10 Tips for Virtual Learning Success

​This is uncharted territory for a lot of us, but we are all making it work however we can. Caleb is on day 4 of virtual learning, and already I have found a few things that have worked and others that haven't. This is by no means smooth sailing, but every day has been a little better, and Caleb's school was so well-prepared for this. His teacher has been a rockstar, too.

​I know that I am extremely fortunate in that I have the flexibility to work at whatever time I need to, but I also have Chloe to worry about and keep entertained, and I do want Caleb to learn to be more independent when it comes to virtual learning. After all, I would not be sitting next to him in the classroom, would I?

His teacher sent home a few tips that were really useful, and there were a few other things I implemented that just made sense for us here at home.

1. Have a dedicated space for them to work every day. Set up everything they need - books, writing utensils, power cords, etc. We had this little stand that has been really great for keeping the iPad in the right position for him. Use a well-lit space. Try and sit them near a window, but if possible, don't put the window behind them - it makes the image look really hazy on the screen. One thing I would change from our setup, I would have a solid wall behind him so there is no distraction if people are walking by or coming into the room. 
2. Have a routine! Just like a regular school day - a time to wake up, have breakfast, brush teeth, brush hair, get dressed, etc. Caleb is required to wear his uniform, which I personally think is wonderful because it helps him get in that frame of mind. 
3. Try to have them removed from the rest of the "action" in our house. The table that Caleb is using as his desk was in our living room area. After thinking about it, I realized he might be really distracted if he was trying to work there and Chloe and I were around. So we moved the desk into their bedroom, where we can always close the door if there is too much else going on in the house (Tuesday, for example, the landscapers were here and the dog started barking.) Which brings me to...
4. Headphones! He has them in there, but because I kind of want to know what is going on, I am only having him use them if there is a lot of noise going on outside of his schooling. 
5. Help them be independent. One of the first things Caleb's teacher wanted us to help them with was to learn how to mute and unmute themselves. This way whenever he is going to speak, he can do it himself and not have to wait for us to go and unmute him. I showed him where all his supplies are, and I leave the room so he knows he needs to do it on his own. 
6. Pack a lunch. Caleb's lunch is so early - at 10:15 am! So I have been packing him a lighter lunch - almost like a heavy snack. Then he has an afternoon snack, and we will do an early dinner. But we have done mini sandwiches, fruit, popcorn, chips, cheese crackers, cheese, things like that. He has a Bentgo box that is perfect for being here at home especially. But packing it means that I don't have to rush when his teacher says it's lunchtime, because it's ready to go. I also plan on doing this for Chloe in the next few days, so I don't have to stop what I am doing to feed her. This is probably especially helpful if you have multiple children in virtual school who have different schedules!
7. Give them time to play and be active. Once school is done, I'm not planning anything for them to "do," but I will encourage active play and try to get him up and out of a seated position. It's super hot outside, but I will try to do some time outdoors, in the late afternoon or in the pool. His teacher has also been good about getting brain breaks in, but if she wasn't doing that, I would probably encourage some kind of movement during his breaks.
8. Be flexible. The first morning we were getting ready to start, the light in the kids' room stopped working. Thankfully there is plenty of natural light, but when he logs on it's still not very bright out. We moved a lamp into the room until the electrician can come out and take a look. Thing like this will happen. Landscapers will show up, younger siblings will come into view, and the dog will bark. The kids will get knocked off their session somehow, and your kid might say some really funny things (On the first day, Caleb mentioned that he was going to go help his dad get the pool chemicals no less that 5 times. I had moms sending me messages all day lol). Just go with the flow and remember that your child would probably say really funny stuff in the classroom, too. You just might not ever find out!
9. Be patient. Our kids' teachers are wading through uncharted territory just like we are. They are doing their best. Administrators are stressed, too. Kids are missing their friends. Caleb's teacher told all the parents on the first day, "Tantrums are normal behavior. What we are asking of these kids is not normal. We cannot expect them to behave perfectly." And I don't think she could have spoken more reassuring words. Caleb's counselor told us in a virtual parent meeting to focus on the positive. Ask your child each day what worked and how you can make the next day better. But praise them for what they DID do well!
10. Remember that this is not permanent. It may seem never-ending, and it may be making us age prematurely, but it is not permanent. The world has survived pandemics before, and we will survive it again. Soon enough, our kids will be able to attend school in-person and have the interaction they crave and need. And we will get to do our work in peace again. 

I'm trying to keep those last few in mind myself. It's not easy, but I keep reminding myself that we are all going through something similar. Deep breaths and lots of prayers! You've got this!

xoxo, 

Jenise

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P.S. Wash your hands, wear your mask, increase your vitamin intake, and get active yourself. Because once we do get back to semi-normal living, you're going to want to be doing all those things.