6 WAYS TO SUPPORT YOUR CHILD
DURING eLEARNING
- DESIGNATE A WORKSPACE
An appropriate place to work can make a difference to your child's virtual learning. It is important to make sure that children have all the materials required in one place as it minimizes the opportunity for distractions. If your child does not have a desk available in the house you can help him/her build a divider that can easily turn any table into an instant workspace.
2. HELP YOUR CHILD CREATE A SCHEDULE
A schedule is a powerful strategy that allows your child to be more independent and to get a sense of what he/she has to accomplish during the day.
Schedule video lessons with English and Spanish teachers as well as any small group or support session your child may have first. Then schedule time for independent activities. Make sure you also schedule breaks and snack times. A regular school day has breaks throughout the morning to allow students to recharge and get ready for the next class or assignment.
It is also a good idea to schedule the activities that are hardest for your child early when his/her energy level is high. Activities that are easy or fun should be scheduled at the end of the working day to increase the possibilities of maintaining a high level of motivation and a good attitude.
3. GET TO KNOW YOUR CHILD´S VIRTUAL LEARNING PLATFORM
Virtual learning is being delivered through two different platforms. P1st to 2nd grades are using Seesaw and 3rd and 4th grades are using Google Classroom.
It is important that you become familiarized with these platforms to be able to support your child.
WATCH THESE TWO SHORT VIDEO TUTORIALS
A Parent´s Guide to Seesaw
A Parent´s Guide to Google Classroom
4. NOTICE YOUR CHILD´S LEVEL OF MOTIVATION
eLearning requires a high level of intrinsic motivation and independence. Some students have been able to transition to studying at home with few challenges, while other children are really struggling. If you notice that your child is having a hard time, you can try providing external motivation in the form of a chart to help him/her focus on specific behaviors that need improvement.
Some general guidelines for creating charts are:
Make sure your goals are attainable and age-appropriate.
Write goals in positive terms. Ex. "I will start my work on time" instead of "No playing around when it is time to work".
Write a maximum of three goals for elementary students.
Do not offer material rewards. Incentives can be privileges like: going to bed a little later, playing a special game, baking a cake, etc.
Do not remove stickers from the chart. The idea is to use it as motivation, not punishment. If a child does not meet the goal, the consequence is no sticker, that is all.
Be consistent with expectations and with following up with the chart.
Rewards Chart 01 - TemplateLab.com.pdf
5. USE A TIMER
Setting a time limit on specific tasks can help children stay focused and on track. Timers are widely used by teachers as a way to manage time and make sure the day flows as planned.
It is important to keep periods of time short as elementary children have limited attention spans. Ten to fifteen minutes of time on task are enough. You can also try fun challenges with your child to serve as motivation, ex. How many problems can he/she can solve?, how many sentences or words can he/she write?, etc.
6. DON´T BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP
There is a whole team of professionals willing to help you. We know that these times and circumstances are not easy and that every family has a unique situation. Please reach out should there be anything you may need. We might not have all the answers, but we'll find someone who does!