Staying on Top of Learning

Prepare your kids for the ebbs and flows of education, whether in-person or online.

Now that school is back in-session, we want to ensure that our kids don’t fall behind. Following their progress in school, scheduling extra study time, or simply finding the right virtual learning environment can help contribute to their success. Here are five easy ways you can continue to support their schooling.

ONE

Carve out a study space

It’s important for each child to feel like they’re in a learning environment, even if it’s just a simple space for them to study. Set up a desk in an area with natural daylight and allow for privacy from siblings (and for those on-call math lectures). With all their tools like highlighters, a dictionary, and extra pens and paper in a designated area, they’re sure to stay motivated and on track.

TWO

Set a schedule

It’s not always easy when you have more than one child in the home but creating a schedule for each child (that you post on the fridge or wall) helps kids know how their day is going to go. Don’t forget to include breaks like snack time and lunch to help with that sense of routine.

THREE

Prep for extra learning tools

If your kids are learning remotely, your child’s teacher will help them discern which online learning tool they will be using. A few of the more popular ones are: Classcraft, Seesaw, Google Classroom and Prodigy. Additional programs or apps that can help when it comes to learning are: Live Binders, Slack (for group projects) and Khan Academy.

And while it may not be feasible for each child in the home to have their own computer, consider turning a tablet into a more functional learning tool with a keyboard, or a stylus pen for easier screen manipulation.

FOUR

Stay Flexible

Circadian rhythm is your very own internal clock — the one that tells you when it’s time to wake up, or go to bed. And as we age, our rhythm changes which is why your teenager can sleep until 1 pm and stay up until 3 am without even a yawn. Educators have long suggested that high school students would likely be more productive and engaged if their schedules worked with their circadian rhythms, rather than against it. If your child is learning online and has the ability for a more flexible schedule, try using their odd hours to their advantage.

FIVE

Allow for multiple breaks

A break is not simply an excuse to not do something. It can help reset our focus and commitment to a given task and help you get your brain back on track. Fresh air and movement are the two most effective activities to do on a break so encourage kids to get outside and move around!