ORLANDO, Fla. — Central Floridians are heading back to school this month and many parents may be turning to virtual school or distance learning due to the pandemic.
Here are nine ways to make virtual school easier on your family:
1. Get into a routine
Working on a computer all day will be new to a lot students. One of the best things you can do is try to get your family into a routine.
Whether the routine is getting ready for the day or setting deadlines to complete assignments, students will benefit from it.
Read: OCPS Medical Advisory Committee discusses if classrooms should reopen
2. Have a designated area for school
Having a designated area can lead fewer distractions for students. It can also allow the student to get into a “school mindset” when in that area.
The area can be a spare room or even a corner in a room.
3. Make sure they have the necessary materials to complete all assignments
Whether it’s a stable WiFi connection, log-in information for online classes or pencil and paper, having the necessary materials will help students get their work done.
4. Make time for breaks such as snack time and recess
It’s important to take a break every once in a while. Around lunch time, you can encourage students to get up, get some fresh air, go for a walk or a bike ride and have a snack.
5. Set a schedule
Many experts recommend keeping students on a schedule throughout the day. Some examples include completing schoolwork by a certain time in the day or setting up a sleeping schedule.
6. Limit distractions
Parents should limit their children’s use of their devices, other than what is needed to complete their work, until their schoolwork is done for the day.
If parents choose to let their children play on a device during a break, make sure they know they only have a limited amount of time until they need to get back to completing their schoolwork.
Read: Back to school: How to adapt to shopping for supplies while dealing with coronavirus pandemic
7. Allow children to interact with friends from school through video chats
Working from a computer from home will limit a child’s social contact with others. Parents can try to arrange a video chat with their children’s friends from school. Video chats are often the closest thing to seeing someone in person. They are a great way to get in some social time without endangering students or others.
Read: Back to school: Where to find masks to protect your child during coronavirus pandemic
8. Keep in touch with other parents
Learning from home will be a new experience for many students and parents. Parents can check in with other parents to see what they have found effective with distance learning.
9. Make completing school work a game to encourage students
Everything is more fun when it’s turned into a game. Parents can offer points and challenges to keep their children interested in completing their school work.