We appreciate all that our students, families, and staff members are doing to make sure that our kids keep learning on Digital Learning Days. Here are some tips to help:
Set up a schedule for DLD. If others at home are working or participating in DLD, this will take some coordination. Try to balance online and offline activities so that everyone has the access they need.
Develop a routine and stick to it. Planning DLD time during regular school hours and sticking to the routine will help everyone. Keep in mind that your teachers may have set hours when they are available for help and questions.
Have a dedicated space for learning. Find a place to work that works for your child— someplace comfortable, but not too comfortable, that’s clean, quiet, and with the fewest distractions.
Prioritize assignments. Have your student make a list of assignments by importance and due date. Which assignments will take more time? If your child will need extra help for an assignment, give additional time. Keep work organized with an agenda or planner.
Know when and how to help. Remember, doing anything new is challenging. Learning online takes some time and patience. Avoid over-helping. Let your child struggle a bit with challenging questions or problems. Encourage your child to contact his or her teacher with questions. Offer support and encouragement when you feel it is needed. Trust your child to stay on task, but be sure to check-in periodically.
Share these DLD how-to’s with your student. Read the directions carefully before you begin the assignment. If you have a question, reach out to your teacher and begin working on another subject until the teacher can respond. Start with your hardest subject first. If you need more information on a subject, look for other sources or examples (Khan Academy, etc.) If you get frustrated, take a brain break, then come back to your work.
Prepare workspace before starting lessons. Everyone will be more productive if there’s no hopping up every few minutes to get a book or a pencil.
Eliminate distractions. Turn off or silence the phone unless your child is using it for digital learning. Close tabs on computers and tablets to cut down on distractions during DLD time. Leave social media check-ins, TV, and video games for break time.
Plan breaks. Everyone needs breaks from screen time. And it’s easier to stay on task when you know you have a planned break coming. During breaks, get some fresh air outside and do something physical.
Stay hydrated. Busy brains need water!
And don’t forget snacks. When you take a break, have a healthy snack.
Make family time fun. Whether you break for family time in the middle of the day or at the end, look for ways to enjoy your time together. Maybe it’s a walk around the neighborhood, a board game or a hand of cards, or a Facetime session with friends or family.
We’ll be sharing more tips each day so watch for the next installment of DLD Daily Dozen tomorrow!