Tips for virtual learning

The Gist:

  • Inconvenient truth: kids need adults to be involved in online learning

  • Get curious about finding ways to eliminate the stress around being your child’s teacher

  • Don’t be afraid to “break the rules” (hint: they’ve been broken for you)


Read more…

Last week, we talked about giving yourself and your child a break when it comes to the virtual learning schedule. I’m reminding you again now. It is not easy for anyone when it comes to juggling the normal schedule of a parent who works, is the housekeeper, the money manager, the referee, and someone who still needs to take care of themselves. Throw teacher on top of all that and yeah… there is going to be a learning curve. 


The first thing you can do to ease the pain of virtual learning is to stop pushing so hard. Some kids like virtual school and some absolutely despise it. The harder you push, the more likely there is to be a fight and a problem.


It is okay to let them “win” sometimes. Letting your kids have a day (or an hour) off allows them a feeling of control that can really change their attitude towards what they HAVE to do.


Another way to keep the stress level low around virtual learning is to get help if you can. There are plenty of people out there offering their services to give more direct attention to your little while pumping through some of the assignments. Hiring a tutor if you can is a way to keep your kids on track without having to breathe down their necks all the time. 


The tutor does not have to be a professional either. An aunt, grandparent or friend can help. This allows them to spend some quality time with your little while enriching their learning environment.


A huge way to get your child to focus a bit more during online classes is to make sure they know what to expect when they are NOT in school. 


Devote some “after school time” to a specific activity that they love. Whether it be water play, outside time, or even that toy they absolutely adore, make sure your child knows that you will put your time aside, away from distractions like work or scrolling through your phone, to engage and play with them.


Kids (even older ones) need a lot more play time than we think, and remember that play is how young kids learn best. It’s not a “nice to have”; it’s a “need to have”.  The more time they have to play, the less resistant they will be to times when they have to do things that the adults need/want for them to do.


Also remember that a lot of kids love to “help” around the house. (In quotes because at least some of the time, they’ll be making a little more work for you. Still totally worth it, though.) Set them up washing veggies at the sink. The time you spend cleaning up some water will be less than fighting with them to get their homework done, and it will be WAY less stressful.


Take the negative emotions away from the task and the task will seem far less negative. (Remember Mary Poppins’ spoonful of sugar?) Create rewards and positivity around the stuff they have to do, and they will be more likely to want to do it.


No one has all the answers, but you know your kids best. You know what will work and what won’t work. Keep updating your bag of tricks, keep your mindset strong, and we’ll all get through.


Good luck!


All my best-

Gabriele


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