Staying On the Honor Roll While Remote Learning: A Guide for Parents and Students

Now that many students will have to endure distance learning, they may struggle with the transition. Here are tips on how to stay on the honor roll this year.

The Coronavirus came in and disrupted our way of life, and our children's education was no exception. As more and more students participate in remote education, they must get used to a new way of learning.

For a high achieving student, being away from the classroom may be a struggle at first. One way to help them adjust is to provide the tools, structure, and routine they need to learn and thrive during these uncertain times.

Here are some tips to help students adjust and stay on the honor roll while distance learning. 

Create a Schedule

If possible, try to keep a remote school schedule similar to an actual school day. This keeps helps kids remember that even though they're at home, it's time for school.

Everyone's circumstances are different, so you may have to adjust your schedule to fit your family's needs. What's important is to have a schedule and stick to it as much as possible.

Students who haven't participated in self-directed learning in the past may try to put off their work or become distracted without direction. That's why it's better to start early and treat it like a day at school.

Try to designate time in their daily schedule for work on each course, lunch and snack breaks, and interaction with instructors and classmates. Depending on their age, allowing your child to help develop their own schedule can be a motivating factor.

Have a Space for Learning

Students should have a space in their home where they can work free from distractions. Students learn best in a quiet, comfortable spot that's designated for learning only.

If possible, this should be a space away from where they play video games or watch television. Separating their learning space from their living space helps them maintain focus and change gears when it's time for school.

Gather the Right Tools

In addition to having a space that's conducive to learning, your child needs the right tools to succeed. Whether they need paper, pens, a solid WIFI connection, passwords, or learning apps, students who prepare and organize their learning environment are more likely to be successful.

Whatever their age, make sure you know what their instructors require for each course and give them the tools they need to have a successful learning experience. 

Limit Distractions

Multiple digital devices can pull your child's attention away from their work. It's easy to get distracted by technology without a teacher standing in front of you.

Limit technology to what they need at the moment. If they need to work on an assignment on the laptop, put the phone or other tablets out of sight.

Limit the number of tabs they have open or the notifications they receive on digital devices. Technology makes distance learning doable, but too much of a good thing can steal a student's attention and affect their quality of learning.

Ask for Help

Working online can get lonely for some students. They may feel lost when they don't understand an assignment.

Make sure they know they can reach out for help to get the clarification they need. They should feel free to communicate with their instructors whenever they have a question.

Students should explain the problem and be specific in their request. Some classes may offer a message board or forum to assist students. 

This is a great way to connect with other students and help one another. It's important for students to feel they are part of the group and that their questions and input matter.

Take the Work Seriously

When students aren't at school every day, it's tempting to treat online education as a vacation. If their instructors are doing their job, online school should be challenging without being overwhelming.

From the start, it's important for students to take some personal responsibility for the quality of their work. You want them to take a serious approach to their online classes.

That doesn't mean they can't have some fun along the way, but a balance of rigor and engaging activities is best.

Remind your kids that their education comes first, even if they're at home. And make sure they know the effort they put in will determine their success. 

If you don't normally offer an incentive for hard work or good grades, you may want to consider a reward system that works for your child.

Take Breaks

Although you want your kids to take their work seriously, social distancing is hard at any age. Set aside some time for creativity and exercise.

If possible, keep your kids involved in sports, music, art, or whatever they enjoy. Take time for lunch and a snack break during the day. 

Get them outside when you can for some exercise and fresh air. Let them communicate with friends so they don't feel alone.

Don't allow them to spend hours in front of the computer without taking a break. 

Set Realistic Goals

One size does not fit all when it comes to education, and this is especially true for online learning.

Every child is different and has their own learning style. If your child is feeling overwhelmed or frustrated, it's okay to take a break to reevaluate expectations.

Some children may be feeling the stress of the situation more than others. Some kids are perfectionists and worry about every little detail of their work.

Make sure your children know they can talk with you about any concerns they have. Let them know you have high but not unrealistic expectations.

Talk with your child's teacher and determine the best path forward for your child.  

Making the Honor Roll

We all want our children to learn, grow, and stay healthy during this trying time. Making the honor roll is an added bonus!

With a lot of support, the proper tools, and a place to learn, children can thrive while they learn remotely. 

Our goal is to offer your child every opportunity for success now and in the future. Visit our website for more details.