Remote Learning Tips

This week we are all adjusting to different schedules and ways of doing things. My girls are home from school and we are figuring out how to work, live, and learn together also. In addition to researching different ways to engage learners remotely, I have also been thinking a lot about how to thrive as a family during this time and wanted to share a few things that are helping in our home with you.

Talk with your child about what is happening. They are little, but they hear the news we are watching and our conversations with other adults about the COVID-19 virus. They also feel any anxiety about  the unknowns surrounding the virus. They need our help to understand and work through any fears they share so don't worry about talking with them in an age-appropriate way. Keep it simple, factual, and focused on positive messages. This article has a helpful When and How to talk to children section. Remember, it is always okay to say, "I really want to talk about this too, let's talk about it tomorrow morning." if questions come up at a time when you are tired or distracted.

Make time and space for learning. When learning at home, it might be helpful to have a quiet, consistent place where your child does their learning daily. A schedule helps everyone stay balanced. Reasonable bedtimes and mealtimes will also help when the transition when we return to school.

Give your child responsibilities. As I mentioned in my first Morning Meeting video, the students have responsibilities they perform daily in Preschool and this is a perfect opportunity for them to learn a new skill and feel the satisfaction of being a contributing member of the family. Here are some age-appropriate responsibilities:
Chores for children ages 2 to 3

• Put toys away
• Fill pet's food dish
• Put clothes in hamper
• Wipe up spills
• Dust
• Pile books and magazines

Chores for children ages 4 to 5
Any of the above chores, plus:

• Make their bed
• Empty wastebaskets
• Bring in mail or newspaper
• Clear table
• Pull weeds, if you have a garden
• Use hand-held vacuum to pick up crumbs
• Water flowers
• Unload utensils from dishwasher
• Wash plastic dishes at sink
• Fix bowl of cereal

Chores for children ages 6 to 7
Any of the above chores, plus:

• Sort laundry
• Sweep floors
• Set and clear table
• Help make and pack lunch
• Weed and rake leaves
• Keep bedroom tidy

Get some fresh air and exercise. Get outside if the weather is nice and you can walk or play somewhere. Otherwise, make time to do a workout as a family.

Connect. We all miss each other! I will make a weekly whole-class meeting, but if you can meet a school friend online or for a playdate, that in-person connection with people is important too.

I am so grateful to have you all in our learning community and know we can do this!