Virtual learning can be a challenging change for some students, especially if they’re used to attending classes in person. Learning at home also has its rewards and benefits.
Here are some great suggestions and tips by educators that can help your families adapt to a virtual learning landscape.
Children thrive on routines and can quickly develop daily habits. Routines have been proven to help increase cognitive function, memory, and focus/self-control. The Athlos PBIS family matrix can help your family hold meetings, establish expectations and schedules/routines, address needs, and set rules and rewards for family members.
This can be a simple personal desk or corner in the home away from distractions and others. You can also make it fun by involving blankets/pillow forts, festive lights, and more.
You do not need to know every detail of your child’s life, but knowing their class schedule and names of teachers and classmates will aid you in building a list of contacts for help and answers to questions throughout this school year.
Daily goals can support long-term goals made in the Athlos PBIS family matrix. These can be simple questions, such as: “What do you plan to work on today? What did you accomplish today? What did you find challenging today?”
When your student is finished with school for the day, ask them questions, such as: “What did you learn today? What did you accomplish today? What did you find challenging today?”
These can be helpful on an as needed basis. Some students need encouragement while others simply need reminders to do the work.
We cannot emphasize this more, please take breaks away from screens. Students will already be spending upwards of 4+ hours on a device. Extended periods of time in front of a screen can cause headaches, fatigue, and disrupted sleep cycles in children.
Virtual learning can be a challenge for the whole family. Just as it’s important for students to take breaks, make time in your busy schedule for at least a 10-minute break to think. Practice, daily habits, and patience will ultimately be your key to success.
*This list has been adapted from a virtual instructions guide for parents created by the Louisiana Department of Education: Louisiana Believes.