A Quick Guide on Remote Learning

With everything going on, we wanted to share some information and available resources that could benefit families looking for remote and hybrid (on-line and in-person) learning opportunities.

The ct.gov portal provides the “following list of resources that represents a collection of best practices shared within the educational community.”¹

• Common Sense Media guide for teachers and parents on safe video conferencing
• CoSN legal and privacy considerations for the use of video conferencing
• Education Week Guide to Safe and Effective Videoconferencing
• Google Meet guidance for distance learning
• Microsoft Teams remote learning guide
• WebEx guide for parents and educators

Connecticutchildrens.org also offers the following five ways to keep children engaged in remote learning:

Make learning fun.

While the specific activities can vary, the goal is always the same: teach the material in an environment that is as engaging, fun and stress-free as possible, so students feel safe making mistakes.

• To help your child feel excited about beginning their daily lessons, start with a motivator, story or game like Tic-Tac-Toe.
• Let your child choose the assignment they would like to complete first.
• Once you get the first assignment out of the way, take a short break or engage in a fun activity to let them reset and gear up for the next assignment.
• When needed, establish a reward system to ensure they receive appropriate recognition for positive attitudes and completed work.

Structure is key.

Children of all ages need to understand that this extended break isn’t a series of snow days, but an important time to continue learning. Make a daily schedule with your child, post it for the family to see, and stick to it.

Get creative!

Beyond completing any lessons that your child’s school district has provided, feel free to work in additional learning opportunities. Be creative! Aim for one unique activity a day to keep your child from getting in a rut, and remember that not all learning involves traditional school subjects.

Step outside.

Movement breaks are key to a productive learning environment. Though the current situation might necessitate an increase in children’s screen time, we would like to remind parents to continue to monitor the amount of time your children spend in front of screens, gaming, on devices, on-line, etc. It is also important to make time for physical and family activities. We encourage families to remain active (as safely and as securely as possible), being up and moving is an excellent stress reducer and mood booster!

Stay positive.

Be sure to take a deep breath and remain positive. Click here for a link to strategies to stay calm and carry on during COVID-19.

As always feel free to contact us with any questions.

Sources:

• https://portal.ct.gov/DAS/CTEdTech/Commission-for-Educational-Technology/Initiatives/Remote-Learning
• https://www.connecticutchildrens.org/coronavirus/ways-to-keep-your-child-engaged-in-at-home-learning/