Learning From Home Guidelines

Guidelines for 

At-Home Care Providers

We understand this is going to look different for different people, depending on work, family make-up, digital access, home environment, etc.  Our goal here is to provide you with a list of recommendations that might make engagement from home more successful. 

1. Children benefit from a normal, predictable routine, schedule, and clear expectations. If this structure is established and followed from the start, students will be more likely to succeed in this distance learning environment.

   • Keep normal bedtime routine

   • Think about balancing work time with movement breaks and outside breaks. If assignments require the use of a screen, alternate with family social time, much like the school does with recess and lunch breaks.  Don’t be afraid to sprinkle in some household chores!

2. Space

   • If possible, establish a special work space for your child.

   • Ideally, space should be quiet and accessible to parents.

3. Communications

   • Check in with teachers as needed. The frequency and detail of these communications will be determined by your children’s ages, maturity, and their degree of independence. Please keep in mind, teachers are at home with their own families and will respond within a reasonable timeframe.

   • If needed, check out instructional tutorials on how to use the communication tools the school is using.

4. Socialize 

   • Actively engaging with your student about their learning will help replace the many social interactions students have between peers, teachers and other collaborative groups. While some of these social interactions may be re-created on virtual platforms, others will not.  As adults, we understand how crucial it is to process learning with others: brainstorming thoughts or ideas,  discussions, asking questions for clarification, collaborating, etc. 

5. Balance

   • Be mindful of your child’s state of mind. In today’s day of news media, children are exposed to information overload and they need help processing.  You know your child better than anyone - look out for signs of stress, anxiety, worry, etc.  Stay connected with the school’s counseling office for resources.

   • Work with students and teachers to find the right balance of onscreen and off screen for your child.  We are learning too! 

   • Be mindful of social media and other digital communications.  Remind students to use good citizenship guidelines, to be respectful and polite in all interactions on and off screen.