Read on for why Teacher Orientation is essential, when to hold it, what to bring, how to deliver it, and who is involved.
Why?
Orientation is a fidelity requirement. It’s also a chance to get participants excited and answer their questions! Orientation:
- Explains what LENA Grow is and why it’s beneficial.
- Gets teachers ready for their first LENA Day.
- Begins the consent and enrollment process.
When?
For most sites, three 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 determine dates, consent method, and logistics.
What to bring?
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 else that might help your teachers!
Orientation Slide Deck
Download the LENA Grow Orientation or Orientación sobre LENA Grow slide deck to a laptop computer that you can bring to the orientation.
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.
- Your laptop must have 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.
Sample Materials
- 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 included 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 school schedules, holidays, and/or breaks.
- How to use LENA Technology | Cómo utilizar la tecnología LENA. Print copies to share if site staff are processing devices.
- You may also want to leave behind copies of the Teacher flyer | Folleto para maestros.
How present Orientation content
Holding Orientation in person at the center is best, so that teachers can have hands-on experience with the materials in their own work environment.
If necessary, Orientation can be presented virtually through Zoom (or similar platform), as long as you can share your computer's video and audio with participants.
Who is involved?
Orientation is most often delivered by the coach to the teachers and any other site staff who will participate. If possible, the center director should attend.
💡 Tip: Including a teacher or center director who has already done LENA Grow is a great way to address concerns and answer questions from a position of personal experience.