Many children have been forced to attend school in their homes since the pandemic began. Here are some tips to help your child or children with distance learning:
- Set a schedule. Try to stick to traditional school hours if possible. Regardless, try to stick to same schedule on a daily basis.
- Make sure student gets enough sleep. It’s hard to learn if tired. Make sure your child is getting enough sleep.
- Reduce distractions. This includes noise and clutter. Create a space for learning inside the home.
- Encourage movement. Encourage your child to exercise before their classes. Consider a standing desk.
- More difficult activities or subjects should be scheduled, if possible, when the child is most alert and engaged.
- Use a basic visual checklist of tasks for a particular activity or subject.
- Use a calendar and mark it with due dates for assignments.
- Set realistic expectations. Realize that distance learning is not the same as being in the classroom. It is especially unrealistic to expect younger children to be engaged in the equivalent of a full day’s worth of traditional education.
- Take breaks as needed. If a child is becoming frustrated, stop the activity and give them a break. Or, slow down the pace.
- Make sure all work is completed. If it can’t be completed because the student doesn’t understand, try emailing the teacher for clarification and request a deadline extension.
- Check for messages daily from teachers or the school and reply to any messages that require one.
- Provide positive feedback. Something as simple as a check mark, star or sticker on a work assignment can go a long way.
- Help your child maintain contact with friends. It’s important that children don’t feel isolated. Help your children maintain contact through social media and other online technologies. However, make sure they are aware of any possible dangers.
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SOURCES
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