The Parent’s Guide to Fostering Children To Thrive In Online Learning

As school closures and reopenings occur every day, it may seem that your child’s education is full of uncertainties. It seems as if every time you talk to another person, they describe their child as being back in class, and then the next day, they are out again. It seems like a confusing time for millions of children nationwide as K-12 education, and even some colleges, shifts back and forth between classrooms to the internet. But, while many school districts are giving their teachers their second crash courses in a hybrid version of in-person and online learning, families also play a significant role in ensuring that their children receive top-notch knowledge.

Are you struggling to adjust your day by supervising your child’s coursework?

If you find yourself trying to balance the at-home portion and you’ve tried everything else, why not give these suggestions a try? They can help provide parental direction and include your child’s needs.

Planning and Preparing

Your school most likely sent your child home with materials and devices to assist in completing their assignments. However, it’s up to you to encourage motivation and provide the structure they need to get it all done.

Check out these strategies to help develop an efficient structure:

1. Schedule your days. Routine can be the most helpful thing when dealing with change. Make every attempt to keep to your usual schedule and routines as much as possible, including bedtimes and mealtimes. If you don’t have one yet, now would be a great time to collaborate with your children in creating a routine that works well for both of you. Let your children know what you expect from them all day, including logging in on time for class to brushing their teeth at night.  
2. Arrange your space. Designate an area just for school. When you’re stuck at home, it is vital to keep designated spaces throughout the house. Don’t use the bedroom as a classroom because their brain may not shut down the school feeling at night when it’s time for bed. The result may lead to sleepless nights and tired children. Find a place that can double as a study area. It may be another bedroom, a section of the living room. Choose a quiet and comfortable space—stock up on supplies like notebooks, pens, and calculators.
3. Limit distractions— It’s okay to have a little white noise, but nothing that may take away from the learning environment. Consider that some children learn better with light background music—Ban movies and games during class and homework. Be firm and transparent with your boundaries and ensure you stick to them.
4. Enjoy recess. Step away. Breaks and lunch hours are imperative. Have healthy snacks on hand to fuel the brain. Although it may seem like they’re just sitting in front of a screen all day, they are burning numerous calories using their brainpower and thinking skills. Use your creativity to provide fun options for physical activity. Encourage a purposeful stretch between classes, or take a moment to dance it out while playing an upbeat song. For longer breaks, encourage a brisk walk, a game of catch, or basketball. Breaks and lunch can be an excellent time for everyone to exercise and try new things together.
5. Be social. How can your child maintain their friendships? We can use technology for video chats, group study sessions, and virtual playdates. Help them connect with family and friends by giving them a pen pal. You can also use this time to develop their social phone skills. 
6. Contact your school. Ask for resources that may be available for collaborating with other parents. Look out for opportunities provided by the community and non-profits. Ask your school about the most effective way to communicate and stay in touch regularly. Connect via social media and interact with their pages. 

The Basics In Study Skills

Effective study skills will be a valuable asset offline, in their future careers, and online. So train your child to learn effectively. 

Strengthen study skills with these techniques:

1. Give practice tests. Treat quizzes like a game to alleviate any stress or anxiety. Studies show that one of the most productive ways to learn is by testing yourself. Work together to design the questions, and don’t forget to celebrate the win!  
2. Conduct reviews. Last-minute test cramming is the perfect way to forget school material. Be prepared for tests by reviewing past material regularly. Try to incorporate the lessons into everyday living. If they are studying a particular animal, watch videos about the animal. Learning about a specific time in history, enjoy a movie set in that time frame—teaching fractions? Try baking! Think outside the box and create fun for everyone.
3. Create outlines. Developing a framework strengthens writing skills and reading comprehension while encouraging critical thinking. Discuss significant themes and identify principal facts. 
4. Proofread and edit. Be sure to review your child’s assignments before they’re submitted. Consider making improvements together until they’re comfortable doing it on their own. Consider different synonyms to expand their vocabulary skills.
5. Evaluate your progress.  Discuss teacher comments and test results. Use goal-setting to help with specific tasks, such as reading a determined number of pages each day. Explore by asking your child to describe their weaknesses and their strengths. Create a list of unfamiliar vocabulary words to look up. Share constructive feedback with your child. 

Passion Projects

Passion projects are an open door invitation! Take advantage of the opportunity to spend extra time with your child. Create happy memories while nurturing their interests.

Consider these ideas:

1. Browse for resources. Just because field trips are on hold doesn’t mean we have to stop exploring. There are endless collections online for any subject your child has their heart set on. Delve deeper into ports nutrition, or dinosaurs. Begin planning your next vacation by creating a brochure or build your itinerary and explore the history of your soon-to-be destination. 
2. Be selective. You can be easily overwhelmed by the endless options available. Begin by asking knowledgeable people or teachers for recommendations. Start with only a few reliable resources. For example, you may wish to explore the PBS Parents Play and Learn App for younger children and Great Courses for older children.
3. Show enthusiasm. Make learning an adventure. View it as a fun activity that draws you closer together. In between the hard work, don’t forget to reward yourself and your child’s hard work and effort with prizes like a trip to the dollar store for a unique find or baking a dessert together. Hang their artwork on your walls and applaud when they read you their book reports.

While circumstances may change, the value of education remains the same. Assist your child in gaining skills and knowledge that will enable them to impact the world positively.

Be patient with yourself and stay connected and be patient as you make the transition to online learning.