Distance learning is a new and challenging world for many teachers, parents, and students. Everyone is doing their best to navigate new technology, routines, and expectations. It can feel overwhelming and uncertain. If you are dealing with these emotions, here are some tips and resources to help. I think you will find this information applies to life during the shutdown and into the future as well.
Create a Routine
Students thrive off structure and consistent routines. Changes can be hard for them to navigate. Encourage parents, particularly those in lower elementary, to set up a daily schedule while students are learning at home. Setting up a routine that is similar to what they use at school may help them to feel more comfortable with at-home learning.
Don’t Stress
During these uncertain times, prioritize the social-emotional needs of your kids as well as their academic needs. Students cannot learn if they are so stressed with world events that it’s all they can think about. Acknowledge their fears and provide them with tools to manage that fear. Help them to relax and find enjoyable activities. One of my favorite ways to do this is through the use of children’s literature. Read for fun. At the end of this post you can get a free set book response worksheets that can be used with any book to discuss feelings.
Adjust Expectations
With everything going on, it’s easy to add too much to our plates. Focus on what is essential and adjust your expectations. It’s ok not to get everything finished.
Learn Something New
Learning at home should not be only spelling lists and math facts. Take time to explore new interests and life skills. Help kids to learn to become more independent with things like preparing their meals, cleaning, and laundry. Set up a checklist in your home and tackle one task at a time.
Online sites have an endless choice of virtual field trips and classes on fun skills that can be incorporated into a distance learning plan. Make a wish list of interests to explore and find a way to learn about it that meets your family’s needs.
Get Some Exercise
Find creative and fun ways to get outside and get moving. Exercise improves physical, emotional, and academic health. When everyone is feeling overwhelmed, fresh air can refocus the brain and help get learning back on track.
Ask for Help
Don’t be afraid to seek out help. None of us know everything, and it’s a great lesson to teach our kids.
Make It Fun
Find materials you have around the house to set up fun activities that teach the skills you are working on. For instance, use dried beans to practice math problems, make a musical instrument, or create spelling word art. Have kids come up with ways to practice a skill and you will be amazed at the creative ideas they use. The bonus is that they will be more likely to remember the information.
Play Games
You may associate games with only having fun, but all games can have educational value. Take some time to revisit favorite card and board games. These teach skills like grammar, spelling, math facts, problem-solving, and social skills. Show your kids that education is fun. You will be surprised at the skills you will learn.
Resources to Help
► See a comprehensive list of distance learning resources.
► Check out this post on great digital resources you can use for at-home learning.
https://tammysteachingtools.com/20-of-the-best-digital-resources-for-struggling-readers/
► Boom Cards are digital interactive, paperless, no-prep, super fun, and can go anywhere. As a bonus, teachers and parents get data on mastery. A win for teachers, parents, and students. You can find help for almost any skill that engages student interest. Try a free deck to see how they work.
► This awesome student planner and agenda is an editable and customizable way to stay organized, reduce stress, and improve learning. It is printable, editable, and digital for use in Google Drive™ to meet all your needs. This is great for parents to use at home and schools to utilize for distance learning. Choose from various predated calendar forms, cover designs, organization pages, information add-ins, and homework helpers to create the perfect tool for getting and staying organized.
Stay Safe and Have Fun Learning
