Learning from home and using online learning tools are part of the fabric of our educational system. School districts are asking students to access their classroom through online systems for weather related emergencies, sick days, and other educational purposes. It is important that your child is prepared for K-12 online school. Continue reading for three tips to help prepare your student for online school.
Create an Effective Learning Space
One of the keys for successful online learning is creating an effective work space for your student. This space should also be used as their homework area when they attend a physical classroom. Set up a place that offers sufficient space for their device, papers, folders of information, and books.
Additionally, your student’s work space should be free of distractions. Video games, TV access, pets, and siblings should all have their own spaces.
Plan for Breaks
Each school sets up a different schedule. Once you know the expectations of class time and work time, you need to build in break times. In a physical classroom, students have natural movement breaks. Students leave for the bathroom; they get up for supplies; they change classrooms. Also, they are not connected to the screen for all their tasks. When students are working remotely, these breaks need to be planned for in their day.
If you have flexibility in the hours of the school day, it is important to maintain a consistent schedule. This includes building in water ‘fountain’ trips, bathroom breaks, ‘locker’ visits. Preparing for K-12 online school requires developing a detailed daily schedule.
Technology-free Learning Time
While this seems counter-intuitive, your student will perform better in their online classes if they have time away from all devices. Your child needs time to play and develop friendships. This is best done person-to-person if possible. If that cannot safely be accomplished, children need time outside, which will reduce their stress and improve their learning. Time to create is important. Adding in activities such as coloring, puzzles, and board games will help develop imagination and fine and gross motor skills.
Working with your student to prepare for K-12 online school will help ensure success.
Conrad Armer 
Andrew Williams 
Romeo Cano