With most California schools closed due to COVID-19 right now, parents are tasked with supporting their children with distance learning. Luckily, there are resources available to help parents make distance learning fun and meaningful.
With the current COVID-19 pandemic, many California schools are starting the school year with distance learning. Distance learning may be a new adventure for your family. Although it can seem overwhelming, here are some tips to help make the most of your child’s school experience.
If your child is already enrolled in a public school for TK/Kindergarten, stay the course! Your school will provide the distance learning to your child. Public schools in California are required to provide all learning materials to your child – including pencils, paper, and the technology to access the distance learning, such as a tablet or computer. Your school will also provide you with schedules that cover teaching, activities, and expectations.
Establish a routine. The success of any classroom is grounded in routine and structure. It is important for you as the parent or caregiver to create these routines in your home. In-home distance learning routines should include:
A designated space and time for distance learning
A visual schedule that you can create and post in your learning space to help prepare your child for the week (and keep everyone on track!)
Daily prep time for you and your child to gather the needed materials and get ready for distance learning to avoid last-minute scrambling
Daily chats to talk about the day’s lessons and activities to help new concepts stick in your child’s memory (mealtime or bath time are good opportunities to fit in these discussions!)
Designated times for movement and rest – remember, your child is still a kid!
Have realistic expectations. As with in-person school, there will be good days and not-so-good days. Having appropriate expectations for your child, especially if this is their first schooling experience, is key to having a successful distance learning experience. Remember to go easy on yourself too. Remind yourself that nothing is normal right now, and that you’re doing your best in a very challenging situation.
Spend quality time with your child as best as you can to connect with each other. As you take on more hats of being distance learning supporter or teacher, remember you will always be mom, dad, grandma, or grandpa first.
For more ideas and activities to engage your TK/Kindergartener, check out these at-home learning resources.
For more distance learning resources, click here.
