center staff will distribute these and provide you a consented child roster.
- Sequence Schedule | Cronograma de LENA Grow. Prepare and print one for each room. Take into account the school schedule, holidays, and/or breaks.
- How to use LENA Technology | Cómo utilizar la tecnología LENA. Print copies to share if site staff will process devices.
- You may also want to leave behind copies of the Teacher Flyer | Folleto para maestros.
When?
For most sites, 3 weeks before the intended first LENA Day is the perfect time to hold Orientation. This gives enough time to tell families about LENA Grow, get a list of consented children, and prepare LENA Online and Room Kits...but not so much time that teachers forget how to use the devices!
💡 Tip: It's ideal to meet with the Center Director in advance of Orientation to sketch out dates, consent method, and logistics.
How?
Holding Orientation in person at the center is best, so that teachers can have a bit of hands-on experience with the materials in their own work environment. If necessary, it can be presented virtually through Zoom or a similar platform, as long as you can share your computer's video and audio with participants. Note: We strongly discourage simply sending teachers a copy of the slides.
Who?
Orientation is most often delivered by the coach for this site, to the teachers and any other site staff who will participate. The center director should attend if at all possible.
💡 Tip: Including a teacher or center director who has already experienced LENA Grow can be a great way to address concerns and answer questions from a position of personal experience.