As many families find themselves back on lockdown and many schools turn back to virtual learning, parents once again find themselves trying to navigate the complicated world of cyberlearning from home. Parents can often find themselves trying to balance a full work schedule with making sure that their kids are paying attention and getting their schoolwork done. While this is important, it’s also key to recognize that both you and your kids need breaks to help recharge a bit throughout the day. These tips will help you restore you and your kids’ minds but still keep your mind stimulated throughout the day.
The AM Routine
Even though some schools are moving back to virtual learning, it’s important to remember that kids need fuel to help their minds work. Try to keep their routine that they would usually have during a typical school day. Whether this means getting them up to shower and dress, then pop into the kitchen for their breakfast. Having breakfast will ensure that their bodies are ready to learn and will help to keep them focused. Also, make sure they have an occasional snack during the day to help them focus. This would be a great time to build those breaks into their schedule.
Get Moving
For anyone, sitting all day can become stagnant. For kids, physical activity should be non-negotiable. With this transition from in-person schooling to virtual, it may become challenging to make sure that kids are getting the necessary time to play and exercise—plan times into their day for some physical activity. For younger kids, you could even call it a “shake break.”
School Is Still School
While school may be happening in a quiet corner of your home these days, make sure you establish that your kids are still in school. Kids may be wearing pajamas to class because they rolled out of bed late, it may have been a while since they put on shoes, but they must have the understanding that just because you are home doesn’t mean that they can slack off. It is also important that you try to make the learning environment stimulating for your kids to help mitigate distractions when you are not working. The more interest and curiosity your kids have towards a subject, the more interested they will be learning.
The Social Aspect
A huge issue for kids who are virtual learning is the social aspects. Even though it can’t be in person, try to make sure that your kids can have some kind of socialization with other kids. Try talking to other parents to set up skype or zoom calls to their friends during lunch. This might help them stay motivated throughout the morning, knowing that they will get to see their friends during their lunch breaks.
This year’s virtual learning hasn’t been easy, and we don’t foresee it getting easier any time soon. It’s important to remember that we need to keep up a routine for our kids to not fall out of positive learning habits. Make sure they’re still taking the time to have a little bit of fun throughout the day. We will all get through this together, with a little bit of patience and a little bit of fun.