With Covid-19 came abrupt school closures. Parents involuntarily took on the role of academic teacher to their children. Distress calls in the form of public accolades to teachers were shared on social media. I appreciated the love teachers were getting as much as I appreciated what families were going through. A learning curve for parents and children was taking place in the most bizarre of circumstances. No doubt you have concerns about whether you want to continue in that role. But, with a little planning and teaching-trickery, you are on your way to an online school success story.
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Stay Current on School News
Keep yourself in the loop by regularly checking the email account you have provided your child’s school. Many schools communicate with families in this manner and also through their social media feed. Or, contact the school directly. Staff is usually available to answer calls from the community a few weeks before school officially starts.
Get Your Tech in Order
When schools first transitioned online, my first concern was for families without WiFi access or laptops. Some schools were providing laptops to students so be sure to check with them. And, look no further than your local library as some offer hotspots for checkout. These gadgets link to cell phone providers to establish a connection and are compatible with laptops and other mobile devices. They are also available for purchase.
The next step is to ensure you have kid headphones or earbuds and a good internet connection within your home. We use a WiFi extenders in our home to keep everyone connected. Easily plugs into an outlet. But, check to see how your WiFi holds up without one before purchasing.
Treat Online School as You Would Regular School
Although the shift from in person-school to online school requires change, the expectations you have of your child do not. Try to adhere to whatever routine is in place to start a school day. For instance, the steps of ‘getting ready-for-school’ and eating a morning meal. Also, stay informed of how your child is doing throughout the school year as you normally would.
Since learning is happening at home, you will have first hand knowledge of skills your child is working on, as well as upcoming tests. Intervene if you see your child struggling. Contact your child’s teacher to ask for additional practice materials or possible live tutorial sessions.
The space for completing schoolwork should be the same as before (when completing homework). Try to provide for quiet…as much as can reasonably be had in-home. This is especially important when taking tests.
Play the Part of Teacher
Teachers regularly wander around the classroom offering correction and/or praise to their students as they work. Parents should take on this watchful role in the home.
Likely, the assigned teacher has prepared practice worksheets for your child to complete. When you see your child correctly solving problems, a softly spoken ‘uh-huh’, ‘yup’, or ‘good work’ will do. Obvious nodding and pats on the shoulder count too!
Look also for signs of frustration such as pauses, grimacing, or sighing. Move closer in to see what task they’re working on. When your child senses your presence he or she may continue with the assignment or ask you a question. If they do neither, ask your child if they have any questions. Have your child point out what he or she is unclear about. This will give you a better understanding of how his question relates to the material as well as where further explanation is needed.
Become a study buddy to your child by taking turns solving steps of a Math problem, acting out a story, or making flashcards with the help of Quizlet™.
Include Regular Breaks
Taking into account the attention span of young minds, including breaks and praise helps keep interest up. Make a schedule for the school day. A sequential list of tasks will do. If you wish, include designated time slots for each for added structure. Items to put on the schedule could include: video lesson, meal/ snack breaks, backyard play, or, free choice. For younger children and special needs learners, pictures can be placed beside each activity to aid understanding. Use a cube timer as a visual reminder of how long they are to work before leaving the virtual school space. A break can also include movement with videos from GoNoodle. Breaks will go a long way in curbing acting out due to sensory overload from increased screen time, brain drain, or hunger.
Recruit Others to Help
You shouldn’t feel as if the responsibility of running online school rests solely on you. Having others get in on the act of teaching your child will help them to become more flexible in their learning. It really benefits a learner when they are presented with a teaching style that is different from what they’re used to. If your spouse, other children, or parents are willing, why not recruit them? You deserve a break after all.
-Helpful internet safety poster HERE
I wish you much online school success. I’m cheering you on all the way! – Elena