Going back to school after the coronavirus is different than most people expected. There are many schools continuing distance education, while some parents are not comfortable sending their kids out of the house and opting to homeschool instead. No matter what your situation, these distance education tips can help you make the adjustment easier for your children.
Consider the Curriculum
If your child is still enrolled at a public or private school, they will have a set curriculum they have to follow. Many teachers are hosting virtual classrooms and offering instruction through live video. Other schools give parents a list of subjects and objectives they need to accomplish. For homeschooling parents, you need to look at your state’s curriculum standards. The Common Core Standards establish the framework for K-12 learners, and it should be incorporated into any curriculum you decide to use.
Make a Schedule
Learning from home is a challenge for students who are used to their house being a place to relax and play. Although they’ve had months to adjust, many families have struggled to adopt a normal pattern. Now that the new school year is afoot, it’s time to buckle down and develop a school schedule that adds structure to your child’s day. Follow a healthy morning routine that goes through all the motions of a normal school day. This will also help kids be more prepared should you intend to send them back to the classroom once schools reopen.
Be Flexible
Learning is different for everyone. Distance education can be advantageous in that students have much more freedom to adopt their own learning style. You may feel pressured to teach your child in a certain way, but these expectations can be limiting. If your child learns more by watching an educational YouTube video than reading a textbook, so be it. Learning from home can give you more chances to inspire a love of learning and make education fun. Physical education can be yoga in the backyard or playing Dance Dance Revolution. Parents can make learning a bonding experience, too. Reading stories, watching documentaries and playing educational games together makes school fun and brings you closer together.
Find Balance
As a parent, you still have a job and other responsibilities that don’t involve teaching. Some parents struggle to keep up with their children’s education because they’re already overwhelmed with their own duties. Make sure that you have all your bases covered, whether that’s setting up a workspace or taking out private student loans to cover your online degree. You can’t do everything, and that’s okay. Prioritization will help you clarify goals, avoid burnout and keep the entire household on track.
Hire a Tutor
If your child needs additional support, there are many virtual tutors you can hire for every grade level and subject. Tutors can also help build better study habits and help kids become more independent with homework. It takes time to adjust to remote learning, and each school year poses its own challenges. You likely won’t be a master at everything your child studies, especially as they get older. Hiring a tutor can give you a much-needed break without sacrificing the quality of your child’s education. A tutor can also help solidify the idea in your child’s mind that learning from home is just as important as regular school.
