Learning at Home
There are many different ideas about how to set your student up for success in a remote learning model like Continuous Learning 2.0. While we have compiled some ideas here, the most important part is to develop spaces, routines, and traditions that are best for your student, your family, and your space. Don't be afraid to try something out and adjust ideas as needed to find what works best for you.
Learning During a Power or Internet Outage
Often in the event of a power outage, it may not be possible to engage your child in learning activities. However, if there is only an internet outage or conditions during a power outage allow for it, either have your child complete offline activities provided by your child’s teacher or choose several of the following activities.
*You may want to print the lists now so that you have them on hand if an internet/power outage happens.
Learning Space
- Find a space for your child to work. This could be a permanent spot in a room or a portable station that can be easily put away when the school day is done.
- Setup a bin or basket with materials for school work.
- Hang signs or posters around the space to help remind your child that this is their learning space. Think about learning tools such as a multiplication tables or items that offer motivation or encouragement.
- If the learning space is a shared space, consider using an extra sheet, a shower curtain, or poster board to create an individual space for each person.
Links to outside resources:
Routines and Schedules
- Having regular routines and schedules help many students stay organized and focused.
- Support a regular bedtime and wake up time, just like you would in a traditional school year.
- Schedule time for breaks and lunch.
- Fill a jar with slips of paper or popsicle sticks with break ideas written on them. When your student is having trouble focusing, have them take a break in a new way. Ideas: Do 10 jumping jacks, Wash Your Face, Get a Drink of Water, Sing a Song, Draw a Picture, Eat a Snack, Go For a Quick Walk, Complete a Sudoku, Play With Their Pet
- Schedule time for quiet and reflection as well as for physical activity and exercise.
Being A Learning Partner
- Establish who your child should go to if they need help during their school work. This could be you, a family member, a family friend, or a trusted adult at the school.
- Check-in with your student. Ask them questions and share your own answers to the questions:
- What classes do they have/did they have today?
- Do they have any tests or projects coming up?
- How do they plan to spend their learning time?
- What did they learn that was new and interesting?
- What was more challenging to learn?
- What are their goals?
- What goals did they reach?
- What are they proud of today?
- Build in real life learning at home. Think about the topics that aren't always taught in school: family history, cooking, traditions, managing money, gardening...
- Support your child in communicating with their teacher and taking ownership of their learning.
Links to outside resources:
- Parent Tips and Tricks for Distance Learning
- Back to School Planning: Checklists to Guide Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers
- The Work-From-Home Parent's Guide to At-Home Learning During COVID-19
- Parent's Guide to Distance Learning
- A Parent's Guide to Virtual Learning: 4 Actions to Improve Your Child's Experience With Online Learning
Make Room for Well-Being
- Model a growth mindset, gratitude, and celebration.
- Celebrate milestones, big and small.
- Help them rephrase negative self talk. Instead of "I can't do this," encourage "I can't do this, yet" or "I'm still learning this."
- Help your child keep track of their growth and accomplishments in a journal or a creative format.
- Create time to acknowledge what they are grateful for. This can help counteract the effects of stress and lead to greater happiness.
- Have your child make a "feel good" plan. List the things that make them "feel good" and when they feel stressed or nervous they can pick something to do.
- Be a role model and help your child pay attention to self-care: Take breaks, get plenty of sleep, exercise, eat well, and stay socially connected.
Links to outside resources:
