Another school year is beginning, and with it, another year of remote learning for many families. There are also a lot of families who are embarking on their first year of remote education. For some, itâs the best option to keep their kids healthy this year while the global health crisis continues to affect communities. In addition, some parents find the flexibility with remote learning the best fit for their family.
Whatever the reason for doing remote school, some significant differences to traditional in-person school exist. Parents need to be a little more hands-on with their kidsâ education than when theyâre in a classroom. Also, unique distractions happen at home that can make the remote option stressful. However, itâs not all bad. Being armed with the best advice and tricks to make it as good as possible could be exactly what the family needs to make it a successful year.
For any parent about to embark on a year of remote learning with the kids, read on to see 18 tricks and tips that will help the year go as smoothly as possible.
Make Space
Doing work or school from home sounds like the best of every world, but it can be hard to stay focused. For families doing remote schooling at home this year while working at the same time, having space is vital. Set aside somewhere in the house thatâs only for schoolwork. That way, the kids will know itâs time to focus when theyâre in that space. It doesnât have to be a big space â even just a unique chair or a specific pillow signaling itâs time to focus will work well.
Get Creative
We know not everyone has a lot of space to make school at home ideal, but there are some ways to make it work. For example, some people have gotten large cardboard boxes and used them to help give kids a separated workspace â similar to office cubicles. Itâs effective for kids who canât find the focus they need and become distracted by what their siblings or parents are doing.
Restrict Devices
Itâs so tempting to let kids dual screen or work on two things while theyâre supposed to be listening to their teacher on a video meeting. However, devices that arenât actively being used for the at-hand task, such as a tablet, video game, or even an engaging TV show in the room, reduce focus and will be a hassle when it comes to bringing the kidsâ focus back. It's best to set that rule at the beginning.
Set a Routine
Itâs so, so tempting to roll out of bed and get right to schoolwork, but thatâs not going to help in the long term. Instead, encourage the kids to stick to a routine â getting up simultaneously, eating breakfast, and getting dressed. In other words, all the same tasks they would do if they had to leave home for school. It sets them in an awake mood, and itâs easier to get started.
Have Patience
If this is the familyâs first year doing remote schooling, thereâs a learning curve and some growing pains that should be expected. Such kids arenât used to doing school this way â at least not full time. And although there are some pretty great benefits, there will be hiccups along the way. Having patience and giving everyone some leeway will keep expectations in check.
Keep the Kids Close
Itâs tempting to have children work at the table while youâre in another room or around the corner, but that doesnât always work well. Because the teachers canât always keep their eyes on the kids as they could in the classroom, having another eye on someone struggling to focus or needing some extra help can reduce frustration.
Set Self-Regulation Tasks
Depending on the kidsâ ages, there are some tasks that parents donât have to oversee, and delegating and setting some of these self-regulation tasks does two things. First, it helps manage time if more than one kid is doing remote school or if a parent has to work. And second, it teaches some responsibility for the kids to manage some things on their own.
Carve in Some Break Time
Having a âbrain breakâ implemented at home will help kids regulate their stimulation and prepare them for the next task. When there are built-in breaks, encourage kids to get out of their school chair, walk around, or stand outside for a moment if possible. Anything that gives their eyes a break from the screen and their brain a break from computing can go a long way.
Foster a Sense of Community
Children need friends, and itâs good for them to build these relationships. Online learning can give some of that, but it might not be enough for everyone. Help foster friendships with the other classmates and keep in touch with their friends through video calls (on the weekends) and other virtual events.
If Possible, Turn on the Video
We know that remote learning often means video classes with the students and teacher. Some classes, however, donât require kids to have their video on. We know it can be awkward to have a window into our private space. (Many of us have felt that with the video calls weâve had over the past year.) But having the camera on will let the teacher bond with the kids and help the students feel more connected to each other.
Have Many Conversations To Check In
Remote learning isnât something that comes naturally for some kids, especially if this will be their first year of learning. Make sure there are many check-ins with them, especially for the older ones and teens. Ask if school is going OK, and inquire if thereâs anything they find hard about remote or something they wish they could change. Then, brainstorm together how to address those issues as well.
Get Outside More Than You Might Have Before
Being inside doing remote learning and no longer having that access to the outside world through a walk or drive to school and recess time means we need to prioritize it at home. Being outside provides wonderful benefits, and fresh air tends to help people refocus their attention. So open windows, if possible, and let the sunshine and fresh air inside.
Donât Overfocus on Homework
We know that school comes with homework. Because itâs all right there in the house, it might be instinctual to work ahead or spend more time catching up than usually would happen with an in-person setting. But donât focus too much time on homework. Instead, allow for space to unwind and focus on things that bring students joy.
Give a Lot of Positive Feedback
Remote learning is complex, and the world is unpredictable for so many kids right now. Focusing on positive feedback can help reduce some anxiety a child may be having. It can feel overwhelming, at least initially, to focus on learning the technology necessary for school and a whole new way of communicating with the teacher and class through video.
Keep an Eye on Mental Health
Mental health in kids has taken a hit this year, so as parents, we should keep an eye open for any mental health struggles students may be having. There are many complicated emotions with change and remote learning. Some children may need additional support to help them sort out their feelings.
Communicate With the Childâs Teacher
Itâs a little strange not to meet our kidsâ teachers, but remote learning doesnât mean there isnât a relationship between families and instructors. Be sure to have a line of communication open and address any struggles that can be seen at home. Teachers are there to help our kids, but they cannot see as many of those issues as they might in a classroom setting.
Be Flexible
For any parent who loves routine, this year might be a struggle with remote learning. Yes, itâs essential to have a routine. Still, there needs to be some flexibility built in. Take tabs on whatâs working, what isnât, and why. Then together, make any adjustments that are necessary.
Give Grace to Everyone
Remote learning is complex. This whole year-and-a-half has been challenging. As we enter another school year where we have to juggle it everything, itâs crucial to reduce expectations and give leeway and grace to everyone. That goes for our kids, our kidsâ teachers, and ourselves. Itâs OK if everything isnât perfect â letting go of that expectation will keep unnecessary stress at bay.
