March 16, 2020

Motivational Monday

I pray all our families are well this Monday. This blog is intended to keep you informed and provide resources to support your family through this unprecedented time. Today, I have included some tips for making eLearning successful at home. At the end of the post is a parent reference for Google.

Blessings,

Dr. Ross, Principal

Make a dedicated quiet workspace

Giving students a dedicated workspace helps them stay organized, and reinforces that they are in school-mode. Making sure the workspace is in a quiet environment can help your child focus; music, television, pets, and other children can cause unnecessary distractions.

Create routines & schedules

At school, your child is used to having set routines for lessons, classes, and lunch. One way to help your child at home is to create a set routine, whenever possible. Consider using the regular school-day wake-up times and bedtimes. For example, start eLearning at 8:15 am, the same time they would be at school. If that's not possible, choose another set time, but use the same time each day.
My Daily Learning Projects - Big Life Journal.pdf

Stay Organized with a Written Checklist

Having a visual checklist that includes checkboxes is an excellent way to stay organized and teaches students how to plan their work independently. Also, it can help you support your child as they complete their assignments. Using a whiteboard is a great idea, but if you don't have one, a piece of paper will do fine.

Ask Your Child Questions About Their Schoolwork

Remember, to ask specific questions when you are asking your child about their assignments. Here are some examples of specific questions:
1. What is one interesting thing you learned today in [math]?2. Can you show me how you solved your most challenging activity today? 3. What do you need help with today? 4. What is one thing that you know today that you didn't know yesterday?5. What are two things that other classmates asked on Google Meet?
Studies show that students learn more when they talk about or explain what they are learning. So, don't worry if you don't understand all of the content in your child's lessons. Letting them explain it to you is an opportunity for your child to build confidence in what they've learned.

Plan Regular Off-Screen Breaks

In school, your child has natural breaks between classes, that's why reminding them to take breaks between assignments is a great idea. We recommend five to fifteen minutes of off-screen breaks per hour, as well as a few "recess" breaks for younger students. Break-time is a perfect time to be physically active; encourage your child to stand up and stretch, take a walk outside, or play catch for 15 minutes. It can do wonders in maintaining academic focus. You may even want to consider planning extra time outdoors in the evenings.

Encourage Your Child to Reach Out to Friends

Social interaction is an important part of your child's wellbeing, and during eLearning for COVID19, they will be experiencing less than normal. Please remind your child to reach out to his or her classmates and friends from school. Reaching out by phone, video chat, or email are ways for them to stay socially connected with friends and classmates.
2020 Parents' Guide to Google Classroom.pdf