If your child is having a difficult time with managing virtual learning, here are some tips to help them succeed. We are only half way through the school year, so there’s still time to make the most of this!! I completely understand that virtual learning is inconvenient, confusing and unprecedented. However, many students are figuring out what they need to do to succeed and working hard to get it done. I’ve written this to the parents of my own middle school students. I am a middle school teacher working full time teaching both hybrid and virtual students simultaneously. My elementary children go to a different school district and are hybrid: they attend school in person on Thursdays and Fridays and virtual learn Monday-Wednesday. As a mom and a full time teacher, these are ways we are managing.
Before beginning any of the suggestions below, please learn the platform that your child’s teacher is using in class. This could be a Google program, Schoology, Microsoft Teams or any other service. Even though many programs are difficult to navigate at first, do the work to learn them. This will help both you, and your child, navigate through these uncharted waters. Teachers want parents to be able to utilize the virtual platform so always reach out to them with questions and concerns.
1. Set up a work space at home. This must be comfortable and well lit. Have the tools your child needs throughout the day: pen, pencil, dry erase board/marker/eraser, paper, scissors, post-it notes, index cards, colored pencils, markers or crayons, pleasure reading books, a journal, a lamp, power cords and chargers are a few items which come to mine.
2. Very important, students MUST be on the virtual classes, punctually, for the entire class. Their cameras and microphones need to be on. This is the only time some teachers see them all week. This is imperative. If there are technical issues, you must contact your school to resolve these. Most technology departments are excellent and happy to assist every student with whatever tools they need to be successful.
3. Students should expect to work on each class at home for at least 30 minutes a day (of course depending on their age). This includes, but not limited to: classwork, reading, tests/quizzes, internet activities, assignments, projects and any dialogue.
4. Daily assignments are generally posted. Assignments should be turned in generally on time. Most assignments are time stamped. Teachers and parents can see how much time a student has spent on an activity and usually their work is a testament to this. Blank assignments should not be turned in. Also, assignments should not be turned in during the middle of the night. This contributes to missing virtual meets or falling asleep during virtual times.
5. Students and parents should follow their grading portal. Know which assignments are graded and are not. See if missing work can be submitted late. Make sure tests/quizzes are completed. Ask if retakes are allowed. Keep a calendar or agenda in your home so you and your child can refer to is often.
6. Try not and complain about virtual learning in front of your children. Also, try not to insult their teachers or administration in front of them. Children are listening and absorbing all that they hear. If you are pessimistic, they will be too. Try and stay positive as much as you’re able. “This too shall pass.”
7. Use this time as an opportunity to do all the things you’ve always wanted to do. Read together. Write together. Safely travel to parks or other local areas to learn about nature and local history. Watch documentaries. Study topics of interest to you. Follow recipes and bake/cook, download crafts, learn an instrument or foreign language. Take a virtual field trip anywhere in the world. Help your child find a social outlet to communicate with friends. My own children use kids messanger through my Facebook account. My students text and Facetime. Snuggle!
Thank you for taking the time to read this and I hope you find some success.
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