6 Tips for Distance Learning, Episode 63

This is a Listener’s Choice episode! In “6 Tips for Distance Learning, Episode 63”, we’ve packed this time full of tips for you, the parent, for when you’re helping your kids with their online school this year. Hear our virtual learning tips that will help you and your child get set up for success.

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We’ve taken our expertise from this specific episode along with episode 64 “6 Tips for Face-to-Face Learning” and made a mini ebook that you can have for free. Want the free ebook?

All you have to do is click the button below and email us asking for the “Free ebook for episodes 63 & 64”. We’ll get the mini ebook in your inbox as fast as we can, and we’ll add you to our newsletter list so you can stay up to date and get even more freebies. Just click the button below!

We believe that you’re making the best choice for you and your family. Whether you choose online or in person school for your kids this year, great job! You made a choice to get your kids educated! Way to go!

Scheduling

Start/Stop Times: If you’re able to, we highly recommend creating start and stop times. A good rule of thumb: the later the start time, the later the stop time. Choose times that protect you, your family, your children, y’all’s lives.

Length of Time: Duration is also a factor to think about. Keep in mind that your child’s age and stamina matters when considering your schedule. Again, keep in contact with your district because they may have to switch how they’re running the teacher’s schedules (therefore changing yours).

Be Flexible: Remember that flexibility is key. We cannot stress this point enough. Many educators are finding out information as you are hearing it. We are all having to be flexible. The rules are constantly changing, so we need to adopt a trial, error, pivot mentality.

Location

Where do you plan to have your kids complete their online assignments? Same place every day, or switch it up every day? This depends on your child’s personality. We give you insider tactics on how to make the best choice for your family.

This is also a great time to factor in your work schedule. If you have regularly scheduled meetings during your work week from home, you can adapt your kid’s schedule to allow you to attend your meetings. We go into detail here on how this can practically look in your life. Be sure to check out episode 63 to hear more.

Basic Needs First

Here is where we talk about Maslow vs Bloom. To sum it up: if your child’s basic needs aren’t met first (food, sleep, safety, etc…), they will not be able to excel in academics (understand, apply, analyze, etc…). Check out this image of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs vs Bloom’s Taxonomy:

Here are some PRO TIPS we talk about in this portion of the episode:

• Have healthy snacks on hand
• Notice patterns of your children (avoidance technique)
• Check in on their mental, physical, and emotional state
• Talk to school counselors if you feel the need

Instruction

Prioritization is key. If your district and your schedule can make it happen, tweak your day to be the most effective with the time you have. Mark Twain said it best:

“If it’s your job to eat a frog, it’s best to do it first thing in the morning. And If it’s your job to eat two frogs, it’s best to eat the biggest one first.”

Mark Twain

If it’s possible and works with your schedule, do the most daunting school task first. Once you have the “frog” out of the way, the day will run more smoothly. Pro tip: end on something FUN!

Specialized instruction needs to take priority if your child qualifies for services (you would have had to be in meetings discussing your child’s academic needs). Speak with your child’s teacher if you need any assistance with this, and they will get you moving in the right direction.

Independent Practice would ideally be best in a time where you need to complete a task or if there are multiple children doing online school. We give a few examples of what this looks like in episode 63.

Choice

Choice is how you give control back to the child and empower them. This does NOT mean that you let them decide everything. We dive deep into what choice looks like plus we reference episode 60, which is full of tips and tactics that help you when providing choice for your kids.

• Choices that you can live with (brainstorm ahead of time)
• Give a couple good options to choose from (two or three)

Communication

This goes without saying, or does it? Effective communication is vital in any relationship. Quality communication should happen between you and your child and your child’s teacher. Quick tips for email etiquette when speaking with your child’s teacher:

• Be sure you have already checked all the provided resources
• Use your name & your child’s name
• Ask specific questions
• Show evidence that you have tried to find the answer

Emails like this get quicker responses because the teacher has enough information to streamline the answering process. Be sure to follow the teacher’s referrals when they email back. Good rule of thumb: follow the chain of command when it comes to email etiquette.

BONUS TIP: Incentive Chart 101

Incentive charts are a way to extrinsically motivate your child. This is a tactic you can use if you are trying to get your child to develop the “want to” factor when it comes to school work. We give several examples of what this looks like for all ages (yes, high schoolers can benefit too), and how to guide your child to make the best choice.

Thanks for checking out “6 Tips for Distance Learning, Episode 63”, where we give tips to you, the parent, for when you’re helping your kids with their online learning for school this year. Check out episode 64 for tips on Face-to-Face learning for this school year by CLICKING HERE.

Links From the Show

• Jon Acuff’s IG
• Kelly Smith’s Love & Logic Mindset & Behavior episode #60
• 6 Tips for Face-to-Face Learning (episode 64)