With many schools taking classes virtually, parents are scrambling to adapt to the technology used for classes. While this is a learning curve for both parent and student, parents are often left searching their brains for the algebra formulas they remembered years ago so they can help their child succeed. This is a period of adaptation for everyone involved, but here are some remote learning tips to make the transition as easy as possible for you as a parent.
1) Set a Schedule
Having a schedule for the day can make remote learning easier. If it’s close to a normal school schedule, it may be easier for your child to get in the swing of things. Keeping a schedule can be difficult since there is no demand to get up and get out to the car or bus stop, but it’s important that the schedule is kept daily, or things will fall behind.
2) Prepare Materials
Make sure they have access to any materials they may need for the day. This could be a pencil and paper, or the accounts of whatever software is being used for the class. Making sure everything is on hand before the day starts can prevent unnecessary stress for you and the student, as well as the teacher.
3) Productive Environment
Most children as easily distracted which can put a damper on their learning. Having a productive learning environment where distractions are minimal will help your child perform their best. Set up a spot for them to take their classes and do their homework that’s not too noisy, but also not isolated from everyone else.
4) Help Them Understand
This may be one of the more obvious tips, but sometimes parents teach their child instead of helping them understand. They may have questions about how or why something works the way it does and explaining that will help them understand everything better. There’s no need to reteach everything their teacher spoke about during class since this takes up valuable time, just help them better understand the problem so they can reach the solution.
5) Make Sure Work is Done
Work should be completed as required by the teacher. However, uncompleted work should have a good reason for not being finished. For instance, if the student needs clarification on a part of their homework, they can email their teacher and set a goal of getting the work turned in by a certain time the following day. Other than that, make sure your student is submitting all of the work they are required to, so they don’t fall behind.
6) Remember What’s Important
While your student should be getting their assignments turned in on time, it is ultimately about your child. The homework should serve your child, not the other way around. Their well-being is more important than completing an assignment they are struggling with. Taking a break to get a snack and drink may help them focus better. This is a difficult transition for them, and it is certainly overwhelming to little minds.
7) Identify Barriers
You know your child better than anyone else. Being able to identify their barriers will help you set up a plan to overcome them so your child can succeed. Your child may lack motivation or maybe they want you to sit with them while they work. You can find ways to keep them motivated if that’s the problem or sit with them if that’s what they want. If they are struggling with something, you have to first determine what exactly it is that they don’t understand. Often, they will tell us they don’t get it, but until you identify what ‘it’ is, you won’t be able to help them understand.
8) Turn Learning into a Game
Making learning fun will keep your child’s interest and may inspire a love of learning that lasts them a lifetime. You can offer points or stickers for overcoming challenges or meeting milestones in their learning. This offers a sense of accomplishment which will improve their outlook on school and their work.
9) Utilize All Resources
Contact your child’s school to make sure you’re using all available resources available. This is especially important if your child requires a specialized learning plan or has trouble learning. The internet is also home to thousands of ways to improve your child’s virtual learning and to help them better understand problems.
Remote learning has become a popular method of school since most have limited in-person classes. This is an adjustment for the child and teacher, as well as the parent who helps their child with school. To ease the stress of remote learning, there are some things you can do. Creating a space for your child to learn is important. Space should be relatively quiet with few distractions, but still easily accessible for you to check in on them. Preparing everything they need ahead of time will ease them into class better so they can get ready to tackle the day.
Be sure to use all available resources. This is a strange time for everyone involved so reaching out for help can make the best of the situation and get you in touch with resources you and your child may require.
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