Tips for Parents to Use in This Virtual Learning Age

With this new age of virtual learning, it has become a nightmare for parents around the nation.  The biggest concern during this time is FAILURE.  I was there.  I have been a learning coach to now a 13 and 15-year-old since they started the kindergarten. Some days were good while others I just wanted to throw in the towel. I felt alone and like I had nowhere to turn being that during that time virtual learning and homeschooling was not popular.

Now that virtual learning is here and going to be at bay for a while, I want to share some tips and techniques that I have learned along the way to make it a breeze.  There is no one size fits all formula, but these tips are sure to make a bumpy road much smoother.

Designate a Space Strictly for Learning

Since homes are now classrooms, creating a space for strictly for learning can help with the transition from home to class.  If space is limited, I would suggest putting artwork, poster boards to make it more of a classroom feel. 

The kids’ bedroom at our house is NOT an option.   Having a bedroom to serve as a classroom set is a recipe for disaster. The bedroom has several distractions.  My kids’ rooms have the TV, X Box, Gaming table etc.  If the bedroom is the only option, get a desk and have them to decorate with artwork, poster boards etc. to make the environment more classroom feeling.

We have turned our spare bedroom into a classroom, we have a calendar, artwork, words of encouragement to make the space more learner friendly. This place has excellent lighting, with natural sunlight and lamp.  We have the space furnished with sturdy desks. We have organized stationery in place, a book self for books and supplies.

Establish Rule and Goals for Your Student         

Students achieve more and work hard when they know what is expected of them.   Here are some of the rules that we expect of our teenagers to follow:

Be on Time.  If the virtual lesson “Live Lesson” is a 1000 hrs. we expect for them to stop whatever they are doing 10 minutes prior to be prepared for the lesson to start.  This includes, going to the bathroom, getting water, snack etc.  This will teach them the importance of time management.

Be Prepared.  If your student know that a math lesson is coming up, having paper handy, sharpened pencil and a calculator on hands makes things breeze. With any class, make sure your student has their material ready to go.

Be Dressed.  While school uniforms are not required for virtual learning, require that your child changes out of their pajamas, brush their teeth and be presentable.  As a reminder this is class your child is attending, so have them dress accordingly.

Respect the Teacher and fellow classmates. The teachers now have a new task as well.  Respect them for all the hard work and effort done to in the new environment.  Same for fellow classmates, refrain from virtual bullying of other students.

These are just some rules that have been a part of my household for the past 9 yrs. and they have worked wonders.

Get a Routine

Rules and goals are not enough. We must get our kids in the routine and set schedule of things. Rely on routines and systems to get organized.  Being that pretty much 60% of school is virtual, it’s the parent responsibility that the child gets breakfast, proper amount of sleep prior to virtual lesson.

My kids have set routine, get out of bed, do bathroom routine, get dressed, eat breakfast and then prayer.  Their father is a stickler for time management to make sure those things get done.  Prayer is the most essential part of the day, so a routine is established to make sure it gets done.  My teenagers have been doing it for so long that it is second nature.

We try to stick to this daily routine; it has helped tremendously.  My teenagers are not as tired, and they are less rebellious due to the routine and expectations set before them.

Remove or Restrict Non-School Devices

Cell phones are a huge distraction, my kids are not allowed to have them while class is in session.  They are only authorized to use them between classes, breaks and emergencies. There is NO television hardly during the school week. No X-boxes until the weekend.  We make theses as privileges.  They can only enjoy these if they have accomplished required tasks throughout the week.

Have Older Kids Help and Assist the Younger

I have always utilized this one. I have teenagers one grade level apart and my older child has always been a great assistant to me and their father.  Times have changed and new age math has taken on a whole new meaning. I have utilized him to assist our daughter where she may be struggling.  It will also make your day less stressful and will also reinforce their learning.

Take Breaks

I cannot emphasize this enough; in the Pollard household we take the breaks.  It great to relieve the brain, and relieve the stress on the eyes from looking at the computer screen.  We have recess, lunchtime, snack time etc.  This is essential or the whole house will be going in a tizzy including me.  Our kids play golf and this has helped tremendously.  It helps release much all the pinned energy and even frustrations that come with the day. 

You Got This

This is a trying time for parents around the country right now.  Take each day at a time and embrace the moments with your children. I think the biggest challenge is fear of failure. Every day will not be perfect, but we can make it easier with tips provided.  What are some tips that you have used to make virtual learning more of a breeze?