Distance Learning: Tips on Learning From Home
Back to school time looks very different for many students and families this year. Whether kids are going back to school full-time, doing a hybrid schedule, or learning from home full-time, this school year is sure to present different challenges! Learning from home can be difficult for kids and parents alike. I’ve put together a few tips that will help reduce stress and make this school year more enjoyable!
Set up a Designated Learning Space
Let’s face it, it can be so easy to get distracted when learning from home. Everything from siblings to pets to TV’s can be a distraction throughout the day. One thing you can do to help limit distractions is set up a designated learning space. This space will serve as the home classroom. Remove any distractions from this space to make it easier to focus and stock it with school supplies and a comfortable desk. Experiment with different set-ups to find one that feels comfortable and easy to focus in! Having this space to go to each day for school will not only limit distractions but it will also create a routine. Instead of actually going to school, kids can go to their home classroom!
Set a Schedule and Routine (and stick to it!)
One important aspect to implement is a schedule and routine. Just like in a traditional school setting, you should stick to a regular schedule at home. This will help to structure the day, keep you and your kids on track, and help with focus! Keeping the routine as close to normal can really help. For example, have kids get ready just like they would for a regular day of school. Get dressed, eat breakfast, brush their teeth, etc. Don’t make a habit of showing up to class in pj’s! Following through on these actions will carry over into the “classroom” and will help set the tone for the school day. Showing up prepared and ready for the day will lead to better results when it comes to class work and learning from home.
Take Active Breaks
Taking short breaks throughout the day can be a game-changer! Sitting and staring at a screen for hours on end is a quick way for kids to get burnt out. Making time for short breaks every hour makes such a big difference. And even better, make those breaks active! Have kids get up and stretch, go for a short walk or any other activity that gets their body moving and blood flowing. According to the Mayo Clinic, physical activity can help improve cognitive function in children, making it an important part of the school day!
Know the Format
Being prepared will relieve a lot of potential stress this school year. Take some time before classes start to learn the format of the classes. Having an understanding of how the online classes will function will help avoid confusion and frustration in the future. Every school will have their own system and each class may utilize resources in a slightly different way. Knowing what is expected of kids before classes starts will help when it comes to setting up a schedule as well. Becoming familiar with these systems early on will make learning from home much easier and enjoyable for everyone involved!
Stay Engaged
Work on staying engaged with teachers and classmates as much as possible! Just because you are distance learning doesn’t mean you can’t stay connected. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, get clarification, or communicate with other students. This will also help kids be social throughout the day and feel connected with friends and classmates.
Ask for Help!
Remember, this is a learning experience! No one expects you to be perfect from the start. There will be questions and hurdles to get over, so don’t be afraid to ask questions and get help. If the format isn’t suited to your child’s learning style you can always ask the teacher for assistance and tips on how to try a new approach. And remember, if something is unclear or confusing to you, likely others are running into the same issue. The process will take some trial and error, and that’s okay!
This school year will take some adjustments and might take some time getting used to. But with a little extra work and focus, it will be a great school year! Don’t be afraid to seek out additional resources and make changes as you go until you find out the strategy that works best.
Share some tips in the comments about how you and your family have adjusted to learning from home!
Sources:
https://cowell.ucsc.edu/news-events/2019-20/distance-learning-tips.html