Learning From Home

Tips for Parents

    • It’s ok to have questions.

    • Distance learning is going to be new to most elementary parents. Stay calm and ask questions as they come up.

    • What to expect from distance learning

      • Your student(s) will be expected to check in with their teachers at least once per day.

      • Assignments may require more support from you than with a traditional classroom learning environment.

      • Classwork will rely much more heavily on online resources and learning applications. These applications all have support centers you can contact if you have trouble using the software. However, it’s usually worth reaching out to your teacher first.

    • How to access and use Google Classroom

      • Have your student log in using these steps: How do I sign in to Classroom?

      • Contact your teacher if you are having trouble seeing assignments or other resources.


Creating A Beneficial Learning Environment

SPACE

If possible, set a dedicated study space for your student.

  • Talk to your student (s). How do they like to study? Find a place that is as free from distractions as possible. A chair, table, or anywhere your student feels comfortable and can be productive is best for your child to study and complete work.

  • Be aware distractions in this space. Not all distractions are avoidable but knowing they are there will help your student focus.


ORGANIZATION- Keeping organized has been the most important tool for success during distance learning so far. Educators will be posting daily activities and learning. Some tips to help keep organized might be:

Schedule learning and studying time.

  • Your student will need to log onto Google Classroom and Meet to stay on top of assignments, discussion forums, and other learning activities. Your students will need to check their e-mail multiple times a day.

  • It’s important that your student schedules time every school day to work on courses (learning time) and adhere to the schedule as if he or she were attending class in their classroom. Studying time is also to be scheduled. This is time spent reviewing, studying for tests, etc.

Prepare for daily assignments and tests.

  • After checking with Google Classroom, take a few moments to write (or type) the days work, or download a Google Extension that can assist them. Having a daily schedule helps students get into the learning groove.

  • This means taking notes, studying, and communicating with teachers when they need additional support.

Help your student set deadlines and stick to them.

  • It’s important that your student keep up with the assignment schedule, submitting all assignments in a timely manner. It will be easy to fall behind unless they have help connecting to the timelines that teachers set.

  • Look with your student at the work that needs to be accomplished. Identify the small steps they might take to achieve larger goals.


SUPPORT

Learning new concepts can be a frustrating process. Not having a teacher next to them to guide them in learning will be a major shift. Support your student to continue to grow by encouraging their effort and helping them to realize how they are improving.

  • Look to the targets that teachers will provide with lessons, pay special attention to the outcome that teachers communicate in a rubric or in the instructions of assignments.

  • Schedule in some breaks. Attention is a limited resource. Keep brains fresh by drinking water and getting the blood pumping through exercise!

  • As a parent, you know what rewards work for your children. On occasion–use them!

Encourage your student to stay in touch with his/her teacher(s), counselor, etc.

  • Your students should contact their teachers and counselors regularly, especially if they are having difficulties or have questions about coursework.

  • Instructors like hearing from students! They don’t consider it a bother at all. Teachers will have regularly scheduled virtual “office hours” for your child to take advantage of.

  • Counselors, Administrators, and Instructional Technology staff will also be in contact and are available to help support you and your student to be as successful as possible in this time.

COMMUNICATION PATHWAYS

  • If students are not understanding what is being asked of them, they should reach out to their teacher. Parents are encouraged to help as needed, but the primary learning will be happening with YCOE educators through video, web chats, and by phone. If students are having issues doing the work, we ask that parents help students communicate with their teacher.

  • The fastest way to get in touch with your student's teacher is through email. They will be checking their school voicemail a few times a day and may respond with a Google Meet request.

  • Teachers are also reaching out to students who have not connected or completed assignments weekly and will schedule appointments to support students through Google Meets, Phone, or other medium to answer questions and guide students for success.