Tips for making virtual learning a success for your child
The alarm goes off, everyone gets up eats breakfast, brushes their teeth and gets ready for school but this year the bus is not coming and in person school does not exist for many elementary aged students. During these difficult times there are many struggles that parents must deal with, and this seems to be one of the biggest. It is important to understand that this is as stressful on the children as it is on the parents, if not even more. This is extremely unnatural for most kids and a very unorthodox way for them to learn. They strive for the face-to-face interaction and most learn best by getting much needed acknowledgment and attention from their teacher who they trust and look to for answers.
The school day is comprised with many different parts. Children are not expected to sit and learn for 6 straight hours. They transition to specials, lunch, and morning recess these are all critical parts of their day. Taking a break from “learning” and taking time to be a kid provides important social-emotional skills that are crucial for a child’s development. When structing your child’s day, remember to bake these things while creating a schedule for your child will help aid in the success of their virtual learning experience. Below are some tips and tricks that allow your child time to “take a break” and/or provide some much-needed appropriate screen time distractions.
1. Have a bin of “fidget” type toys next to your child’s workstation such as playdough, fidget spinners, hair ties (to twist between their fingers) and a visual clock so they can track how much longer their call/session is before their next break.
2. Provide alternative seating for them throughout the day. Let them take a call outside (weather and Wi-Fi permitting). Allow for alternative seating such as an exercise ball or a tray they can sit on the floor (maybe try a stadium seat so they have a back).
3. Have a designated area set-up for them to “go to school at” every day. Keep the routine the same by getting up at the same time that you would for school and setting expectations for a start and end time.
4. Roll play how to ask a question while on a call. It can be very intimating to interrupt the teacher or ask a question with all those little eyes looking at you. Teach your child how to use the chat feature or how to virtually raise their hand. It is important for them to ask the question right away, so they have the assistance they need to get their work done when they are off-line.
5. During break times have a snack basket for them to make healthy choices from. Allowing them to choose with provide them with some control of their day.
6. Play active movement breaks. Find creative ways to get their wiggles out.
a. Lunge down the hall
b. Run to the end of the driveway
c. Turn their favorite song up loud and have a family dance party
d. Have a jumping jack contest. Maybe record the results and try and beat your score next break.
Nothing is fool proof and there may be still be some tears, from mom or child, but remember you are not in this alone. Many families are experiencing the same struggles you are. It is important that you take the time to ensure your child is understanding the work rather than rushing through to get it done. This will pass and we will all resume to a new normal at some point so keep in mind that adding undue stress to this situation will not be better for anyone. Reach out to your child’s teacher if you feel you need added support. Like you, they want your child to succeed, and are there to provide you with resources and ideas on how to make this successful for everyone. Happy learning to all!
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