Help your child with remote learning
How to help your child in remote learning, see the full article here.
1. KEEP ROUTINE FOR REMOTE LEARNING.
Setting up a routine for the work / remote learning day will regulate your body clock, minimise frustration and keep everyone organised and on schedule. As tempting as it is to sleep in and spend the day in your pyjamas, getting up at the usual school and work times and getting dressed sets everybody up for a productive day.
The unpredictable situation of Covid-19 lockdown creates a level of anxiety in our every day life. We can gain some level of control back in our lives by implementing a routine to the homeschool day. Planning our time in such a way means we can focus on our children’s schoolwork and activities as well as allowing us to fulfil our work commitments.
2. APPROPRIATE SPACE TO WORK ON THEIR REMOTE LEARNING TASKS.
In the classroom, your child is provided with a chair and table / desk. Ensure your remote learning routine also includes this - so they are seated in an ergonomic fashion and have all of their school equipment, technology and books in the same space. If you have young children, a remote learning room or dedicated area may be a great way to keep distractions at a minimum and lets them know that when they are in this room/area it is time to do school work. Everything stays in one spot which makes it easier to keep track of books, supplies, and projects.
3. REDUCE STRESS AND BOREDOM WHILE REMOTE LEARNING.
Did you ever chew on your pen, chatter to your friends or find yourself daydreaming through the window during class? Motivation and concentration is even harder for our kids in remote learning - who are being asked to sit at home with a computer screen rather than engage in face to face interaction with their teacher and peers.
Research has shown the benefits of sensory fidget toys on learning. Fidgeting is our body’s way of releasing restless energy. Common types of fidgeting include foot tapping, hair twirling or nail biting. While many consider these activities counterproductive to learning, many experts state that if these fidgeting behaviors can be re-directed, they can actually enhance learning.
4. MENTAL WELLBEING OF YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN SHOULD BE TOP PRIORITY WHILST IN LOCKDOWN!
Don’t feel guilty if you can’t give your children enough of your time or exciting activities every day while we are in lockdown. Communicate with their teachers and other parents to learn about alternative techniques and arrangements of how to tackle remote learning tasks. It's important to be flexible with their routines and be realistic about what can be achieved.
This may include skipping the "optional activities" or focusing on only the literacy and maths lessons one or two days of the week. Factor in break times and snack times. Have healthy snacks accessible throughout the day, such as fruit, cheese, yoghurt and crackers which educators have labelled as important "brain food."
5. CREATE RELAXATION IN THE REMOTE LEARNING DAY.
Creating time where the family can spend quality family time together, even just to enjoy a movie, walk or board game, can boost everyone's mood and give us the energy to finish work and homeschool commitments.
In our free time, we should enjoy moments with our children without the pressure of school work or learning goals.
Don't forget that a child's day also involves physical activity in the school yard or Sport lessons. Make sure you get them outside to a playground, the backyard, or the footpath for some much needed physical exercise at least once a day.
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