I think we can all agree that distance learning last spring was a challenge – the plane was being built as it was flying, so to speak. With Central Iowa schools offering varied Return to Learn Plans for this fall, the new school year will look different for everyone depending on school district, family decisions, parent availability and more. And, as schools begin to open, students face a future in which online courses will probably be part of the curriculum. To make the best of this situation, here are some tips to help your child adapt to learning from home.
Not sure what your local school district’s plans are for the upcoming school year? Visit Central Iowa School Starting Dates & Plans for the 2020-21 School Year. And, be sure to check out our Back to School Fun Guide for additional tips and resources for a successful start to the new school year.
These 10 online learning tips will help your family prepare for a successful school year, even if it is virtual.
1. Create a Dedicated Learning Space
Help your child create a specified learning space at home. Having an educational workspace will help them mentally differentiate when it’s time for school, and when it’s not. Students should feel comfortable and have a sense of ownership to their home learning space. And your student will be more calm and ready to learn, knowing when they sit down that they’re prepared for class.
2. Get Organized
Make sure you’re fully stocked with the typical school supplies, like plenty of paper and sharpened pencils. You will also want to make sure that your kids have a system for keeping track of assignments and due dates. Additionally, this is online learning after all, you’ll need to make sure you have wi-fi access and a web accessible device. (Be sure to reach out to your local school district if you need assistance with either.) You might also want to create a cheat sheet with all of your child’s log in information.
3. Reduce Distractions
It’s inevitable that your student will get distracted while at home, so it’s best to be prepared. If you have a dog, consider putting a sign on the door to let solicitors or delivery drivers know not to knock. Other ways you can minimize distractions is to make sure that all toys, games, and activities are tucked away during school hours. If your student is having trouble focusing due to other distractions in the house, try noise cancelling headphones or moving their learning space to a quieter area.
4. Set a Consistent Schedule
Kids are used to being on school schedules, so try to keep their schedule the same at home. For some children, a basic visual checklist of tasks will help keep them focused. It allows them to see the full scope of what they have to accomplish and what steps to take. And, just like for in person school, it’s best if you can get your kids on a consistent sleep schedule and make them stick to it.
5. Take Brain and Body Breaks
Setting aside time for brain and body breaks is important for kids, especially in the virtual world where a lot of time is spent on the computer. Some children might need more frequent breaks than others. Don’t be surprised if it’s hard for your kids to sit through an entire online class. Repeated physical activity during the school day can help improve their attention span. Incorporating some sort of exercise into your day, is one of the best ways to reduce stress and prevent anxiety.
6. Communicate
Communication is key when it comes to online learning. Make sure to keep open lines of communication with both your child and their teacher. During this time, teachers are quickly adapting to online learning that frankly, most teachers have never had to do before. This is an unexpected learning experience for students, parents, teachers, and school administrators. Try keeping open lines of communication with your students’ teachers and give them feedback. Help them understand what they can do better to deliver the best educational experience and let them know when they are doing a good job!
7. Be Flexible
If a year had a motto, this should be 2020’s “be flexible”. Be prepared to switch things up. You may need to adjust your schedule as you go. Your child’s dedicated workspace may be too distracting. Don’t say, “This is how we are going to do it from now until December”, without revisiting what you’re doing at least a couple of times.
8. Provide Positive Feedback
Actively check-in with your child on their progress both educationally and mentally. Online learning can be a difficult scenario for students who are used to being in social settings. Many children miss receiving reinforcement and reassurance from their teachers. Building a reward system can help maintain motivation. After kids complete a task or finish a class, consider praising them. Putting a check mark, star or sticker on a work assignment can go a long way to encourage a kid.
9. Teach Kids On-Line Etiquette
Especially for younger learners, it can be hard to learn online etiquette. You can help your kids out by practicing how to mute and unmute the microphone, so they’re more prepared for online learning. Same goes for learning to raise hands and not interrupting others when talking. It’s also important for children to learn how to video chat in frame. And, you and other family members also need to be aware of walking in and out of camera view in the background 😉
10. Help Kids Stay in Touch with Friends
School is much more than a place to learn. It’s the center of your kids’ social circle. They miss school, they miss their teachers and they miss their friends. Allowing your kids to interact online with their friends might mitigate the effects of being socially distanced. Though a lot depends on teachers, who will need to create opportunities to engage students with one another, there are ways parents can help. Implementing social interactions into your routine will help kids stay connected.
Deep breath, remember and repeat…”This is not a normal year. We’re all in this together.” You got this!
