This year has been challenging, but the hardest thing to overcome is not having a school system put in place. Virtual learning can be challenging, even for the most disciplined adults. However, trying to teach kids how to learn from home can be hard for parents, who are not teachers and for children who are not in a “school-like” environments. Here are a few tips to make the transition more successful.
Schedule
Keeping yourself on schedule is one of the most important parts of the process. Children feel most comfortable when they are on a schedule. Having your child know what they are required to do is imperative to their learning process. The schedule should be similar to what they experience at school and they should also have similar reading schedules. Consider using a timer to ensure they are fulfilling the proper amount of time on certain activities.
Materials
Ensure they have the necessary back-to-school supplies to get their work done properly. Now that they are virtual learning, they may need a computer or tablet that may not have been necessary in the past. Also, make sure to have a stable Wi-Fi connection and pencil and paper for them to work on their school work.
Learning Environment
Your house is not the same as a school and your children do not have others to socialize with in class. However, please make sure their learning environment is peaceful. Ensure they have a safe space to learn in and that they are comfortable. You don’t want them to be too comfortable, or they may not feel like they are ready to learn. Consider soft music in the background to keep away distractions.
Completion
All work assigned should be completed in the order of its due date. Make sure to set aside time for learning and time for homework, as you would if you were in school and then at home after school. Keep a schedule of due dates for assignments and make sure everything is completed in a timely manner.
About Child
Remember that this is a learning process or you will get caught up in completing assignments and checking boxes off of your list. This experience is about your child and teaching them how to learn and absorb new material. Don’t get caught up in all of the stress of the task itself.
School Resources
The virtual learning system is not new. Many children have taken online and virtual classes during homeschooling. However, it is new to the parents that are now supposed to step into the role of teacher. Use all of the resources you have available and do your best to find support if you run into an area that your child is struggling with.
Motivate
Find what motivates your child and use this to get through the lessons for the day. If they are a positive reward student, then provide a sticker chart for their accomplishments and if they reach a certain number, consider a reward for the week. This will keep them on task and excited to learn.
