For Parents: Advice for home-based learning

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As we’ve entered into a season of social distancing, remote-learning (or home-based learning) has become a new normal for students. However, change comes with its challenges. How can parents help their children adjust to the new demands of the virtual classrooms? 

1. Create and stick to a routine.

There will definitely be great differences between normal school and online school. For instance, things like transportation time and breaks might be significantly altered. However, treating online school days just like any other normal school day will help your child to establish a familiar school routine that will help them get into the headspace for learning. Plus, a familiar routine will allow your child to recognise and respect that online school requires the same expectations as normal school.

2. Dedicate a learning space.

It’s easy to feel distracted at home. Afterall, the home is associated with rest, especially after a hard day's work. In order to create a setting that does not communicate ideas of rest, set up a unique and quiet space that is solely dedicated to school activities. Make sure it has a good internet connection and is free from distractions, like the bed or food. You may want to keep the doors open, and practice good digital safety.

3. Check in with your child’s teachers.

If your child is still having difficulty managing themselves online or staying on track in class, don’t hesitate to connect with their teachers. Be on the lookout for any news from your child’s school on new updates or requests that relate to their online learning platforms. 

4. Encourage physical activity and outdoor exercise.

After sitting in front of a screen for long stretches of time, encourage your child to get up and stretch! Even better, is if they exercise and take some time to make up from staying stationary throughout the school day. 

5. Try not to “sit in” on classes.

This last piece of advice might be a tad hard to swallow for some parents, but resisting the urge to “sit in” on your child’s classes will help your child take charge of their own learning. Plus, it will respect their privacy and that of their classmates. Provide support and encouragement, but expect your children to put in their own efforts and hold their own responsibilities. 

Being independent takes practice, and home-based learning is a great way to start training self-reliant values. Good luck!