Here are some common questions about Think-Move-Learn Virtual Summer Camp

Online Course Quality

An online course or camp is cheaper to run than an in-person course or camp, isn't it?
That’s actually a common misconception. When you account for the large amount of curriculum planning and adaptation, online infrastructure, and technical training and testing, running an online course easily matches the cost of running it in-person. Camp staff and instructors will be working many extra hours to ensure we maintain the value of our courses and continue to offer instruction of the highest quality.
Do I have to register my child for the entire summer?
No. Camp sessions are split into two-week increments. You can register for a single, two-week session or save more when you register for the entire summer.
Will my child miss out if they do not register for Session I - Are the academic and movement lessons cumulative?
Our programs are designed to meet children where they are — so if you don’t register for the first session, they won’t be behind! With small class sizes and flexible lesson plans, our expert instructors will help all campers catch up, keep up, or move ahead on a personalized basis.

Each session has its own unique themes and projects, so if you enroll in multiple sessions you don’t need to worry about your child getting bored! We continue to practice foundational skills while introducing new skills as appropriate.

In short, whether you sign up for one session or the whole summer, your child will learn tons and have fun doing it!

Could classes still be held in person later this summer?
No. Even if shelter-in-place orders are lifted before or during the summer, we are following guidelines that advise social distancing measures will be needed for quite some time. The safety and well-being of our teachers and students remains our priority concern
What grades are offered by the summer camp?

Think-Move-Learn offers virtual camp sessions to young learners in PreK through 2nd Grade. The registration fee covers one camper, but if you have multiple children in the same grade level we provide a sibling discount.
If you are interested in activities for grades 3rd and above please click here.

What is the class size ?
We maintain small class sizes so students can have the best possible experience. Our academic sessions are capped at 6-8 students while our movement classes may have up to 15 students. We hold separate classes for each grade and age level to make sure students are working with their peers.
If my child has an upcoming birthday, which age group should I enroll them in?
You can enroll your child in the age group that correlates to their upcoming grade in the Fall (rather than the grade they just completed).
How will in-person class activities translate online?
This is one of the largest areas of focus that CTC and NKG staff and instructors have worked together to address. We plan to offer courses of comparable value to our usual in-person offerings, even while many adaptations may be needed. Where possible, instruction will be consistent with our original course descriptions. Even for courses that have to shift their focus, we have learned much from the current strategies employed through the remote learning collaboration with schools and universities that will allow a valuable learning experience. We have always intentionally encouraged innovation and this year that will be more important than ever!
How does online gymnastics via Zoom work?
Your child’s safety is our top priority. We work with certified trained experts in the field of gymnastics and yoga, who are experienced working and teaching in a remote environment. Learn more about our movement coach, Coach Katie: Coach Katie fell in love with exercise at a very young age. As the lead instructor and owner of National Kids Gym, she focuses solely on children’s gymnastics, working with each child to unlock their physical and emotional potential. Recently, she also became a certified kid’s yoga instructor, allowing her to pass on this mind, body, and soul practice to our youth!
How do students interact socially?
Social interaction and collaboration are a key component of education. As remote learning has become more prevalent we’re able to cultivate communities that are based on shared interests rather than geography. As a result, our enthusiastic, expert teachers can gather students from across the world and spark curiosity, lead discussion, and help kids socialize within a remote learning environment that makes use of 21st century technology skills.

The use of technology like Zoom allows this facilitation to happen with ease and necessary supervision. Zoom which is our officially supported remote instruction platform. (We know you might have questions about Zoom; see our technology FAQs below.) Enrolled campers will be required at times to join video conferences on Zoom so that they can interact with their instructor and fellow students face-to-face.

Cyber Safety

Why is parental supervision required?
Parent/caregiver participation and supervision is advised. Camp coaches and instructors are unable to physically supervise or control children when connected only by video. Remain mindful that technology is not always 100% and there could be lag or glitching during their virtual time with a coach. For the safety of our campers, it’s important for parents to never leave them unattended during a virtual session.

Some academic lessons can be done without parent-assisted instruction; however, the richest learning comes from hands-on engagement where children are supported by their parents/caregivers to play, imagine, and create, then share their creations with their online peers to maintain engagement and connection.

I've heard Zoom isn't secure. Why are you using it for online classes instead of some other platform?

Zoom is our officially supported remote instruction platform. We’re paying very close attention to reports of security issues with Zoom at other schools (such as “Zoombombing”), and we’ll be communicating best practices and expectations to both instructors and students. We’re also currently investigating several potential approaches to our technical setup in order to keep camp sessions and meetings on Zoom as secure as possible.

Regarding online security be sure to download the latest version of Zoom. -Zoom 5.0 includes updated added security controls including:

  • Enable Waiting Room
    Coaches may turn on the Waiting Rooms while their meeting is already in progress.
  • Lock Classroom
    Lock virtual classrooms after everyone has arrived to prevent any unwanted disruptions..
  • Remove Participants
    Coaches may remove disruptive participants and they will be unable to re-enter the meeting.
Do campers need to be at their computer for the total hours of class each day it meets?
Instructors will be holding live (“synchronous”) class meetings for a minimum of one hour for every three hours of scheduled instructional time, but meetings may be longer depending on the course. Campers’ time in front of a screen will vary depending on instructor’s lesson plans, and each class meeting will involve a mix of live (“synchronous”) and independent (“asynchronous”) activity. We are strongly recommending that instructors and students limit continuous blocks of screen time, working in a variety of learning activities and breaks. Instructors may also offer more flexible face-to-face meetings such as office hours or small group meetings outside of scheduled class time.
How much time do students spend on the computer?
We believe in a balanced approach toward education, and we understand that while technology is helpful, it’s important to step away as well.

Our camp sessions rely on technology tools to provide assessment, planning, time-management, and content. We use platforms like Zoom to motivate, stimulate, and inform students about the world around them.

In addition, we give campers the chance to take their learning offline through books, workbooks, and instructional activities. On top of that, we include movement — like yoga and gymnastics — in the curriculum.

Academic Curriculum

What subjects will my child study?
English/language, phonics, handwriting , math, science and critical thinking are the core subjects. There will also be other courses in the appropriate grade levels, such as physical movement and light exercise. Traditional as well as gifted and accelerated students may explore different topics and discuss, make, learn, and experiment based on the students’ knowledge, interest, and abilities.
Who will teach the academic sessions?

The camps are created by the same teachers that run the in-person activities and will take place on a Zoom video call. Our programs draw on the talents of specialized experts and educators who can provide personalized instruction. Among them are your lead course conveners:

Lemi-Ola Erinkitola: Founder and CEO of The Critical Thinking Child, Erinkitola is an award-winning educator, author, and speaker. She’s been facilitating academic boot camps for children of all ages since 2013, helping them improve test scores and gain confidence in learning.

Angie Cooper – Ms. Cooper has worked within Chicago Public Schools for nearly 2 years as a Vedic math coach. In addition, she supports CTC in administering a unique assessment process to determine what each student knows and what to focus on next, creating transformative results with her students.

Will this program include homework assignments?
Most learning will take place during sessions. Campers are encouraged to do home assignments and DIY projects. These projects are optional but highly encouraged to help your child stay on course and keep up with the lessons. Expect to spend about 20-30 minutes per day on the activities.
Can my child work at his or her own pace?
For your child to get the most out of camp, we ask them to work through the curriculum at a steady pace (don’t worry, it’s full of fun, exciting activities!). We provide both synchronous (live) and asynchronous learning opportunities with their content area coaches, which make it easy for your child to complete lessons and attend live virtual sessions. We do provide quizzes, tests, and assignments with pre-set due dates. For accelerated and fast finishers we can customize the content to match their unique gifts.
What if my child is struggling to keep up?
If your child feels challenged with the academic curriculum, you can work with the camp instructor to modify timelines and ensure proper modifications are being included. This program isn’t a 1:1 tutoring program, but we do our best to accommodate various learning paces. Our small class sizes allow for more personalization, and we’re typically able to determine what’s appropriate for each camper.

Gifted and Diverse Learners

What type of learning model do you use?
We provide a fully virtual classroom with synchronous online courses where students and teachers attend live lessons and facilitate group interactions. In addition, we give campers the chance to take their learning offline through recorded lessons, books, workbooks, and instructional activities. On top of that, we include movement — like yoga and gymnastics — in the curriculum.
Do you provide any curriculum for special needs children?
On a limited basis, depending on a child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP), we can tailor your child’s learning experience to meet your student’s needs. Please discuss your child’s needs with us prior to registration.
Can you accommodate the accelerated learning needs of my gifted/talented child?

Our at-home reading and math assignments are flexible enough to meet children where they are in any given subject. So, for example, if your first-grader is completing math on a second-grade level and reading on a fourth-grade level, we can tailor some lessons to meet your student’s abilities.

For gifted and talented students we provide effective questioning techniques designed specifically to promote the development of critical thinking and creative thinking skills.
Parents should use their discretion to register kids based on ability rather than age.

What kind of progress reports will parents receive?
Parents will receive progress reports and a written summary of the child’s performance as well as recommendations for improvement.
Supplies and Materials
Does the program provide workbooks and other instructional materials?
Yes, we provide most of the academic learning tools needed. We’ll send them to you directly via digital downloadable access. The amount and type of materials varies by grade and course. You may need to buy supplies such as pen and paper. See supply list.
Will parents be responsible for providing materials? Is there a supply list?

Yes, in addition, you may also be asked to make use of common household items for STEM DIY projects, and office supplies like printer ink and paper, glue, which are not provided.
Our movement curriculum consists of the following supply list:

  • A space about 4′ x 8′ would be ideal! Or at least the size of a yoga mat – a safe space to do movement and tumbling (preferably a carpet or a mat down on the floor)
  • Couch cushions/pillows
  • Blanket
  • Stuffed Animal
  • Soft squishy ball
  • A wall or a sturdy chair
Withdrawals & Refunds
Withdrawals and refunds

The form must be submitted in writing no later than 14 days prior to the session start date but please complete it as soon as possible so that another student can be placed in the class.

We offer 100% refunds within 14 days of your session start date. Once a session has begun we no longer offer a refund. In addition, refunds after July 31st will incur a $100 non-refundable application processing fee. No refund for missed classes or late attendance. Classes are not transferable.

Prior to the full refund deadline (14 days prior to start of session), payments are refundable. After this date, refunds are subject to the Refund Schedule; see below. No refund will be made in the case of a student who fails to attend classes or is withdrawn from the camp for failure to meet the standards of appropriate behavior, including completion of assignment.

Due to the major change in our program format, families that withdraw may request that their application processing fee be refunded or credited towards an application for summer 2021. To make your request, send a brief email to info@criticalthinkingchild.com with your student’s name and whether you would like a credit or refund.

Refunds will not be processed until later in the fall. Families also have the option of contributing their application fee towards CTCs budget for financial aid, which may be heavily impacted this year.

Refund Schedule  
Session 1 100% Refund if notified 14 days before June 22
Session 2 100% Refund if notified 14 days before July 6
Session 3 100% Refund if notified 14 days before July 20
Session 4 100% Refund (less application fee) if notified 14 days before Aug 3rd

 

  • All withdrawals from the Program must be made in writing (email).
  • Withdrawal date is the email date.
  • The refund amounts indicated are based on tuition paid in full.
  • If paying in installments, refunds are issued only if fees paid to date exceeds the refund amount according to the schedule above.
    Refunds will be issued by the end of August.
Conditions of Enrollment:
Disclosure
Parents or guardians of attending campers must inform CTC of any special circumstances or potential conflicts that may affect the student’s ability to attend live online class meetings, complete coursework, or abide by behavioral standards required by the Program. In the event of a conflict with these policies, CTC reserves the right to dismiss students from the program without refund and to make exceptions on a case-by-case basis.
Releases
Because participation at Think-Move-Camp is voluntary, CTC requires parents/guardians of participating minors to sign the following releases and waivers:

  • Photo and Video Release
  • Waiver of Liability

These legal agreements are included as part of your online Sawyer Enrollment Form.

Code of Conduct
Academic Integrity
CTC requires a high level of responsibility and academic honesty from its students. Scholastic dishonesty includes but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, collusion, the submission for credit of any work or materials that are attributable in whole or in part to another person, taking an examination for another person, any act designed to give unfair advantage to a student or the attempt to commit such acts. Any student who commits an act of scholastic dishonesty is subject to dismissal from CTC without refund.
Behavior
Inappropriate/unacceptable conduct includes but is not limited to behavior that disrupts instruction, disrespects any member of the CTC community, misuses technology used for instruction, or exhibits uncivil behavior. This also includes transmitting any inappropriate or objectionable behavior, imagery, speech, or other content during online meetings, whether intentional or unintentional. Any student who commits an act of inappropriate conduct, or whose family member commits such acts while interacting with CTC staff, faculty or students, is subject to dismissal from CTC without refund.
Attendance Policy
What if we miss a day? Can we make it up or transfer classes?

Sorry, no make-up session or class transfers for missed days. Parents cannot alternate between block sessions. No refund for missed classes or late attendance. However, campers who miss sessions will still have access to pre-recorded instruction, offline assignments and/or digital printable as applicable. See our attendance policy for more details.

In the case of unanticipated circumstances, there are some things that cannot be “made up” (such as introductions, class participation, group activities, etc). Students cannot miss the first two days of class.

All matters affecting regular attendance—absence, coming late, or leaving early—must be communicated in writing by the parent/guardian (not the student). If there are special circumstances that will affect a student’s ability to attend every live online class meeting please notify CTC. Anticipated absences not addressed prior to the session start date refund deadline will not be accommodated.

Unanticipated attendance issues
If there is an unexpected absence (e.g., illness, emergencies)—including leaving before the end of the class meeting—the parent or guardian must notify CTC instructors.

Behavior
Inappropriate/unacceptable conduct includes but is not limited to behavior that disrupts instruction, disrespects any member of the CTC community, misuses technology used for instruction, or exhibits uncivil behavior. This also includes transmitting any inappropriate or objectionable behavior, imagery, speech, or other content during online meetings, whether intentional or unintentional. Any student who commits an act of inappropriate conduct, or whose family member commits such acts while interacting with CTC staff, faculty or students, is subject to dismissal from CTC without refund.
Tardies
Students must be on time to live online class meetings, and are expected to be ready to begin class exactly on time.
Technology
What if I don't have the minimum technology required for live online class meetings?

If you anticipate having a lack of technology or technical problems, be sure to discuss it in the “Concerns” section of your online Enrollment Form. We will work with families on a case-by-case basis to see if any accommodations can be made. Note that there are some courses——where students will absolutely need to actively participate in live, face-to-face meetings over Zoom.

Technology malfunctions or other difficulties that prevent full participation in class may constitute an absence and are not the responsibility of CTC or NKG. Even provided good faith efforts on the part of the camper and of CTC or NKG to resolve technical issues, missing too much live class time may affect the student’s academic growth and learning potential.

All online classes meet over Zoom unless otherwise noted. Make sure your device can run Zoom and maintain a stable connection.

Download the Zoom client
Join a test meeting

Prerequisites for Attendees
  • Zoom desktop client for macOS, Windows, or Linux
  • Zoom mobile app for iOS or Android

 

If you haven’t used Zoom before click one of the links above to download the Zoom client prior to the day of the session and familiarize yourself with any features you may need to use on the day.

Attendees have access to these features

The attendee controls appear at the bottom of your screen during the session.

 

Mute / Unmute: Mute and unmute your microphone.

Audio Controls (click the ^ arrow next to Mute / Unmute): Allows you to change the microphone and speaker that Zoom is currently using on your computer, leave computer audio, and access the full audio settings.

Start Video / Stop Video: Turns your camera on or off.

Video Controls (click the ^ arrow next to Start Video / Stop Video): Change cameras if you have multiple cameras, select a virtual background (if enabled), or access your full video settings.

Participants: See who’s currently in the session. You can also access to these options:

  • Rename: Hover over your name and click Rename to change your screen name displayed to other participants.
  • Non-verbal feedback icons (if enabled by the host): Place an icon beside your name to quickly notify the host.

 

 

 

Share Screen: Start a screen share (if the host allows). You will be able to select the desktop or application you want to share. Learn more.

Chat: Access the chat window to chat with the participants. Learn more.

Leave: Leave the session while it continues for the other participants. Only the host can end the session.

Zoom Etiquette for Attendees
  1. Join early – up to 5 minutes before the webinar start time
  2. Mute your microphone upon entering the session to help keep background noise to a minimum.
  3. Have your video on unless you are experiencing connection issues or opting out of video view.
  4. If using video, have a plain background – avoid backlight from bright windows
  5. Have good lighting on your face so you can be seen clearlyAdjust your camera to be at around eye level if possible – especially take note of the angle of your laptop screen if using the built-in camera.
  6. Avoid multitasking – You can make it easier to focus on the sessions by turning off notifications, closing or minimizing running apps, and muting your smartphone.
  7. Close all other windows while watching lessons.Our virtual campus works best in all major browsers, if you experience any issues you may want to try changing browsers or if you experience timing out issues, logout, close the Windows, start again.If you are able to watch videos on YouTube and other online videos on the internet without any issues you will be good to go with lessons.