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In early 2020, our kids all got sent home and the public school system scrambled to make the best use of a new learning environment. Now that we are starting a new school year, and distance learning is here for the foreseeable future, the thought of this Groundhog’s Day-esque learning style seems a bit daunting. When it was only supposed to be for a few weeks, and now seems indefinite, big feelings can emerge and overwhelm can set in.

Here are a few tips to not let distance learning get the best of you, or your little ones, so you can start the school year off with confidence!

1) Make sure your child has a designated learning space. This could look like a desk in their room, the coffee table, dining table, or a reading corner with a lap desk. Make sure their work space is equipped with whatever supplies the school district or teacher is requiring for their work.

2) Make sure your internet connection is reliable. Our school district had mobile WiFi hotspot devices available for check out but unfortunately they ran out before we could grab one for our kiddos. Make sure you check with your district or school. Even if you have WiFi at your house, you can save a lot of sibling in-fighting (or interference with your own work) if you distribute devices between different networks.

3) Snacks and Breaks. Never underestimate the power of frequent learning breaks (dance party anyone?) or yummy snacks. Mix it up with healthy snacks and (maybe not so healthy) fun snacks. Think apples and gummy bears! I’ve learned that having pre-portioned snacks (especially chips) works best for our family. Otherwise, the kids will sit and mindlessly eat an entire bag of Cheetos in one afternoon.

4) Know what’s due when. We have three kids doing distance learning at the start of the school year and things can get hectic when it comes to what gets turned in and when. Some teachers are really good about communicating with the parents while others leave it up to the kids to get the assignments done and turned in. If you’re worried about your child not turning things in (the digital version of “my dog ate my homework” or things getting lost in a backpack) set up a google calendar with assignments that are due. The teacher may already have one they can share with you. If you have more than one child in school, color coordinate for each child and merge them together so it’s easier to keep track of. You can also go old school with a paper calendar that you fill in. This is a good tool so students can see what is due, also.

5) Give your kids (and yourself) some grace. This whole learning from home/quarantine learning situation is still new for many of us. Not to mention, you’re probably seeing a different routine in your own life, as well. It ALL takes some getting used to, and you aren’t expected to be a pro right off the bat. Find a balance in this new version of normal and pile on grace and understanding. Remembering this will help curb some of the stress of this new learning environment for everyone.

Bonus Tip: Never underestimate the mood changing power of a dance party. It also counts as physical education if you get your heart rate going. So crank your favorite dance tune and let the music lift your spirits. Chances are, everyone will feel much better after a few minutes of movement and being silly.

I’d love to hear how you’re coping with this new version of normal. Comment with your best tips on how you’ve been coping with distance learning.

I can’t wait to cheer you on!

XO,

Shannon