Is your child heading back to school virtually this year? If so, make sure you follow these tips to help ensure your child’s switch to the remote classroom is a success!
Prior to COVID, you were probably running around preparing for back-to-school season with new clothes, backpacks, and lunchboxes. Getting ready for a new school year is different if your child is doing at-home virtual schooling. While some traditional back-to-school routines won’t be necessary when your child’s classroom is just down the hall from your living room (or is in your living room!), there is plenty you can do to prepare for the academic year ahead. Here’s some tips that will get your scholar excited and prepared for remote learning.
Learning at home is a big change for students who are accustomed to a classroom space. Setting up a designated workstation for your child can help them remain engaged and less distracted by events happening at home. When looking for a learning space, pick a quiet, well-lit area of your home ‒ preferably a room where the door can be closed to give your child the privacy they need to pay attention to their virtual lessons. Make sure your child has a hard surface to use for writing, as well as a comfortable area for tasks like reading or working on projects. Don’t forget to check on them frequently, even if it’s just a quick peek in.
This year, your child’s class schedule may be different from anything they’ve experienced before. With less rigid schedules, some students can find it hard to stay self- directed and actively participate in their classes. Help your child set a schedule as close to a “normal” school day as possible with set times to wake up, eat lunch, and take a few regular breaks from lessons. You can even schedule in five to ten minute walking breaks to mimic going from classroom to classroom. If you can take these quick breaks outside, even better ‒ enjoy the fresh air during “recess”!
Making sure your child has everything they need is crucial to a successful at-home learning program. Most schools will require or provide a computer or tablet for your child to access their programs and lessons. Check with your internet service provider that your connection can support your child’s learning requirements. While digital access is an important part of virtual schooling, don’t forget your child needs resources at home as well. Provide your student with plenty of supplies, including notebooks or binders, paper, folders, pens, pencils, rulers, erasers, a planner, and markers or highlighters. Storing these materials at their workstation will keep your child’s focus on their lesson rather than running around the house looking for supplies when they need them. Plus, new school supplies can help boost motivation and excitement for the year ahead!
Adapting to new situations can be hard for kids of any age (and even for adults!), but by taking these simple steps, you can make sure your student has a great experience with their new learning situation. To us, that deserves an A+! Happy online learning!
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