Supporting Your Virtual Student With the holiday season nearly upon us, and as your student's "Learning Coach", it is a good time to address your current support system. Take a few breaths.
Many of the families reported struggling the first few weeks, however as the students learned routines and became more familiar with the technology, this got better. Remember to celebrate your successes and learn from the "teachable moments". You've got this!
Continue to develop the Learning Space
If the kitchen table doubles as a learning space, remove all kitchen items (cups, salt and pepper shakers etc.) while your child is learning. Place learning materials (pens, pencils, markers, scissors etc.) in baskets or containers so they can easily be moved.
Review the schedule
Look at the schedule. If you have a middle or high school student, late afternoon or early evening might be when they are awake and ready to learn. Are you including "Brain Breaks" or movement activities to help your student's brain recharge? (See video below as an example)
Develop a Relationship with the Teacher
Reach out to the teacher and discuss the best way and times to communicate. Think of your teachers as collaborators, problems solvers, and supporters. Discuss what is working and if your child needs additional support. The key is to keep communication lines open.
Have Multiple Students?
Be aware of when your children have asynchronous learning versus synchronous learning.
Asynchronous Learning - Happens when independent work is being done, usually on a flexible schedule
Synchronous Learning - Happens in real time. The student, teacher, and other classmates interact in a specific virtual space at a set time.
Many of the families reported struggling the first few weeks, however as the students learned routines and became more familiar with the technology, this got better. Remember to celebrate your successes and learn from the "teachable moments". You've got this!
Continue to develop the Learning Space
If the kitchen table doubles as a learning space, remove all kitchen items (cups, salt and pepper shakers etc.) while your child is learning. Place learning materials (pens, pencils, markers, scissors etc.) in baskets or containers so they can easily be moved.
Review the schedule
Look at the schedule. If you have a middle or high school student, late afternoon or early evening might be when they are awake and ready to learn. Are you including "Brain Breaks" or movement activities to help your student's brain recharge? (See video below as an example)
Develop a Relationship with the Teacher
Reach out to the teacher and discuss the best way and times to communicate. Think of your teachers as collaborators, problems solvers, and supporters. Discuss what is working and if your child needs additional support. The key is to keep communication lines open.
Have Multiple Students?
Be aware of when your children have asynchronous learning versus synchronous learning.
Asynchronous Learning - Happens when independent work is being done, usually on a flexible schedule
Synchronous Learning - Happens in real time. The student, teacher, and other classmates interact in a specific virtual space at a set time.
- For elementary students for example, times such as Lunch, Recess, and Encore (special areas such as gym) can be more flexible.
- Building in breaks, either separately or together, also gives time to regroup.
- Having a more advanced learner teach a new skill or concept. Encouraging siblings to practice problem solving skills.