Online communication platforms

Information for facilitating communication with teachers

1- Limit distractions

Limit their use of electronic devices other than the use for school work. Turn television off, puts phones away. Set a specific time to complete a task by using timers.

2- Make space for learning

Create a quiet, comfortable, and dedicated space that is strictly devoted to learning. This space should be a different set-up than where they normally play games or watch television.

3- Maintain breaks such as snack time and recess

Children will function best if they maintain their routine as close to normal as possible. Around lunch time, encourage them to get up, get some fresh air, go for a walk or bike ride, or have a snack so that they are not sedentary for the entire day.

4- Allow them to interact with friends via video chats

Your children are used to lots of social contact at school, so they will definitely feel the effects of being distanced from their peers. Set a couple of minutes a day where they can facetime, call or text their friends. If your child does not regularly video chat with their friends, you can speak with other parents to set up a video chat playdate.

5- Mix screen time with old school learning mediums

Overuse of screen time can have adverse impacts on young brains, so it’s important to mix it up during a time like this. Have your child read a book, write a story, complete math problems on paper or do art work without using their digital device.

6- Keep in touch with other parents

Social distancing is important during this time, but staying in touch with others using virtual communication is very important as well. Keep in touch with other class parents if possible and share experiences.

7- Keep a set schedule

Since your child is doing everything at home, it is important to keep a schedule using an agenda or a simple calendar to organize and maintain structure and keep a routine for them during this stressful time.

8- Don’t let your children treat this as a vacation

Your child might think that this is a vacation and want to treat as, it is imperative to remind that their education comes first.

9- Remember to schedule time for fun

This is a stressful time for your child, remember to set time for fun as well. Great suggestions include family games, board games, charades, chess, watching TV together, exercising and going for a walk.

10- Ask for help

When things get too stressful, confusing, reach out to your child's teacher, friends, other parents and ask for assistance. There are a variety of blogs online that provide help for parents.