Set Your Child Up for
Successful Remote Learning
Back to school is going to be looking a lot different for students this fall. Many Oregon K-12 classrooms will be online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Parents have already experienced some of the unique challenges that come with remote learning when schools transitioned online this past March. The adjustment has not been easy for parents, teachers or children. According to a Gallup Panel poll, by the end of the last school year, 3 out of 10 parents reported that their child’s emotional and mental health was suffering, with their social and emotional needs not being met with online learning.
For parents who know they are going to be sending their kids back to school virtually again this month, here are some tips for helping your child adjust to the remote learning environment.
Create a Routine
Implementing a routine will give structure and predictability to this sometimes stressful and uncertain time. Plan ahead to ensure that your child has designated times that they are doing school, but also has time away from the screen, for short breaks, well-rounded meals, physical exercise, and socialization with family or friends (in a safe, social distant manner).
Set Realistic Expectations
It’s likely that your child might sometimes struggle with staying focused on school through a computer screen. It can be especially unrealistic to expect your child to stay constantly engaged when you have multiple roles to balance, like work and other obligations. Knowing that remote education may not always be a smooth process and that it will operate on a learning curve should bring some relief to both you and your child.
Make it a Positive Environment
Focusing solely on the difficulty of this situation for yourself and for your child can make the remote learning environment seem even more daunting. It is important to cultivate an environment that is still positive so that your child can feel encouraged to learn and positively reinforced when progress is made.
Maintain Social Bonds
One major difficulty with remote learning is the lack of socialization that is integral to a child's development. Developing social bonds is vital for a child’s wellbeing. Try to still create opportunities for them to see friends, whether that is through a virtual playdate, a social distanced picnic or another creative, safe approach.
Focus on how you can promote your child’s emotional and mental wellbeing when you send them back to school online this fall. Also try to remember the importance of maintaining your own mental health during this time as well. If you need additional support, we're here to help.
Here are some more tips for helping children during COVID-19:
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