Raising the Well-
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Virtual Learning Tips
Preparation
- Set up a specific space for learning.
- Minimize distractions.
- Instill the same thrill and excitement when getting your child's school supplies.
- Maintain consistent routines.
- Bedtime is consistent each night.
- Bathe regularly as if they were attending school on a regular campus.
- Meals are the same time each day.
- Have your child get dressed and ready for the day.
- Brush their teeth, comb their hair, and wash their face.
- Establish a morning routine and responsibilities for your child prior to logging on. This is a perfect time for them to begin learning a few household tasks.
- Assign chores to keep their workspace free of clutter.
- Schedule a time of day for your child to organize their space.
- Complete chores, such as putting their dishes in the dishwasher, folding their clothes, etc.
- Be organized. Use a calendar or planner to keep track of assignments.
- Model how to mark the assignments and due dates.
- Provide healthy lunch choices and snacks.
- Create a lunch and snack menu with your child.
- Communicate regularly with your child's teacher.
- Read the newsletters from the teachers and the school to keep current on events and happenings.
- Address concerns that you have about your child and virtual learning with the teacher, counselor, and/or principal.
- Schedule breaks.
- Take a walk.
- Read or complete an assignment outside when the weather is nice.
- Pause and take a few deep breaths.
- Keep your child on task.
- Frequently check-in with your child to make sure they are on task and using the internet appropriately.
- Ask them questions about what they are learning or working on.
- Review digital citizenship expectations.
- Focus on the speaker/teacher.
- No chatting on the side.
- Only have one browser open when on video with the class or teacher.
- Wait your turn to speak.
- Keep your camera on and microphone off unless instructed by your teacher.
- Close the day out with a daily closure routine.
- Reflect on a few positives from the day.
- Review the schedule for the next day to be prepared.
- Update the calendar for any future assignments, events, or tasks.
- Clean up the workspace.
Homework
Homework can be stressful for both you and your kids! Here are some tips to help you and your child get through this without struggling.
To begin homework....
To begin homework....
- Find a quiet space for your child to complete their work.
- Collaborate with your child on the best place and time for them to complete their homework.
- Set a timer for how long the task should take. This is a good visual for them to see how long they have to work on the task.
- Make sure they have all of the supplies they need, including paper, sharpened pencils, charged devices, table, and chair.
- Turn off the TV, gaming systems, and any distracting noise.
- Make sure there is good lighting in the workspace.
- The homework space should be in a place that can be supervised but not the hub of the home. You want to minimize distractions and maintain supervision.
- Keep any younger siblings out of the room or provide a "homework" assignment for them as well.
- Provide a drink and snack before or during the assignment if they are hungry.
- Skip it - Tell your child to skip the problem they are struggling with and move on to the next one. Come back to the tough one later. Otherwise, they waste too much time fretting and end up with nothing completed.
- Best Guess - Have your child make their best guess. Even if it is wrong, the teacher will have some record of where they need to begin to help your child. Writing "I don't know" is not an acceptable answer and will not help any parties in this situation.
- Set a Limit - Set an amount of time to work on the assignment. If they are still struggling, write a note to the teacher to explain the difficulties. This shows the teacher that you all are working together.
- Encourage - Let them know that you understand it is hard and encourage them to try their best. Let them know you won't be mad if they get the answer wrong.
- Communicate Effort Over Perfection - Remind them that you prefer them trying their best over being perfect.
- Reflect - Tell them to reflect back to the lesson and tell you what it was about. I bet when they reflect they will be able to think about the process they need to use to find the answer.
- Alternate Activity - Find something positive for the two of you to do when the homework is over. This not only acts as positive reinforcement for completing their work but also ensures that you spend some positive time together.
- Stay Calm - I know this is often easier said than done. By staying calm, you are teaching your child how to function in life. You have to model emotional regulation when frustration arrises.
Party Ideas for Kids
Need party ideas that your children will love and that still fit into your budget? Over the years, we hosted many parties, and my children were often central to the party planning. We had all of our children's birthday parties at our home. We had a blast creating the themes, planning the menu, and decorating the house. I'm sure they have fond memories of their childhood parties. Below you will find some simple and fun party ideas, including lists of materials needed and pictures to spur your inspiration. Allow your child to be involved in the planning. After all, it is their party! I hope that this inspires you to create wonderful memories with your children.
Party Planning Tips
- Keep it simple. A party doesn't have to extravagant to be incredible.
- Let your child be involved in the planning. They will love the time you spend together.
- Brainstorm ideas together. Let your child pick an activity or item they want at the party, even if it is not what you imagined. Remember it is their party!
- Select a theme for the party, such as gymnastics, dance party, rodeo, etc.
- Select a color scheme to use for the decorations.
- Purchase disposable plates and utensils for easy cleanup.
- Let your guests know if they are to dress a certain way for the party (i.e., western dress, leotard, princess dress, etc.).
- Set a time limit for the party by putting an arrival time and pickup time on the invitation. Two hours is more than enough to entertain children.
- Ask about any food allergies among the guests.
- Make sure you have phone numbers for all of the parents.
- Rotate the activity every 15 minutes, and leave very little down time. Boredom leads to things getting out of control. Try alternating between a physical activity and a quiet craft to keep kids engaged.
- Set up stations in different areas of the house for eating, playing, and crafting.
- Have everything set up before the guests arrive. This goes for any type of event you are having at your home.
- Create an agenda for the party and stick to it.
- Have a few adult helpers to transition the children from one area to the next. You can also have one of the helpers cleaning up a section and one prepping the next area.
- Make food kid-friendly and not too messy.
- Save the party favors for when the children are leaving your home to ensure that no one leaves part of their favor at your house. This also ensures that the party ends on a fun note!
- Remind your child to use their manners and ALWAYS thank their guest for the gift and for coming to their party.
Sample Party Schedule
10:00 am - Guests arrive.
10:15 am - Play a game outside or in the garage.
10:30 am - Craft in the kitchen.
10:45 am - Play a game outside or in the garage.
11:00 am - Snack and drink in the kitchen.
11:15 am - Open presents in the family room.
11:30 am - Craft in the garage.
11:45 am - Cake and sing in the kitchen.
12:00 pm - Give out party favors and thank guests.
10:15 am - Play a game outside or in the garage.
10:30 am - Craft in the kitchen.
10:45 am - Play a game outside or in the garage.
11:00 am - Snack and drink in the kitchen.
11:15 am - Open presents in the family room.
11:30 am - Craft in the garage.
11:45 am - Cake and sing in the kitchen.
12:00 pm - Give out party favors and thank guests.