We’re All In This Together
5 Common Challenges and Solutions for Teachers and Families During Remote Learning
Remote learning presents many challenges to students, guardians, and teachers. While some of these challenges are unique depending on one's role, there are five common challenges that we all must navigate during this unprecedented time of remote learning: Environment, Technology, Boundaries, Tears, and Boredom.
We are all in this together! Each of these challenges is connected to another and the bottom line is: we need to prioritize our health and the health of our families and students, approach remote learning with humility, set clear boundaries between work and not-work, be flexible when learning new things, and know that we are going through a traumatic event in our history that will present waves of difficulty at unexpected moments.
Check out the pages below to find more information about specific resources that can help you address each shared challenge.
Challenge 1: Environmental factors affect how we learn, engage, and develop. In a remote learning setting, it can be difficult to coordinate access to internet, electronic devices, technology, and a quiet space to work that is free from distractions. Taking some time to plan can help us to structure our time, our space, and our resources! Planning Helps!
Challenge 2: Technology demands of remote learning require us to become familiar with different platforms and tools, as well as spend a lot more time in front of screens. There are many perspectives on what is appropriate screen use for young children. This page gives evidence-based information to help you make decisions and offers accessible activities for whatever level of engagement you deem suitable for you and the young children in your life. The key? Mix It Up!
Challenge 3: Boundaries are blurred and expectations are unclear now that we are all communicating virtually. As guardians or teachers, it can be hard to know when to "sign off" for the night and what boundaries are appropriate. Sometimes "Good Enough" Really is Good Enough!
Challenge 4: Tears Happen, which is why self-care and having a community is so important during this time. We may be feeling like we don't seem to have the time, space, or energy to prioritize it. Be Open About What You're Feeling!
Challenge 5: Everyone's Bored! We are all running out of fun, educationally-oriented activities that can be done at home (or maybe even outside) with everyday objects we can find at home. Check Out Your Local Library's Facebook Page!
We are responding to a crisis.
WE CAN DO HARD THINGS!
Remote learning will not be forever.
WE WILL GET THROUGH!
Learning is happening!
WE WILL PERSEVERE!
Resources That Bridge All Five Challenges And Offer Collective Insight:
Agency and Young Children Research Collective outlines key principles of early childhood learning that can help teachers, families, and districts shape their support for young children. Offered in Spanish and English.
The development that occurs in the early grades (PreK-3rd grade) is unique and requires a different manner of support than what is needed for upper grades. With the move to remote learning, schools and families are entering uncharted areas of teaching and learning. The National P-3 Center published an article on March 24th, 2020 that addresses the most significant challenges commonly shared by teachers and families of young children. The article highlights two fundamental areas of focus that we should keep at the forefront of our minds: child development and equity.
The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) provides up to date information and resources that can be helpful for families, teachers, and districts coping with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.