It’s August and for parents, that usually brings the rush of school supplies shopping, getting back into routines, and the start of a new grade and sometimes a new school for the kids. This year is especially unique with the Covid-19 pandemic going on. Parents everywhere are having to make complicated and tough decisions on what to do for their kid’s health and learning.
Schools around the valley are offering a few different options on how to approach this school year but the most common two are school learning or home learning or a combination of both. To help make the decision easier for parents everywhere, we put together this guide on how to make the best of whatever scenario parents find themselves in during this unique back to school season.
In-Home Learning
If the best option for your family is learning in the home, we have 4 tips to make it a little easier.
- Wifi Boosting
The internet is an essential part of learning at home, and slow wifi can make the whole experience more difficult. If you want to know what a good wifi level is, simply google “internet speed check” and run the test. If it is below 100 for download and 5 for upload, you might want to get in touch with a local company that specializes in wifi boosting.
- Make a Schedule
This one sounds like a given, but it really can make the teaching/learning process much easier for both you and your kids. Have a certain time where you focus on math, then have a 15-minute break then change gears after the break. One of the most refreshing breaks for kids is going outside so be sure to include one break out in the sun to get all their wiggles out.
- Find or Create Learning Groups
One thing children will lack most by doing homeschool is they won’t interact with their friends or classmates anymore. This is especially important for younger children while they are in very important social developmental years. The groups can be small to keep social distancing or they could even be online. This will help you to get a break while the other parents are teaching a subject they love while it is something you might know little about. This article talks about how to do safe learning groups.
- Dedicate a Specific Area for School
Do you have a playroom or a room that doesn’t get used? If so, it’s time to convert it to a schoolroom! If not, it might be time to move or you could try to make a specific spot at the table for school time. This will help children know when they are in school mode or home mode so they can better focus during school and play like their normal selves when they are in home mode.
At School Learning
If the best option for your family is learning at school, we have 4 tips to make it a little easier.
- Create Consistency
Schools are changing their plans almost weekly and that can bring a lot of stress for children because they don’t know what to plan on for the future. Keeping specific things consistent will help them know that when they are home, things are normal. This might look like having dinner at the same time every night or consistent bedtimes.
- Check Your Wifi
Even if you are choosing the in-school option, there is still a chance that they might have to learn at home a few days a week or do homework online after school. Without reliable internet, zoom calls might be too slow to watch causing them to miss class. In general, if it is below 100 for download and 5 for upload, you might want to get in touch with a local company that specializes in wifi boosting.
- Keep Them Informed
Be sure to let your children know when changes happen at school and explain why there are certain procedures in place. This will help them feel more comfortable knowing what they might see differently at school. Hearing the updates from you as their parent will create a space for them to ask questions and express worries they might have.
- Positive attitude
If parents have a positive attitude about what the schools are doing, it will make the transition easier. Teachers and administrators will appreciate the kids viewing the procedures as a protective thing and not something to complain all day about. Kids notice how parents act about certain things and it is important to be good role models to them about these new changes.
Conclusion
Whichever option is best for parents and their children, we hope that some of these tips will help everyone feel a little more confident in the upcoming school year. If you find that your space is not working out for you and you need a change, don’t hesitate to give us a call!
Recent Comments