The Basics:
Learning Partner
How to Engage Your Student
Create a designated learning space for your child
Make their supplies easily accessible
Setup the space in a place that has limited distractions
Post visuals that like daily/weekly schedules
Develop a schedule and routine
Post the schedule in your child’s learning space
Use timers or device alarms
Create to-do lists so your child knows what is expected of them each day
Take breaks and be flexible!
Virtual learning is new for everyone. If your child is having a hard time or visibly frustrated, have them take a break - they won’t be ready to access the learning anyway.
Resources
The 3 Rs of Teacher Language
Reinforcing
We use reinforcing language 60-70% of the time!
Proactive strategy.
Name concrete, specific behaviors.
Use a warm, professional tone.
Emphasize descriptions over personal approval.
Describe behavior (I see…, I notice…) instead of using personal approval (e.g., I love…, I am pleased…)
Name positives in all students.
Avoid naming individuals as examples for others.
Reminding
Reminding prompts children to do the remembering themselves.
Proactive or reactive strategy.
Establish expectations clearly (we remember things we have been taught.)
Phrase reminders as a question or statement.
Use a direct tone and neutral body language.
Use reminders when the child and you are both calm.
Be brief.
Watch for follow through.
Validate student change of action with eye contact, smile, nod. (Words are not needed.)
Save “please” and “thank you” when students are doing you a favor, NOT when following an expectation or redirection.
Redirecting
Redirecting language gives clear, non-negotiable instruction.
Used when behavior is off-track.
Used the least amount of time.
Early reactive strategy.
Be direct and specific.
Name the desired behavior.
Keep it brief.
Phrase it as a statement (not a question).
Follow through after giving a redirection.
Avoid naming a consequence when giving a redirection.
Creates a power struggle, indicates a child needs a threat to follow through