Many schools have made the switch to distance learning in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many parents are faced with the unexpected task of facilitating a quality learning environment from home.
Obviously, we all want to provide the best education for our kids, but this is often difficult when we are unable to properly prepare first. Luckily, there are many ways to do crisis-schooling right. Here are five ways to make the most of the situation.
Make Yourself at Home…at Home
Create a Good Learning Environment
The study space is an important part of a home for those of us who are home-educating. It’s a place you and your students will spend a lot of time, so it’s necessary to make sure your chosen space is ideal.
There are many ways to ensure your space is adequate. You should aim for the atmosphere that will allow your students to thrive. Generally, this will mean a quiet and calm space.
Don’t forget the importance of having good lighting and other essentials such as available power outlets for charging laptops!
Stay Structured
For students who are used to a regimented routine, the sudden freedom that distance learning provides can be overwhelming at first. If this is the case, it may help to maintain a schedule just like you would at school.
There are many strategies that help when it comes to making the adjustment to doing school at home. Your school, your rules — it’s your responsibility to ensure your kid’s education is adequately structured.
Some students might even work better if they get up at the same time each day and get dressed before doing schoolwork. Others will relish the new ability to complete their daily work in pajamas. Find out which balance of structure and freedom best suits your students and help cater to their needs.
Take Breaks
With the plethora of information available to assist your learning, it can be easy to get so bogged down by your drive to be the perfect teacher that you run the risk of burning yourself (or your students) out.
As with any job, it’s important to spend quality time away from the workload. This doesn’t just mean taking the weekend off, either — in a conventional classroom setting, students get multiple breaks throughout the day. Not only is there a lunch break, but students are also provided a break after each class to get to their next one.
Develop Independent Learning Skills
Despite the hardships the COVID-19 pandemic has caused, distance learning is a valuable way for students to develop independent learning skills.
In a way, escaping strict structure for learning can help foster a more disciplined attitude toward the work. Independent learning skills become more important as students reach high school. Not to mention, these skills are crucial for students who plan to attend college.
With proper guidance and nurturing, students can develop healthy study habits and even take charge of their own education.
Get Help from Other Resources
Thankfully, with the internet, it’s easier than ever to aid your student at home. A great example is Study.com, which provides invaluable homeschool courses for students in grades 3-12. Providing courses on an array of subjects including math, science, history, and others subjects, Study.com is an excellent resource if you’re looking to help your kids excel.
With all of these tips in mind, your learning environment will become a welcome space for your kids to thrive.
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