We understand the sudden transition to Virtual School comes with any number of challenges. Ensuring support and resources for your child’s home learning are integrated into your normal home environment is the first step in ensuring a smooth transition.To ease this transition we have listed some tips below that include advice on caring for yourself during this time as you support your child’s learning in the best way.
- Remember to reach out to others. You are not going through this alone. Reaching out to share ideas, concerns and frustrations can help you manage your own feelings and find new ways to support your child. Remember your child’s teachers, administrators and counselors are here for your questions or concerns as one large support network.
- Craft a new routine. A consistent routine creates a sense of order and reassurance in the face of uncertain circumstances. Try building your new routine around the hours put forward for Virtual School. Ensure your routine is achievable and that “less is more”. Allow room for flexibility and relaxation time for both you and your child.
- Create a learning space. An allocated quiet space will help your child to shift into learning mode more easily. This will reinforce your new routine and allow for a clear distinction between learning time and free time. Important Tip: avoid the bedroom when establishing your learning space!
- Get the whole family involved! This is a great time to bond and collaborate as a family. Older siblings can support younger siblings and parents can share responsibilities around their work schedules. For those fortunate enough to have family members nearby: assign them tasks as well! Learning at home is a great way of supporting your child’s learning in your home language. Encourage conversations about your child’s learning in both English and your home language to boost development of concepts.
- Develop self-awareness. As you navigate change, try to develop an awareness of your limits and those of your child. Take a few minutes each day to connect with yourself; ask yourself how you are feeling and whether you need support. Encourage your child to do the same. Open and honest communication with your child will help preempt any challenges in adapting to change.
- Forgive yourself. Many will experience temporary frustration and confusion as they manage the substantial amount of new information and unfamiliar routine associated with home learning. Forgive yourself for the inevitable mistakes that will be made along the way. Take each task as it comes and remember support is just a call away.
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