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Distance Learning Tips for Success

Distance learning is new to all of us, and we know that means that there may be a few obstacles as we continue to learn to navigate this new digital environment.  Please know that you are not alone, and that schools and educators are here to support you and your child.  We appreciate your flexibility and all you are doing to support your child’s learning from home during this unusual time.  We know it’s not always easy, but we believe that together, we can make distance learning a successful experience for our students!

MAKE SPACE FOR LEARNING:  Your child will achieve their best work in a quiet, comfortable, and dedicated space devoted to learning.  Ideally, this will be a different space than where they normally play games or watch television that is free of other distractions.

BE AN ADVOCATE:  Distance learning is not the same as homeschooling or independent study, so parents are not expected to take the place of their child’s teacher. Instead, play a support and partnership role by ensuring your child is present for class and check in with your child at the beginning and end of each school day. 

WEAR HEADPHONES:  Distance learning will likely include synchronous instruction where students, peers, and teachers interact in real-time via video conferencing.  Wearing headphones will help children limit household distractions.

TAKE DIGITAL RECESSES:  Make sure children take plenty of breaks from their computer to get time away from the screen.  Encourage them to get up, stretch, get some fresh air, and have a snack as time allows.

BUILD A VILLAGE:  Distance learning presents challenges, especially for working parents who have little employment flexibility.  Enlist the help of your own network of family, friends, neighbors, or older children to support your child during distance learning.

ASK FOR HELP:  You are not alone on this journey!   If you feel your child is falling behind, please reach out to your child’s teacher for assistance.  Likewise, if your family is experiencing technology or Internet connectivity issues, please contact your child’s school for guidance and tips.

SHOW EMPATHY:  Distance learning will never replace the magic that happens in physical classrooms, and there will be bumps in the road.  Acknowledge this is not an ideal situation and allow yourself, your children, and their teachers latitude and grace during these unprecedented times.

ENCOURAGE PARTICIPATION:  Encourage your child to participate in their online classrooms just as they would in the physical classroom.  Although it may feel awkward at times, being engaged and involved will help children feel connected and make the experience feel more “normal.”

KEEP A MORNING ROUTINE:  Have your child set an alarm, get dressed, and eat breakfast as if your child were going to traditional school.  Keeping a morning routine will ensure some normalcy and get children in a learning mindset.

BE HEALTHY AND WELL:  Help slow the spread of COVID-19!  Wear face coverings when appropriate, practice physical distancing, and promote hand hygiene.  The sooner our community is well, the sooner we can get back to the magic that happens in our physical classrooms!

Please download the 10 Tips for Families for Distance Learning Success PDF (English and Spanish) attachment.

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Posted: 9/11/2020