When the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic occurred, families, educators, and students were compelled to navigate the realm of remote learning. As we approach future academic years, here are seven recommendations for parents to equip their children for online and blended learning experiences.
As the summer months draw to a close, national school districts are hastening to finalize their strategies for the upcoming 2020-2021 school year. In light of the persistent threat of COVID-19, some students have resumed in-person classes, while others have embraced virtual learning or a hybrid model blending online and traditional instruction customized to each student’s needs. The forthcoming school year may present a vastly different landscape for your child based on the educational approach adopted.
To pave the way for the future, parents (and their children) should initially pause and acknowledge that the forthcoming semester will diverge significantly from the unprecedented spring term. The abrupt transition necessitated swift responses from all parties involved. Valuable insights gleaned from recent advancements in knowledge can benefit both educators and parents. By assimilating lessons from this experience, each individual can enhance their preparedness for the future.
With the imminent commencement of the academic year, it is imperative for parents and children to undertake the following steps:
1. Reflect Actively on the Previous Year
Engaging in introspection is crucial for everyone, including children and parents. Identifying what strategies proved effective and which ones fell short is essential. Encouraging your child to compile a list or visual representation of successful and unsuccessful approaches can be enlightening. Initiating conversations with your child regarding their return to school can aid in their mental readiness.
Leveraging this period of contemplation during the relatively less stressful summer break can be advantageous. Having had a hiatus from traditional schooling, students can confront the challenges and expectations of the past year more adeptly, thus fortifying themselves for the future.
2. Foster Increased Social Learning Opportunities
Collaboration is undeniably integral to effective child-rearing. To better equip their children for the upcoming academic year, parents should facilitate avenues for socialization and the establishment of new friendships. Seeking external support is not something to shy away from.
Coordinating with the school to pair your child with an older student who can provide virtual tutoring in a specific subject, or encouraging your child to engage in collaborative schoolwork sessions with peers via platforms like FaceTime or Zoom, can be beneficial. Establishing regular study or homework sessions with other families can also mitigate the social void that may persist with distance or hybrid learning models.
3. Assist Your Children in Creating a Dedicated Workspace
Last year, parents and children may have hastily improvised study spaces as schools swiftly transitioned to online learning. It is prudent to aid your children in setting up a designated learning environment conducive to focused and productive study sessions.
Given the current scenario where many parents work from home and children attend virtual classes, the concept of “home” now encompasses both living and learning spaces. Designating separate work areas for parents and children can help minimize distractions, stress, and conflicts during study time.
Parents should strive to establish three types of spaces for their children, which can be contiguous or distinct. Opt for a formal setting with a regular desk (even a kitchen table suffices) for studying and tutoring. Create a cozy reading nook and an area where children can engage in school tasks like crafts (feasible on a dining or folding table). By prioritizing the creation of an optimal learning environment, parents can facilitate effective studying habits.
4. Prioritize Physical Activity
Given the prevalence of restrictions and social distancing measures, this summer has been atypical, akin to the previous school year. The IDEAL School of Manhattan is an inclusive K-12 school in New York City led by educator Janet Wolfe. She underscores the importance of engaging children in creative and enjoyable physical activities. Research indicates that physical exercise can enhance academic performance, underscoring its significance.
Encouraging children to remain physically active over the summer will better prepare them for the impending school year. The reduced physical engagement during spring accentuates the need for this focus now. Basic activities such as daily walks or family yoga sessions are recommended by Wolfe.
This endeavor should be complemented by limiting screen time. The overreliance on technology among children has been exacerbated by the absence of interactive social alternatives since March. By curbing screen time, children can transition more smoothly into the social and academic rigors of the upcoming school year.
5. Allocate Time for Daily Reading and Math Practice
Consistent reading habits, whether solitary or communal, can enhance critical thinking skills and mitigate the summer slide, which is anticipated to be more pronounced in the forthcoming year.
Encourage reading across genres, including fiction and nonfiction, and incorporate reading into outings. For older children, reading and discussing a news article daily can foster critical reading skills. Weekly visits to the library can instill a passion for learning and nurture curiosity. While specific summer programs may still be unavailable, this practice can fill the gaps in your child’s schedule.
Emphasize the importance of practicing arithmetic skills daily. Engage children in real-world applications such as creating a grocery list based on weekly meal plans and budget constraints, which can be more engaging than conventional workbooks. This activity not only hones mathematical skills but also fosters financial literacy and executive functioning abilities.
6. Undertake a Purposeful Project of Choice
Embark on a meaningful project with your child to cultivate a productive mindset. Initiatives like developing a website or showcasing artwork can blend student interests with community service. For older students, such endeavors can set them apart during college admissions processes.
Explore online volunteering opportunities on platforms like VolunteerMatch.org and DoSomething.org. Encourage children to brainstorm ways to assist the elderly in their community, such as organizing donation drives or delivering essential supplies. Engaging in purposeful projects amidst the monotony of virtual or hybrid learning can rejuvenate students and invigorate them for the upcoming school year.
7. Foster Open Communication
Encouraging children to articulate their emotions, both positive and negative, equips them to navigate the challenges of the new academic year effectively. Employ open-ended questions to gauge their feelings and interests. Discuss the forthcoming changes in the school environment to mentally and socially prepare them for the adjustments ahead.
Emphasize the importance of open dialogue, wherein children feel comfortable expressing their fears and anxieties. While children should know that parental support is unwavering, fostering transparent conversations serves as a natural reminder of the stability adults can provide during crises.
For further insights, refer to related articles: Ways to Prevent Online Bullying, The Best Ways to Discuss Online Scams with Your Teens, How to Raise Critical Thinkers