When it comes to online school, we know it isn’t always easy to be a parent.

Of course, if you’re trying to balance work, family, and all your other responsibilities, the last thing you need is to be a teacher, too.

Don’t worry! Our team at Reading with Results is here to help. In this blog post, we are going to discuss a few of our favorite tips. These will, hopefully, give you some insights on proper online schooling techniques!

Read on to learn three tips that we’d suggest to our parents.

Online School Tip #1: Be Prepared

Online school can be a great tool, but it can also be really tough. When you’re in the classroom, there is really only one area of focus: the teacher. 

Yet, in online school, this becomes totally different. Depending on the age of your child, it could be the TV, the cell phone, or some toys that start to distract them. 

One important role of a parent when managing online school is to make sure that your child has the best chance of concentrating. Set up his work area with all that your child will need for that class. Creating a checklist will encourage them to be invested in the learning process. See an example of a checklist below.

• Healthy Snack

• Computer Headset

• Mouse and Mousepad

• Pencils

• Notebook

• Spelling Rules

• Electronic Spell Checker

• Mini Cards for Sight Word Spelling

• Dry Erase Pen

• Let’s Go!

Online School Tip #2: Keep the Positive Feedback Coming!

Online school can be draining! We know that it can be draining for you as a parent, but it’s also tough for the kids.

In the online environment, a student can miss out on a lot of the positive reinforcement that they used to get in the classroom. Although teachers try, it’s just not the same without getting that sticker or high-five.

Then, that’s where you come in. As a parent of a student in online school, you’re now a source of encouragement for your child. Of course, you were before, but now your job has doubled!

When they complete a class or an assignment, give them a special treat. Even if it is just a sticker or a small piece of candy, it’s important to keep that positive reinforcement coming.

Frequent breaks between class or assignments is shown to help with concentration and learning. See the chart below for ideas.

There you go! Although a small adjustment, this would make a huge difference day-to-day.

Online School Tip #3: Continue Encouraging Socializing!

This whole ‘online school’ thing can be really tough for our kids, especially since they don’t get to see their friends every day. Or, at least, it’s very different!

As reading and writing tutors in West Chester, PA, we work with students all the time. Although we typically work one-on-one with our students, it is so important to encourage that social aspect.

Even if it is with a tutor or with a parent, keep them engaged face-to-face! And, keep encouraging them to see their friends over video-chat or socially distanced outdoors!

We know that socialization is a huge aspect in our kids lives. So, let’s try our best to keep it at the forefront of our decision making when it comes to online school for our kids.

Bonus Tips:

1. Be prepared for your online session.  This reduces anxiety and saves time.  The following checklist may be helpful.

2. Give your children “Brain Breaks.” We can only imagine how difficult it must be for our children/students to sit and look at a screen for several hours a day.  Research shows that moving around and increasing blood flow can help students stay on task and focus better. Check out the “Brain Break” chart for ideas.

3. Affirming our children as they deal with this change in their education can be effective.  When there is change, there can also be anxiety and frustration. These have been uncertain times and staying positive and affirming can bring ease to one’s mind and emotions. Remember to encourage your children as they embrace these changes and push through towards their goal. The chart below gives ideas of words of encouragement. 

We hope that you were able to learn a thing or two from these online school tips! If you’re interested in having a conversation with our team, connect with us today!