Remote Learning Tips

Remote Learning Tips for SA students

Good morning everyone, 

As we enter into a remote period, I wanted to share some tips for success that we have seen work well for remote learners. Keep in mind that every student and every family are different, and we all have different resources. That being said, here are some tips to help make the most out of the remote learning experience. 

 

  1. Set up a “school space” for your child. This is best in a setting that is not where he/she/they play games or typically lounge/relax. Good options include at a cleared table in the kitchen, or a designated desk in a space where parents/guardians can have “eyes on” but don’t need to be hovering. The best spaces have chairs that help students sit upright for learning. Bedrooms and/or couches don’t lend themselves well to remote learning.

 

  1.  Limit distractions from the learning space. This point feeds off of point number 1. If the space is set up away from distractions like toys, pets, video games, etc. it is less tempting for students to get off task. As hard as it is, I would lump pets into this category as well. They bring comfort and joy, but also distraction. 

 

  1. Review the daily schedule with your child. Teachers are doing this too and it never hurts to review. If you have access to a timer or alarms, setting alarms for different points and meet times throughout the day can help ensure that your child is attending lessons and meets when needed. This time can also be used to review assignments and due dates. 

 

  1. Prioritize live instructional time with your child’s teacher. This is difficult for many parents, but there really is no substitute for live instruction. If your family can’t make that instructional time work, we understand and content lessons/ tasks will be recorded. Likewise assignments will be available on Google Classrooms. Even if accessing content asynchronously, establishing a schedule (point 3) will help your child to organize their day. 

 

  1. Allow your child to independently participate in class as much as possible, while being available to support with tech issues if they arise. Independence and self-advocacy, especially as it pertains to learning content is an important skill for students to develop. 

 

  1. Utilize tech. Support by clicking on the link at this page if you have questions: support@hatfieldps.net

 

  1. Communicate with your child’s teacher. If you have questions about assignments, expectations, content, etc. ask. We encourage students to do this for themselves when possible, but especially with our younger learners, that may not always be possible. Teachers have office hours in the afternoon to field questions as well. 

 

  1. Help get your child off the screen. Many assignments will be able to be completed during the independent practice portion of lessons without “screen time.” While teachers will be available to support during this time, it is perfectly acceptable, if the teacher has released students to do so, for your child to do that work off of the computer, provided they know when to access for the next portion of the day. Likewise, after hours, promoting outdoor time, and exercise can help your child stay healthy and happy. 

 

This list is certainly not comprehensive, and if you have other things that are working for you and your family, continue to do them (and consider sharing so we can update the list!). Likewise, all of these tips may not be feasible or applicable to your child. You know your child best. Hopefully some of these tips will help him/her/them on their path to success.