• Parents and students - be kind to yourselves. Everyone is stressed, even if they’re playing it cool. That’s normal and okay.

• It’s also okay that the quality of education may not be as good as in the classroom. Everyone is just trying to get through this difficult and unprecedented situation.

• There’s no need to become an expert on learning from home overnight. Distance learning can be really excellent when time and planning allow. But that’s not the goal here. Don’t hold yourself to that standard.

• Moving from a class to a learning from home model in a day’s time is an impossible task. You will not be able to recreate the classroom from home. Give yourself a break. Check in with your classroom teacher(s) for guidance.

• Prioritize what is really important during this time. Your mental & physical health and safety is the priority. Follow the advise from our BC Health Minister. Take care of yourself and others around you.

• Stay in regular contact with your teachers. Teachers will connect with you during this time, whether through email, Google Classroom or other means. Follow their guidance during this transition to learning from home.

The above was adapted from tips written by Amy Young, Associate Professor and Chair, Department of Communication, Pacific Lutheran University. It is reproduced here with permission of the author with all rights reserved and is exempt from then Creative Commons license.

Please see the following offers by Telus and Shaw. Both these companies are offering support to families in need when it comes to internet access during these unprecedented times. See each link below to learn more.

• Telus for Good – Telus is providing eligible families with the tools and connectivity they need to succeed

• Shaw Helps – Shaw is helping Canadians get the help they need during these unprecedented times