For both children and parents, distance learning is a new, sometimes unpredictable, experience. From daily lessons to homework assignments, the many different approaches to e-learning for kids can feel overwhelming. Odds are, in the past few months you’ve tried a few different strategies.
Some may have worked, some not so much. By now, just about everyone has at least one hilarious-but-frustrating Zoom story under their belts.
We understand, and you’re not alone. When it comes to motivating your child to complete their lessons, feel excited about attending programs like online tutoring, and focus on their homework time, it doesn’t have to be painful. Here we’ll delve into seven different ways to stay organized when delving into the world of remote learning.
Distance Learning Tip #1: Find screen-free ways to manage work
It’s impossible to get any benefits from distance learning if your child keeps getting angry or frustrated. Not only does it make the work take longer, but it can lead your child to feeling resentment towards learning in general.
One way to mitigate some of the challengings of e-learning for kids is through physical, screen-free methods of staying on top of assignments. We’ve compiled a list of different screen-free activities to keep your child engaged and excited even when they spend the majority of their time learning from a distance.
This is particularly helpful when tackling homework. An easy way to do this is to prepare a “homework folder” for all assignments meant to be completed after school hours. When possible, print out assignments, or jot down to-do items. Once your child is in a routine of tracking homework assignments, you’ll be able to get right to business and speed up the homework process.
Distance Learning Tip #2: Set up a schedule, and stick to it!
Sometimes it feels like there’s not enough time in the day between school, homework, online tutoring and other activities. One way to combat this feeling is to print out a schedule for the week or month and put it on the refrigerator. This will give your child (and you) a big picture overview of what’s ahead and help you plan more successfully. As we all practice social distancing and students learn from home, creating and visualizing a home learning schedule is even more important.
Distance Learning Tip #3: Find an accountability buddy
On those crazy evenings when your child has lost their homework, or there is confusion about the distance learning lessons, it can be helpful to get in touch with an accountability buddy. This goes for your child and you—other parents can be invaluable right now!
An accountability buddy is someone you can call on when you’re confused about an assignment or can’t find the materials you need. Having someone in your corner will ease stress, especially if you’re finding it difficult to reach your child’s teacher directly.
Your child can also have an accountability partner who they call on with questions about assignments. This can help them learn valuable communication and collaboration skills while also practicing the safe use of technology.
Distance Learning Tip #4: Talk with your child about their workload
Sometimes distance learning issues aren’t due to lack of organization or a routine at home. Instead, they may be the result of overload. There are many factors that could lead to overwhelm. Maybe too much work is being assigned, maybe your child is stressed, or maybe their homework focuses on concepts that haven’t yet been taught. Whatever the reason, this can lead to frustration and endless time spent on academics during the afternoons and evenings.
If this is the case for your child, you might consider emailing or calling their teacher for tips on how to better manage the e-learning workload for kids, perhaps reiterating your need for balancing homework with other activities like outdoor time or online tutoring. Right now, this is particularly important. Since learning has shifted to remote, your child may find themselves becoming overloaded more easily.
Distance Learning Tip #5: Develop a stable homework routine
When it comes to homework in particular, it’s important to find a routine that works for your family and stick to it. Depending on the amount of work, its structure, and due dates, you can do homework in daily doses or wait to do a big chunk of it on the weekends. This goes deeper than a schedule, though. Figure out how homework time will begin — is it with brain warm-ups, or a review of what your child learned recently? Then identify what order you’ll tackle assignments, and how your child will celebrate finishing their homework.
Whichever you choose, make a decision and stay consistent. It’s stressful for you and your child if this routine varies from day to day, so the more you can normalize the routine, the better.
Distance Learning Tip #6: Create a consistent place for homework and studying
It’s also helpful to have a consistent location in which to do their work. If possible, find a small table or nook in your home that your child can use every day. This means it won’t need to be straightened up daily or weekly and they can leave learning materials (such as tablets, laptops, pencils, and paper) in the area. It’s also essential that this spot be quiet and distractions free, so make sure it’s not somewhere with a TV or video game console that may detract from productivity.
Distance Learning Tip #7: Use rewards sparingly (but celebrate often!)
Rewards can be a great motivator for a job well done, but take care to use them sparingly. For example, don’t reward your child with a toy or sweet treat for just completing daily assignments. Instead, you might want to track weekly or monthly successes and save up for a big prize. Working with your child to come up with the right motivators and celebrating meeting goals together is a great way to speed up homework.
On the other hand, be sure to celebrate successes! Offer specific praise when your child solves a problem that’s been stumping them or thinks up a creative solution. Remember: Even if they get the wrong answer, they’re still learning.
Organized (and flexible) distance learning makes a difference
Once you make a few of these tweaks to your distance learning schedule, you’ll begin to see the benefits. That said, remember that right now flexibility is key. Be open to changes and know that everyone is doing the best they can — including yourself! The most important benefit of a distance learning schedule is that it frees up more time for you to spend together as a family!
