I saw a quote today that said "A love of learning has a lot to do with learning that we are loved." & it really reminded me how important it is to have patience with this process. The importance of understanding each child's individual needs and timelines.
To be quite transparent with you, I have mixed emotions on the virtual learning experience so far. Although, we are all just doing what we think is right, and doing our best to do it. So... I am learning to be stubborn about the goal, but flexible about our methods. 💛
THINGS THAT HAVE HELPED US TRANSITION:
One thing that we immediately were able to acknowledge was that there was not the ability to communicate between students and teachers like there is in a traditional classroom setting. On this side of the computer, we understand that we can't just raise our hand, and don't always know how to interrupt to ask our questions. Be straightforward with the teachers about how you are going to communicate during and after class time. How often can they expect to hear from you? How can they get in touch with you outside of class? What about them? How can you get in touch with them outside of class? How often can you expect to hear from them? These are good things to know going forward.
Have expectations and be consistent with your child about the virtual classroom rules. Have a conversation about how the technology works, how often it will be used, if it will be used outside of class, what you expect them to be doing while "in class". Making sure they know how to use the microphone, chat box, or other features cuts down on distractions when they should be focused. They spend less time trying to figure out how to get in touch with their teacher, and more time listening. Don't forget to discuss things like staying in class, and not browsing the web! Also consider having a plan in place, should you experience technical difficulties! Have the phone numbers for technical support.
Ask for feedback! I find that the teacher is usually on the same page I am, and the only way for both her and I to understand where the student is at academically, is to be communicating with each other about pretty much everything! Where your child struggles, where you see improvements, what is working, what's not. She/he can not see the progress or decline the way they would in a traditional classroom setting. They are doing the best they can, only blindfolded. Tell them what you are seeing!
Have a support plan. Ok, your child is struggling but you don't have the resources the school does. Reach out! Put a plan in place. The school was so helpful with adding resources, tips, tricks, games, paperwork to her weekly packet. They still have the resources your child needs to excel, and there is nothing wrong with asking to bring them home! Don't risk losing all of the work you put into sitting beside your child discussing the lesson, because of a small issue.
One last piece of advice. Ok, last two pieces of advice. It is essential that you take the time each evening to plan for the following day. Discuss with your child how the day went, set up for tomorrow, and discuss what the goal is for tomorrow. Setting your intentions for the day to come, just like adults, is the best recipe for success. Aside from that, I would say don't be too hard on yourself! Trust me, Some things will work, some things won't, at the end of the day - understand that we can only do our best. The rest is just part of the learning experience. We are still all in this together, and believe me... sometimes it takes a village. Get you a good support system, someone to vent to, and discuss with your spouse or significant other the importance of having their support. I can not express enough the importance of using your weekends to RECHARGE. Rest and relax.
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