by Paula Ramos, Learning Specialist
Along with many other schools across California and across the nation, Saint Andrew’s Episcopal School will begin the school year in distance learning mode. The teachers have been working diligently the past few months to create engaging learning experiences that include both online and offline activities. Assignments in each content area will be accessible in Schoology.
While we intend to have students back on campus as soon as it is safe to do so, here are several tips to help your child be prepared for learning from home. Each Saint Andrew’s student will receive an iPad with a keyboard and a stylus. While the school recognizes that technology glitches can occasionally occur, the teachers and staff do have increased expectations for your child’s attendance and involvement with the online learning platform.
Create a learning space for your child
Set up a quiet clutter-free area for full-time home learning. Reducing clutter helps kids focus.
Ensure the area you have chosen is in earshot of where you are or is a place where you can periodically check-in.
If the workspace is not as quiet as your child prefers, consider purchasing noise-canceling headphones and position your child so their screen is visible to you.
Make a schedule
Saint Andrew’s will publish a clear schedule for your student. It will include a morning recess, lunch break, and times to get up and move. Like on-campus learning, students will be asked to attend promptly, arrive dressed in uniform, fed, and ready to learn. Things to consider as your plan for the school year:
Does your child/children need a lot of help getting up and getting ready for school? If so, ensure children are waking up with ample time to prepare for the day and log into their class.
Can your child prepare his/her own work area each day or will they need a little assistance getting set up each day? If necessary, add that time to your schedule.
Manage distractions
Homes are filled with plenty of distractions. Video games, social media, chats, texts, TV, pets. This time at home might feel like a vacation for your child, but it’s important to remind them that their education still comes first. Make a list of distractions with your child and discuss ways to limit them during learning time - include time for video games/television for the afternoon, keep the pets in a different room, remove cellphones during the school day. After problem-solving with your child, if certain technologies are still too difficult to resist, contact your child’s teacher to discuss options for blocking access during instruction time.
Ensure your child is using their planner or calendar
Teachers will utilize the Schoology learning management system and other communication tools to organize your student’s classwork with clearly visible due dates. However, some children need more support with breaking assignments into manageable chunks for accurate completion. Support your child to make a plan every day. Include the daily assignments, make-up work, breaks, and other activities such as chores, music lessons, or family activities to ensure they are planning for all of their commitments.
Don’t forget green time!
Physical activity and spending time outdoors helps us think better. When we move our bodies our attention improves and helps decrease anxiety. Support your child to take breaks outside as much as possible. Have a picnic outside during lunch. Go outside for a bike ride or jump rope during recess.
Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need support or have any questions.
We are all still perfecting our skills with distance learning. Saint Andrew’s faculty and staff are ready to support you and your family in the process of learning. Parents are not expected to take the place of the teachers. Our teachers will also set clear expectations around the schedule, assignments, due dates, and online learning behaviors. Don’t hesitate to schedule a conference with your child’s teacher or advisor proactively. In addition, the following are some resources in our community for ongoing support with parenting during this pandemic.
Center for Developing Minds: Dr. Korb has written and curated several articles to support families as they navigate the COVID 19 crisis.
References:
Distance Learning: 8 Tips to Help Your Child Learn At Home
How to Set Up a Virtual or Homeschool Learning Space for Kids
How to Study Without Getting Distracted: Tips from the Experts
6 Reasons Children Need to Play Outside
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