As schools look ahead to possibly reopening this fall, it is becoming very clear that most states will be doing, at least, partial remote learning for the 2020–2021 school year. While we’ve been here before (just a few months ago), we can all agree that when schools closed in March, it was pretty much a cluster of good intentions and making things up as we went along. I, for one, have no desire to participate in “Pandemic Suddenly Closes All Schools, the Sequel.”
As a parent to elementary-aged students and as a 5th grade teacher, I am well versed in both sides of this crazy thing called remote learning and feel as if I’m pulling double-duty these days. The sudden switch to online learning in the spring was a huge challenge for everyone, and I have spent some quality time and energy thinking about how I will adjust our lives come school in the fall.
For all my fellow haggard parents, here are some ways that you can set yourself up for success as your child starts school remotely in the fall.
1. Designate “school days” and “weekends”
3. Make a flexible schedule
The regular school day is built on a schedule. We live and die by the bells. So, having an outline of a schedule for you and your child’s daily school expectations is vital to helping them feel that this is “real” school and not just a regular day at home with some optional assignments. While it isn’t necessary — or realistic — for most people to have a minute-by-minute outline of the day, it is important to have a target start time as well as built-in breaks for recess or lunch. Your child’s teacher may have guidelines for this, with needs to fit in scheduled class meetings or activities at specific times. Whatever you do, find a schedule that works for your family and post it somewhere for all to see.
4. Get dressed
Similarly to choosing not to lounge while attempting to complete daily school work, getting dressed will also give your child a sense of routine and make them ready for the day. Even if it is simply changing from pajamas to sweatpants, the mere act of putting on fresh clothes that are different from what they wore to bed will help them prepare for school. Lay out clothes the night before to really save time.
5. Make breakfast
Most parents realize the importance of a good breakfast before sending your kiddo off to school. The same is true for doing school at home. Having a good breakfast is an important start to the day and, let’s face it, everyone works better with some food in their tummy.
6. Have a list of logins
Much of the remote learning experience is online. The tools that are accessible to parents, teachers and students have grown and improved exponentially in the past few months, yet one of the most frustrating parts is remembering all the codes, usernames, and passwords for each online tool and meeting. Take the time to create a list of all possible login resources and have it handy for your student (and yourself) to access at a moment’s notice. Better yet, have multiple copies in multiple places.
7. Have a specific area for completed work
If your student is required to do paper/pencil work that needs to be turned in to a teacher, make sure to have a place for your student to put their completed assignments. There’s a reason that teachers have a “turn in” basket. If you’re missing something, it’s most likely there.
8. Give your kid a break
This is hard. School. Life. It’s all a lot at the moment and has been for some time now. Read your child and know when they’ve had enough (or you have). Take breaks to go for a walk, play a game, take a nap, or go on a “field trip” to a nature trail or park. Even allow yourself to take sick days. Trust me, they will need them.
