Back to School: How to Prepare for E-learning

As children return to school this year, “school” may be unlike anything you or your child have ever experienced before. Some schools are offering e-learning options, while many others are offering a hybrid model that allows for blended in-person virtual learning. As a parent, you want to ensure a safe and successful learning environment for your child.

If your child has an e-learning or virtual component to school this year, here are eight things you can do to ensure a great start to the school year.

1. Establish dedicated learning spaces. Dining rooms and home offices are ideal locations to virtually attend school. If you have multiple children, you may want to make space in your family room or living room for a small desk. Dedicated learning spaces will help your child stay organized and help your child focus on learning.

2. Separate learning spaces from sleeping spaces. It may be convenient to have your child attend school from his or her bedroom, but it also may be very distracting. Your child associates his or her bedroom with comfort and sleep and may not be able to remain awake and focused during class.

3. Create a monthly lunch menu. As a parent, you need to have lunch options that are quick and convenient. Building a monthly menu that you can repeat will make grocery shopping easier and help your child establish healthy eating habits.

4. Determine technology needs and test them in advance. When shopping for school supplies, consider what technology needs your child might have for e-learning. It is important that your child has a pair of headphones with a microphone. In addition, consider purchasing a wireless keyboard and mouse to accompany your child’s issued device to make useing those devices less frustrating.

5. Teach your child the mute button. Teachers have enough challenges trying to keep a classroom engaged in a virtual format without hearing Fido barking at the mailman. Teach your child to use mute when not speaking during class.

6. Be prepared for boredom. Some classes may not take the full amount of class time, and others might feel really boring without hands-on activities. Allowing your child to use fidget toys or letting them go outside for short periods of time can help your child refocus and be alert for their next class.

7. Encourage active play. A school day now consists of seven hours of screen time. When the school day ends and homework is complete, it may be tempting for your child to pick up another screen and start playing games or watching videos. Schedule 30-60 minutes of active play after school to give your child a dedicated break from screens.

8. Breathe. It is said that technology is the new Murphy’s Law. When you need it, it will fail you. There will be days when your power unexpectedly goes out or your internet quits working and a technician needs to come and fix it. Stay calm and communicate with the teachers; they will understand!