If you are a parent of a child in traditional public school, and are participating in distance learning for this upcoming school year, you are in the right place! Here, we will be giving you some tips and tricks to make distance learning work for you and your family.
Open Communication with your Child’s Teacher
You will want to keep an open line of communication between you and your child’s teacher.
- Make sure you are aware of the teacher’s expectations for live classes, assignments, and grades.
- Ask which learning platform they plan on using, and then familiarize yourself with it ahead of time, to avoid any issues.
- Keep your child on track with turning in assignments, since their teacher can’t be there to collect papers themselves.
- Remember that teachers are people too! They are struggling with the repercussions of COVID-19 too. Ask them questions and let you know of any concerns you might have, and they will surely help as well as they can.
Create a Designated School Area
Create a learning space that works for your child during virtual lessons. It doesn’t have to be complicated, it can as easy as sitting at the dining table, as long as it can house their materials and computer. Keeping all necessary items within reach will make virtual lessons run much more smoothly.
Provide Supplemental Materials
Workbooks
You may choose to supplement the virtual lessons with additional materials. There are workbooks you can purchase (on Amazon, or online homeschool supply stores like Rainbow Resource) that are affordable and easy to use. Here is a short list of some popular brands that you can order directly from their websites or from Amazon or Rainbow Resource:
Online Printables
An even more affordable option is to utilize resources that can be found online. There are many websites that offer cheap, or even free, printables that teach lessons as well as workbooks do. Here are some examples:
Digital Resources
You can also check out educational YouTube channels, audiobooks (either in Audible or free library apps like Libby), and educational podcasts for kids. For a more detailed list, click here for our favorite online resources.
Only Supplement if Needed
Keep in mind that supplementation with workbooks or other materials should only happen if you have the time and resources. Teachers should be providing all the materials that your child needs for core subjects.
Don’t Forget to be Active Outside
And don’t forget to go outside and get some fresh air every now and then! It’s easy to forget to fit in some physical activity when there is already so much on your plate, but it’s important for the whole family’s mental state. Playing a game or sport together outside for at least 30 minutes per day will make a big difference in your child’s mood and ability to focus on lessons.
Need More Support?
If you feel like you still have questions or want more one-on-one support, we are thrilled to announce that we now offer homeschool consultations, in which we help you achieve your academic goals. Now through the end of August, we are offering a $10 off discount, so book your consultation today!
Also, check out our previously mentioned list of our favorite homeschool resources. And if you have any suggestions for items we can add to it, please email us at kidslearningforlife@gmail.com.
We wish you well on your distance learning adventure this year. We are here for you!
Happy Homeschooling,
Jenny and Stacey
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