Here we are heading into a school year with distant learning. 😷 Last Spring I never would’ve predicted we would still be in this ‘model’ for school.
I wanted to direct this post to parents ~ I can’t imagine trying to work and teach or monitor my child(ren) at the same time, so my heart goes out to you. I’m the mom of college aged kids so I don’t feel your struggle. However, raising kids and being an educator for 26 years I feel like I can offer some sound advice for you.
I’ve created a list of 5 ways you can make at home learning more structured and successful.
At home learning is challenging at best, we understand. However, as you head into this 2020 – 2021 school year understand that it will look very different from the Spring experience you had when we were thrown into this unexpectedly. Anticipate a much more rigorous, accountable distant learning plan as we are starting the year off in this model.
Here is a poster that you can print out – it is a great visual created by my friend Greg from Kindergarten Smorgasboard.
1.) Give them a CONSISTENT place to work ( desk, work space, etc. ) and attend live meetings. Preferably not too far from an adult but also careful to be in a place that isn’t too loud.
2.) Hang a poster similar to the one above or one that your classroom teacher sends you so your child can visually see expectations that they need to follow. This would be similar to rules hung in a classroom. It sets the child up to know and follow the expecations from the start.
3. ) Have a WONDERFUL attitude no matter how you might be feeling. I understand this is hard on everyone and frustrating. Your child will pick up on any stress, anger, etc. you have so putting on a smile and encouraging them will take you and them far in this journey. They need to see your great attitude so they can go into this with a similar attitude. Support the teacher the best you can. There’s not much we can do about it so let’s make lemonade out of lemons together.
4.) Follow a schedule consistently each day – logging in for the live class meetings, taking lunch and recess when the class is etc. But, also be flexible like teachers have to be in the classroom. If you are sensing your child’s frustration level is high, give them a 5 minute break in the back yard. SET a TIMER so they know they need to get back on track when it rings.
5.) Communicate with the teacher and share any concerns you have so that you can be on the same page in moving forward to help your child.
These are just a few tips to get your year started off right! You can do this…your teacher is there to help and support you, so definitely reach out if needed.💖
