Ok! Everyone ready for this school year? Feeling a little anxious? Help is on the way! I have researched and found the top tips and strategies for online learning. Read below to see the most successful ideas. Once school starts, I will be presenting online workshops to help implement strategies for various subjects and specific needs. I will also be presenting workshops where I can answer specific questions, and delve into topics that are of interest and helpful to you as parents.
Set up an online routine- Most of us are more successful when there is a routine in place. For online learning, find out what the school schedule is. Then, create a space where kids can work while online. Try to decide if your child needs you to be nearby to keep focused. Usually the online lessons are only about 20 min, so if you can sit and do some of your work or even fold some laundry etc. it is helpful to redirect your child if he or she is getting antsy.
Set up time for movement- Gonoodle.com is a free site that has small "brain breaks" to help your student refocus when they need a break. They have funny videos and also dance videos that incorporate math and reading skills (A favorite of my students is "Clap it out" about syllables!) Take breaks- even for a few minutes. Jumping jacks, toe touches, or even running in place can help with focus. Studies show children can focus for about 20 min before they need to move. I promise you it works!
Keep in touch with your child's teacher- It is important to make sure you let the teacher know if you child isn't understanding a concept, or if something is going on with your family. Teachers are there to help you and will give you good advice and suggestions. It also helps to make sure your child is turning in all the assignments and is up to date with projects.
Focus on the basics- Start with 20 minutes of reading, writing and math daily and then once you have that down, you can begin layering on other subjects. Make sure that you're meeting the needs of YOUR child- not someone else's. When if comes to learning styles and best practices, my girls are on opposite ends of the spectrum! What works for one does not work for the other. Sometimes, I need to structure their online learning at different times or different rooms to accommodate their needs.
Interact with others- The first time we did online learning, it was very daunting and isolating. I learned quickly that in order to save everyone's sanity, Zooming or FaceTime with my daughters' friends and parents was extremely important. As I've mentioned before, school isn't just academic- it is also where children learn social interactions and appropriate behavior with their peers. Try to meet for an online playdate, or if the weather is nice, meet outside for a while.
Set expectations- Take baby steps. Set up expectations, but don't make them so high that they're unachievable. This only leads to frustration and guilt. Start small and then build on them. This makes things achievable and also keeps both you and your child from becoming frustrated.
I hope you find these helpful. Feel free to contact me with any questions or availability for this year. You can email me directly at Hguthrie@thetotaltutor.com.
Comments