In person, Distance Learning or Hybrid? Keeping Your Son Engaged

This fall, going back to school will be very different for many students across the country. With the current coronavirus health and safety concerns, many school districts are considering distance learning and/or hybrid classroom models for this upcoming school year.

This week, the San Diego Unified School District announced that it will adopt strict standards to protect students, staff, and the community from the spread of COVID-19 this upcoming school year. As a result, the timeline to reopen San Diego schools for in-class instruction will likely take months.

As we continue to follow the guidance from our county, we recognize the challenges of distance learning that both students and parents may face this school year. To help our community kick off this academic year with success, we’ve compiled comprehensive Back to School strategies to help our students thrive and make the 2020-2021 school year the best yet.

We cover the latest strategies on keeping your children engaged in distance learning at home as well as preparing students for hybrid or in-class learning at school.

Continue reading for expert advice on how to help your child stay engaged with distance learning this upcoming school year.

1.  Monitor your child’s pace

The transition to distance learning will be different for every student. Monitor your child’s pace in keeping up with the class curriculum, especially if your household has limited to no access to reliable internet or a device designated for your child’s use. In that case, work with your school to adjust the curriculum and/or expectations to ensure your child receives equitable classroom instruction.

2.  Balance core subjects with other learning experiences

In addition to monitoring your student’s pace, experts suggest balancing core subjects with other learning experiences to relieve some of the pressure to catch up or stay on track with the planned class curriculum and account for the realities of distance learning.

3.  Establish a routine that includes breaks

The key to sustaining your child’s engagement is establishing a set routine that he can depend on in the midst of the current coronavirus outbreak uncertainty. Factor in time for breaks and refreshing activities so your child will have an enjoyable routine that provides structure during the school day.

4.  Encourage movement throughout the day

Including breaks in your child’s routine will also allow for physical movement throughout the school day. Experts suggest allowing time for exercise before your child’s focus is required on a distance learning task. Additionally, consider a raised surface so your child can alternate sitting and standing while doing schoolwork.

5.  Schedule time to connect with classmates

Unlike in-person learning, your child will not have conversations between classes or at lunch that provide social enrichment to the school day. Schedule time for your child to connect with classmates to keep him engaged with the school beyond his classroom lessons.

6.  Seek real-time interaction with teachers

In addition to connecting with classmates, real-time interaction with teachers will increase classroom engagement for your child.

7.  Help him self-direct

As parents, we must balance our own work schedules with our child’s school schedule, so it is important that our children are able to self-direct throughout the day. Using checklists could help your child stay focused and engaged during school hours with minimal guidance from you.

8.  Maintain a distraction-free zone

In addition to checklists, a distraction-free zone is needed to keep your child engaged in distance learning. The CDC recommends a space at home that is free of distractions during school hours.

9.  Consider a digital quarantine

A digital quarantine is a strategy that can limit distraction and keep your child’s attention on schoolwork. Parenting experts suggest limiting the use of their devices, other than what is needed to complete their work until designated breaks or when their work is done for the day.

10. Manage screen time

Further, too much screen time can have adverse impacts on your son’s brain, so experts suggest mixing it up for distance learning. Balance screen time with old school learning formats like textbooks, worksheets or other printouts.

11. Know your child’s learning style

The CDC also recommends being aware of your child’s learning style and ensuring that it is compatible with distance learning. Whether your child learns best in a visual or hands-on manner, that knowledge will help you work with him and his teacher to accommodate his learning needs at home.

12. Make it enjoyable

Knowing your child’s favorite activities as well as their preferred learning style can make distance learning much more enjoyable for all parties. Going back to school brings excitement that can fuel academic success for your child. Keep that momentum going by incorporating the tasks that he likes to do into his daily school schedule.

13. Provide immediate positive feedback

As your schedule allows, provide immediate positive feedback to your child. Researchers say that something as simple as a check mark can go a long way in motivating your child.

14. Keep in touch with teachers, staff, and other parents for support

Distance learning can bring a higher level of parental involvement, which makes it important for parents to also receive feedback and support on the best way to help their child with new concepts. Keeping in touch with teachers, staff, and other parents will provide you with a support network to help you work through challenges and contribute to your son’s academic success.

15. Use behavioral health and emotional support resources

Pediatric experts recommend using mental health support that schools provide to help students who are struggling with stress from the pandemic or who are showing signs of anxiety or distress. These resources will help your child get the support they need to put their best foot forward this school year.

Preparing For Hybrid or In-Class Instruction

As the coronavirus situation continues to evolve, parents should also prepare for hybrid and in-class learning instruction. Read on for back to school strategies for reopening schools.

16.  Have conversations about COVID-19

With so much visible concern about reopening schools, your student may have stress or anxiety about returning to school. Having ongoing conversations about the latest coronavirus situation is a great way to ease those feelings and provide him with more certainty. For tips to guide your conversation, check out our blog post here.

17.  Highlight the benefits of in-class learning

In those conversations, be sure to highlight the benefits of in-class learning. Experts stress that schools provide more than just academics to children; they allow students to develop social and emotional skills, get exercise, and have access to mental health support.

18.  Remind him of his resilience

Soothe his fears and anxieties by reminding him of his resilience and all that he has accomplished in his academic career so far. It could also be helpful to incorporate findings from the CDC that suggest that children are less likely to get COVID-19 than adults, and when they do get COVID-19, they generally have less serious illness than adults.

19.  Remind him that he’s not alone

Additionally, remind your son that he is not alone. Let him know that it is a team effort with his parents, teachers, and the district to have safe in-class instruction this school year.

20.  Reinforce healthy habits at home

Reinforcing healthy habits at home, like hand hygiene, will help you and your child both feel more prepared to go back to school for in-class learning.

21.  Allow him to adjust to the new normal

With any changes, children need time to adjust. Give him time and space to understand that this is the new normal and provide an adjustment period. Then, the focus will be less on how different things are this school year, and more on how to navigate the present moment.

While this upcoming school year will look different than last year, we are confident that your son can maintain his academic success with ongoing support. During these unusual times, The Blue Heart Foundation is here to help parents and students alike. Our hearts and thoughts go out to each and every one of you as we start this upcoming school year. Learn more about how we support our students with programs and resources here.