#distancelearning #elearning #parenting #students #onlinelearning #parents #school #homeschool #covid19
Adjusting to online school is difficult for the students and teachers- and for parents. Often times parents feel helpless while navigating distance learning and simultaneously wanting to help their children- all while having to deal with their own #wfh changes. Here are some tips for parents of those distance learners to help keep frustration down and motivation up.
Routine
Staying home definitely has its positives and negatives. It could, however, leave us feeling down and in a rut. It's key that children stick to a routine during times like these. Create a daily and weekly routine for your family's "new normal". This can be something as simple as waking up at the same time everyday and serving children's lunch in their school lunchbox, to having weekly family walks or exercise routines. For added fun, have weekly movie nights. You can check out our blog post about movie motivation!
Be Supportive
Children are sensitive when it comes to things they do not understand. Be understanding and supportive when they don't quite understand how to use their virtual classroom, do their assignments, turn in their assignments and such. We are all learning here. Try to reassure the student that everything is new for everyone and to not give up when times get tough- just try the best you can. Check out our blog post about mental health in an online world too.
Communicate With Their Teachers
Are you an essential worker? Does a disability or language barrier infringe upon you helping the student at home? Communicate that with their teacher. It's hard for the teacher to understand a student's home life but once they do, they more often than not will try to help the student or work with their situation. Having you communicate with the teacher also helps you to understand your child's academic requirements for the time being.
Get Familiar With The Software
Using new technology can be confusing at times. It is best to get to know the program your child(ren) will be using for the distance learning. Trying to handle everything (logging in, turning mic/camera on, using the chatbox) on the first day of class is overwhelming. Sit down with your child(ren) and play around with the software before hand. If it is not yet accessible to you, try to watch a tutorial on YouTube.com or elsewhere.
These were just some tips we'd thought to pass along to all parents of distance learners. We hope this helps! Let us know in the comments if you found these helpful, or if you have some tips of your own!
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