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Tips for helping children adjust to learning at home

Attending School From Home

As USD 333 students begin the Continuous Learning Plan (CLP) of taking classes online from home, experts around the country have provided tips for parents to make the process easier, and ways to cope with the idea of parents suddenly forced to take on the dual role of a part-time teacher.
An article published by National Public Radio advises parents to first understand your child as a student. Strong learners can do even better independently, but weaker learners may really struggle.
"Online learning is really hard for a lot of people," said Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) education researcher Justine Reich. "It requires a lot of self-regulated learning skills."
Reich goes on to say that different kids will perform differently in online learning environments. "The older kids are, the longer they may be able to work on their own."
Ana Homayoun, an educational coach for students, says that now is a good time for kids to pursue interests they haven't had time to focus on in the past. "It could be cooking, building in Minecraft, or drawing. If it's something they're truly interested in, you won't have to bug them to do it."
Homayoun also reminds parents not to get bogged down by a flood of downloadable PDFs and lesson plans. If parents are working from home themselves, this can be especially overwhelming.
Scholastic.com recommends several steps that parents can take to make the transition to online classrooms and at-home schooling easier.
1. Convey calm to children during the learning process. The kids are entering a brand new environment; their young minds are accustomed to seeing their teachers and sitting with a lot of their friends in a classroom while they study. Schooling online will be new for many of them, and an adjustment period is to be expected.
2. Create a Plan of Success. Students work well with, and are used to, routines, so keep them going at home. It is very likely that your child’s teacher will assign a list of lessons or activities with due dates. Take time to plan ahead with your child and discuss expectations for completing schoolwork. Beyond helping the student, a schedule will also help parents manage the whole family.
3. Organize your space. Students are more invested in learning when they have a dedicated school space, even if it’s just a corner of a room. Aim for a place that is free from distractions and noise. If you have more than one child, consider different spaces for each child to help them focus individually.
4. Socialize online. Remember that much of your child’s time at school is about having fun, connecting with friends and learning new ideas. With technology kids can be anywhere in the world without having to leave home. Take virtual field trips to museums or foreign countries, play interactive games, and video call with friends and family.
5. Ask for Help.  This is an unprecedented time and parents aren’t expected to go-it-alone. Connect with other parents in your area. You can help each other answer questions about problems that arise.

 

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