We have entered a time where remote learning has become necessary in order to keep our world safe. For some, this will come as second nature, but for others, it might be a challenge. This is true for teachers, students, and families alike. Below, I’ve provided some tips to help support you and your child as we transition into remote learning, together.

10 tips for transitioning into remote learning

 
1. Be positive. This is probably the most important! One of my favorite sayings is… ”In their chaos we need to be their calm.” This holds true for children of all ages. Your energy and attitude will impact theirs.

2. Set a schedule. Children, and humans of all ages really, thrive when they have routine. It does not have to be rigorous, but allocating time and creating routine will go a long way.

3. Keep to bedtime and wake up time. It might be tempting to let your child stay up late or sleep in, but allowing them to fall too far off schedule might make it harder to return back to their normal schedule. Children (and adults) need the adequate amount of sleep for proper immune and mental functioning. And on that note, make sure you allow for downtime to recharge during the day, too!

4. Make it fun! Not everything learned during this time has to come from school assignments. This is a great time for your child to explore something that really interests them. Encourage them to try something new!

5. Allow time for movement/exercise. It’s important and healthy for everyone to move. Exercise is a great stress reliever, and it also releases the happy hormones. Go for a walk, do an online workout video — just get moving however you can. For younger children GoNoodle is a wonderful resource for this.

6. Teach life skills. No better time that this to teach life skills such as cooking, cleaning, laundry, etc.

7. Write a letter. During this time we can’t have person-to-person contact, but why not encourage your child to write a letter (with paper and pencil!) to a neighbor, friend, or family member? It might be fun to start a letter exchange with a neighbor. My kids are passing notes with the neighbor on the other side of the fence. It gives both parties something to look forward to.

8. Create a flexible, distraction-free learning environment. This could be as simple as a table, or as fancy as a home office. Make sure the environment is well lit and comfortable. If possible give your child options for a learn space. Remember, they are moving around all day at school. Staying in one location might be challenging.

9. Be gentle on them. It’s okay if they need a mental health day.

10. Be gentle on yourself, too. It is also okay if you need a mental health day. Enjoy this time with your child, and try to give them some wonderful memories to remember this time by. School work will get done and learning will happen — try not to stress out about it. Remember, everyone is in the same boat and when your children do return to the classroom, everything will fall back into place. Plus, there is more to learn in life than just academics. Like I said before, this is a great time to focus on life skills and character building.

I hope you found some, or all of these tips helpful as you and your family transition into remote learning. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out. We are happy to help.

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