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September has always issued an official end to the summer and school activities start rolling in full swing! Bittersweet but exciting, this month is supposed to bring new beginnings. Unfortunately, with COVID-19 still being a huge issue in the U.S. and especially California, the governor decided that we all would be learning through online education for the 2020-2021 school year. While this news was disheartening for many, it is also our best bet in keeping our kids safe and healthy. Online school can be daunting for many kids and parents alike, so here are our best tips for staying on top of your child’s course load in this upcoming year.
1. Be positive.
Remember that your little one is a sponge. A positive attitude about online learning is the best gift you can give yourself and your child. Of course, you’ll both have your days when you’re burnt out, frustrated, and tired, but keeping a positive attitude can have a huge impact on your child’s education and also their willingness to participate.
2. Get organized—and stay organized.
Having a designated learning space to do schoolwork will put you way ahead of the game. Have your child help; organize books, the computer, pens, paper, and other supplies. Maybe go crazy with the label maker or some decorative stickers. Whatever the case, the organization will make it much easier for the both of you to keep track of everything, and the process of organizing may excite your child and make them feel more ready for virtual school.
3. Establish a flexible routine.
One thing that online school can not provide is a temporary reprieve from your children, meaning you’ll be in the same house with them 24/7, 7 days a week. Do your best to make sure your own schedule is flexible, and know theirs well too. It’s a good idea to let your child know when you will not be available to help them, so they understand not to interrupt whatever you are doing and save any questions for when you are available again.
4. Make a goal board.
Anyone truly great started out as ordinary, and got to where they are now by meeting their goals. Brainstorm with your child what they’d like to accomplish, both short and long term, this academic year. Sit down with your child and ask a few simple questions; is there a class you want to ace this semester, do you want to get a certain grade point average? Then put their goals in writing and post the list where they’ll be able to see it often.
5. Start on track and stay on track.
It’s always better to be ahead in school than to be struggling at the last minute! Online school is definitely very easy to fall behind in, so get ready to be vigilant. Break down big projects into small, manageable parts—and give each one a deadline. If it fits with your schedule, try and get school out of the way first! Offer incentives for finishing schoolwork or homework, and once those are completed, you as a parent are able to shift your focus to something else.
6. Get your wiggles out!
Elementary and middle school students who may have spent a few hours a day outside will now spend a lot of that time online—completing lessons, chatting with peers, and touching base with their online teachers. So scheduling physical fitness into the day is also important. Physical exercise can boost mood, energy, and brainpower. Your student won’t even have to leave the living room with the many online exercise videos and fun dances to popular songs available on social channels like Instagram and YouTube. If you’re comfortable, allow your kid a break to go outside and play or go on family walks/bike rides.
Online school will be a learning experience for everyone involved. When you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed, remember that you are not alone, and everyone (including your child and their classmates) are struggling in some way or another. Be encouraging and have patience with your child as well as with yourself. Good luck this school year! We know you’ve got this.
