setting Up a Home Learning Environment

Set up a virtual work friendly area, a designated spot in the house that is their area to participate unhindered in their virtual class. This area should be without distractions (i.e tv, games, etc). But of course a work computer is necessary so try to make the computer room less distracting if that is the only choice around.

Schedule a daily routine for school work. Have your children on a strict schedule in the day. Wake up at a specific time, eat breakfast, go to their work friendly spot and engage in schoolwork. This should be a daily routine that is strict to exacting time daily.

Help them make a plan. Encourage your children to break up the work into manageable chunks. Create a work schedule for day and night if they have a lot to do still.

Keep distractions to a minimum. This is an important. Clean the work area of all distracting possibilities. You may need to monitor them once in a while through check-ins during their designated school times within the home and help them refocus.

A parent can help suggest and direct, but it's the students job to do the learning. Make sure you are providing positive feedback to the children within the home who are doing what they are supposed to do. Time their school work and if they are on task for 20 minutes give them 10 minutes of game time. Increase these times to 45 minutes of work time and 15 minutes of game time. It could be that some of your children may need more immediate rewards to give them incentive to stay on task. This strategy only works if you are consistent with establishing their daily routines and consistent with your elimination of distractions.

Be their coach. Motivate them and monitor them. Ask about assignments, quizzes, tests, etc. Give encouragement, check completed homework. Make yourself available for questions and concerns. If you cannot be available during most of their designated work time then schedule a time within their school time that you will be available for questions. Your scheduled Q and A time with your children should be different times for each child as to be able to give full attention to each child.

Set a good example. Do your kids see you do your own parental duties and tasks? Do they see you reading books and doing paperwork? Kids are more likely to follow their parents examples or advice.

Praise their work and efforts. Post a well graded assignment on the family fridge or in plane sight for all the family to see. Praise each of their accomplishments. Talk about their academic achievements and progress to relatives. Be careful of negative speak to others about their behaviors as it could exacerbate them.

If there are continuing problems after you have tried these steps. Get help. Touch base with the teacher or counselor to go over what has worked and what hasn't to continue to brainstorm ideas. If the situation is at the point of a "behavioral health crisis" it is encouraged that you contact NJ Children System of Care (PerformCare) at 1-877-652-7624 or AtlantiCare Behavioral Health at (609) 646-9159.