03/10/2021
Is Your Child Frustrated and Failing?
“Things you can do.” “Holding teachers accountable.”
Before the pandemic, many of us were not used to having our children learn from home.
Administrators, teachers, and parents had to adjust quickly. As a result, youth all over the world are falling behind.
We are responsible for meeting the challenges of distance learning and getting our youth back on track!
The best practices in this article are taken from educators all over the world.
Things you can do:
SET EXPECTATIONS - and stick to them! Many times, we as parents find ourselves compromising too often. Their success is our responsibility. Even with work and other obligations, we must find the time to be engaged in their education. Set times of waking up, preparation for school, homework, etc...
CREATE A LEARNING ENVIRONMENT - Make their “Learning Space” comfortable, good lighting, and reduce background distractions as much as possible. All needed supplies (Pencils, paper, stencils, etc…) for school should be in this “space”. (Help them customize and personalize their space with props, drawings, pictures, cubby holes, and other unique designs and themes.) Make it their own.
FOLLOW - UP WITH THEIR ASSIGNMENTS - Following up does not mean asking them if they have completed their assignment or activity. It means actually checking it! Schools are using different online platforms and multiple platforms. Learn how to navigate these online platforms. Make sure you have a parental account that details their assignments and progress.
BUILD MOTIVATION - FYI, “You better get your damn homework done now before I knock you upside your head!!!” is not an effective way to build lasting motivation.
Why are they less motivated? What is distracting them? Ask them what they don’t like about home learning. Ask about their challenges. Seek the answers to these questions first. Focus on their strengths and prior accomplishments. Then praise their efforts and tie in your expectations for improvement.
LEARN TOGETHER - Our youth are stressed out too! (Even though they ain’t paying no bills, lol) Seriously though, our youth are missing out on Social and Emotional learning that in-person school provides. Human interaction is important for healthy development. Many youth reported being depressed, difficulty with focus, and a feeling like they don’t have support. Setting aside time together to learn and help them is critical. If they are studying material you don’t understand, find online resources to help them. There is plenty of material and resources available. Home experiments, activities, family reading time, and home talent shows are just a few ways to accomplish this.
REWARD PROGRESS - Reward them for success. Let them know you’re paying attention and value their progress.
HOLDING TEACHERS ACCOUNTABLE
Teachers are human too. They have been challenged adapting to this pandemic. Many teachers NEVER taught remotely in their entire career. A lot of teachers may lack the natural ability to effectively adapt. Nevertheless, they must be held accountable, and there are elements that should be a part of all distant learning classes.
Teachers need to be enthusiastic and present.
Online platforms should be used to create engaging and interactive learning experiences. (Intro’s, music, colors, design, graphics, animations, etc…) It’s already a bore to sit and stare at a screen all day. Imagine a monotonous digital classroom.
Course management should include the establishment of routines, expectations, follow-ups, parental contact, and clearly communicated expectations. If you do not have direct contact with all of your child’s teachers--get it! Attend intervention and parent / teacher conferences as your voice and concerns matter. We must come be more involved!
Feedback in a supportive and timely manner. Our youth have questions and need extra attention. Teachers should build an environment that fosters space for questions and explanations in a timely manner as much as possible considering the limitations.
If your child has an IEP and requires additional accommodations and NOT getting them, start with this link for more information on how to obtain the needed accommodations.
I hope this information was helpful. For more information check us out at: www.ypany.org and Like us on Facebook and Instagram.
YPA of New York
“Guiding Their Potential Today, So They Can Fulfill Their Purpose Tomorrow”
Additional Information:
Distant Learning Resource Center
https://education-reimagined.org/
Strategies for Effective Distant Learning
https://www.edutopia.org/article/6-strategies-successful-distance-learning
Guide to Home Experiments
https://www.parents.com/kids/education/math-and-science/everyday-science-experiments/
Social and Emotional Support for Our Youth
www.casel.org
