Episode 7: Seven Tips to help at home learners
Make a schedule: A schedule from wake up time to bedtime is important. It takes the guesswork out of what comes next for children and their caregivers. The use of work systems within schedule is also helpful. Below are a few sites for your reference. If you have questions or need further support feel free to email us here. We are happy to help you.
Resources for 9th grade and older, and the whole family
https://www.canva.com/create/weekly-schedules/
https://www.fotor.com/design/planner/daily-schedule
https://www.google.com/calendar/about/
Resources for 8th grade and younger
https://www.schkidules.com/
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ACrI9h9ORxIvQmo0AIRlaXWoDcF3Z40Eb_K3qxCj9go/edit
Resources for learners with special needs
https://www.abaresources.com/
https://do2learn.com/Use timers: Timers help foster independence and can help reduce frustration. Feel free to use whatever you have available in your house. Kitchen appliances often have timers; there are also websites with timers. If your child needs something in their hands or more concrete there are timers available for as little as $1.00.
https://www.dollartree.com/search/go?w=timer
https://www.online-stopwatch.com/classroom-timers/Communicate with the teacher regularly: Make sure you understand the expectation of the teacher. If there is something you feel you will not be able to do, communicate that with your child’s teacher. There has never been such a thing as over communicating, now is no exception to that. When I was in the classroom I thoroughly enjoyed communicating with parents and helping families problem solve and navigate difficult circumstances. Remember that your child’s teacher wants your son or daughter to be successful this year. Many teachers are willing to go beyond to make sure that the students in their class “get it.” Let the professionals help you!
Give your child space to feel their feelings without fear of punishment: Overwhelming! No matter the age of your child the feelings of being “let down” are real. Younger children may not understand why they are not allowed to go to school and meet their teacher or ride the school bus. They will mourn the school years of the past, as that was normal for them. Youngsters are very resilient and they will adapt. Give them time to do so. When they get overwhelmed, give them space to process. Older children may understand why they are learning virtually, but could still grieve the normalcy of the past. There may be days where they are able to get everything done, then some. There may be days where they get a few things done. Whatever is accomplished right now is a great thing. Do not punish your child for feeling overwhelmed by what they are being asked to do right now.
Give yourself space to feel your feelings: Just as you are not to punish your child, you are not to punish yourself. When you are feeling overwhelmed do not project that on your child(ren). It is ok for you to walk away. If you have made a choice to send your child to the classroom, that is ok. If you have made a choice for your child to learn virtually, that is ok. If you tried one way and discovered that is not the best choice for your family, that is ok. You are an amazing parent. How do I know? Because you are reading this in hopes of improving your family’s educational experience. Be kind to yourself.
Build a community of like-minded parents: There are other parents who are feeling the same way you feel. Figure out who they are and where they gather. This can be an online community, your child’s PTA or a group sponsored by a local community center. You are not doing this alone!
Give children days off from school work: Make sure Saturdays and Sundays remain days in which your child does not have to do school related work. The whole family will be better off for maintaining this off time.