What’s up, fellow parents? Are we ready for distance learning, or are we freakin’ out just a little while trying to hide it from our kids? Excuse us while we hyperventilate a little bit at the thought of what this school year will be like and how much more will be expected of us as parents. Wait, on second thought, let’s not do that; it’s not helpful or productive, and our kids will pick up on our stressing. Instead, let’s take some deep, calming breaths and come up with a plan on how to set ourselves and our kids up for distance learning success because … ¡Si se puede! We can do this! We will do this!
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How will we do it? We will do it by setting up a distance learning plan and working that plan. Your distance learning plan will help you set up a schedule that works for your family, providing you all with a sense of stability while dealing with unprecedented challenges. Your plan is not set in stone and can most definitely be modified as needed. Flexibility is key. OK, ready to flex? Here are some tips that will help you and yours get ready for distance learning success. Let’s do this!
Establish and stick to a routine.
Make sure bedtimes are enforced so that your child gets enough sleep to shine the next morning. Wake-up times should be enforced as well. Don’t just have your child roll out of bed and start their school day. They need enough time to wake up, have breakfast, wash their face, brush their teeth, and get dressed. No, they don’t have to wear a school uniform or anything, but swapping out PJs for comfy clothes helps create a distinction between relaxing time and learning time.
Have food ready to go all day long.
Have breakfast foods that are easy for your child to access. Prepare snacks and lunches ahead of time so that when your child is hungry, there is already something ready for them to eat. Yes, it may mean more work for you at the start of the day or over the weekend, but it is worth it, and it means fewer interruptions for you during each actual school/work day.
Create a dedicated space for learning.
When kids go to school, they have a desk, supplies, and an environment that is meant to encourage learning. At home, you can set up a space that does the same for them. It can be a corner or a small section of a room. In that space, make sure they have a comfortable chair, a desk or table, and access to any supplies and technology they may need so that they don’t have to run around looking for or asking for things when they are in class.
Do you need electronic devices?
Not everyone has access to a computer or tablet at home. If your child doesn’t have access to the technology they need, please reach out to your school and school district. Many schools are offering devices that can be checked out for the entire school year. If you do have a device for your child, don’t take one from the school district, because that might mean another child who really needs it won’t get one.
What about internet access?
If your home is not set up with internet access that your child can use, your school or school district may be able to help you out. Do not hesitate to reach out to them, as they are there to help you and your child. They may be able to provide you with free internet access or guide you toward low-cost internet options available to families.
Make sure they get recess.
Recess is important. The distance learning schedule provided by your child’s school will likely have breaks built into it. Have your child use those breaks to move around. It’s a great time to step away from all electronics and do something physical. If you have an outdoor space, have your child go outside and get some vitamin D from the sun.
Use alarms to replicate school bells.
You can set up alarms that sound like school bells to signal that it’s the start of school or time for recess. That way, it’s not up to you or your child to keep a constant eye on the clock to make sure that they are staying on schedule. It’s also something that children are used to experiencing when they are at school, and it adds structure to their day.
Set up schedules.
Set up daily and weekly schedules for both students and parents. Do your best to stick to them, but allow for a certain amount of flexibility. If you are working from home and find that your child is constantly asking for your help with schoolwork, then set up a schedule that works for both of you. For example, you can tell your child that you will check in on them every hour for a certain amount of time to help them out and that they should try to figure out how to do something on their own until then. Stick to that check-in schedule so that your child knows they can rely on your help at regular intervals.
Remember that you are there to support your child.
You aren’t the teacher. You are the parent, and you can help in lots of ways, but give yourself and their actual teachers a break. Distance learning is new to most of us, and we’re all just trying to figure it out as we go along. Things will be very different from what we are used to, and that’s OK. Let go of expectations of how things are supposed to be, and remember that we are all in this together.
There is no shame in asking for help.
If you need help so that you can help your child, then seek it out. Older siblings can be great at helping younger siblings with schoolwork. You can also reach out to your child’s teacher for help or advice. You can also consider setting up a homework group with other students in your child’s class so they can help each other out.
Make sure you are in the loop.
How is your child’s school sending out communications? How is your school district sending out communications? Are they doing it through email, texts, or a dedicated app? Find out what the best way to stay connected is, and get connected. You don’t want to miss out on any important announcements.
Make sure all of your contact information is up to date.
Now more than ever, you want to make sure that your child’s school has your current address, email, and phone numbers. If they need to mail you anything, it won’t get to you if the address they have isn’t current. It’s true that in the past schools haven’t really mailed supplies, but the way things are right now, you need to allow for that as an option.
Find creative ways to have your kids stay in touch and socialize with their friends.
How can your children socialize with their friends when they aren’t even in the same space? They can set up online playdates, they can write each other letters and send them in the actual mail, they can do their homework together via Zoom or some other video conferencing service, and they can talk on the phone instead of texting. Encourage your child to reach out to friends and connect.
Be patient and empathetic.
We’re all adjusting, we’re all dealing with huge changes, and there are going to be so many glitches in this new system we’re trying to set up. Be patient with yourself, your child, and teachers. Show yourself and everyone grace. There may be tears and tantrums. There will also be growth and bonding.
Have fun, and keep as many of your past routines as possible.
If you normally take pictures on the first day of school, go ahead and keep that tradition alive. This year hasn’t really been canceled, after all; it’s just different. If getting new clothes for the school year is something that you’ve always done, then do it. Get your child some comfy clothing for distance learning. Oh, and go ahead and treat yourself to something special, too.
