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”
Similar to going to work for adults, doing school creates a sense of purpose in kids. Just because they aren’t in the actual school building doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t have a school day. If you treat your quarantine life like a vacation come fall, school will not fit in. Every assignment will be a battle. Instead, instill in your student that Monday through Friday are school days, and then the evenings and weekends will feel all the more earned.
2. Create a workspace
No one does their best work sitting on the couch or laying on their bed, yet as I met with my students last spring for our Zoom meetings, that’s where nearly all of them were schooling from. There is something about sitting up at a desk-like setup with good posture rather than lounging that allows students to focus.
While many families do not have the luxury of having a home office, most families do have the ability to create a space that will encourage more focus for their student. Be creative. Use a TV tray and a folding chair in the corner of the living room, or set up the laptop on a dresser and swipe a kitchen chair for a little work space in your child’s bedroom. Make sure they have the tools they will likely need for most lessons in this space.
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.
9. Don’t hesitate to contact the classroom teacher
As a teacher, there is so much I miss about being in the classroom. While you didn’t sign up to facilitate learning for your kids, we did! We love teaching them, but remote learning often feels like we are putting out a lot of information and missing the whole layer of questions and misconceptions that we are so used to addressing. If your student (or yourself) are struggling with a concept or just feeling overwhelmed with life, email and set up a time to chat. We want to hear from you. Silence from families during remote learning is not a good sign to the teacher. Bring on the questions!
Remember that, unlike last spring, we’ve all done this before. We’ve made mistakes. It’s been hard. It’s been a struggle. But we’ve learned and hopefully improved. So, as your student jumps into school during a worldwide health crisis, just remember that they can do this.
And so can you.
