by Natalee Ruddock Gorousingh
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way students learn. Who would have thought virtual learning would be the norm in 2020? Many parents and educators have believed for decades that this was an impossible feat. We all can agree that children, and adults too, thrive with face-to-face interaction. As we navigate this pandemic, experts have recommended that we limit physical interaction to slow the spread of the virus.
With this new recommendation, parents and educators are struggling with how they can support children in these unprecedented times. Both parents and children are struggling with this new norm. So how do we support our children and ensure they are getting the educational and emotional growth they need?
Here are five quick tips to support your children’s educational and emotional growth during the COVID-19 pandemic:
Plan a routine together
Children are used to being in school and following a daily routine. Now that they are home, this should not stop. Children also tend to be willing participants when they are involved in the decision-making process, which is why it is helpful to plan a routine together. This new routine does not have to model the structure of school, but it should ensure your child is getting adequate rest, eating and attending virtual learning. If your child becomes restless and agitated with the new routine, be flexible. Remember, we are in the middle of a pandemic and this is new to them.
Keep in touch with teachers
School may be closed, but the line of communication with teachers should be open. Communicate with your child’s teacher frequently to ensure your child is submitting assignments, understanding classwork and is actively participating in virtual learning. It is also equally important to speak with your child about virtual learning – find out how they are coping with this new way of learning, their daily virtual experience and ways you can make their experience better so you can share feedback with your child’s teacher.
Help your child stay socially connected
As you know, positive relationships are important to the growth and development of humans. Children will miss the relationships they share with friends and family they cannot see during the pandemic. To ensure the loss of physical interactions isn’t too great and impactful, ensure your child stays connected with friends and family that have always maintained an active presence in their lives.Reach out to family and friends regularly – try to make it a fun activity for the children. Utilize the many different video applications and celebrate milestones virtually. This will not totally eliminate the sadness a child may experience, but it will help children to know that they can still communicate and see their friends and family. Whilst this may be positive for many children, it may have negative impacts for children who miss their friends and prefer physical interaction. This may lead to children expressing their feelings negatively. Which brings me to the next point.
Encourage your child to express their feelings
It’s normal for children to feel sadness with the current state of affairs, but we shouldn’t allow it to consume our children’s lives. Encourage your child to express how they are feeling and ask questions. Share age appropriate information with them about Coronavirus and explain to them why they are unable to attend school every day or play with their friends. Open communication with your children fosters positive behavior and allows you to control the narrative on Coronavirus. Every child has a different reaction to stress, so be patient and understanding.
Take care of yourself
We understand, it is extremely difficult to balance work, virtual learning and self-care. It is true, you are better able to take care of others once you have taken care of yourself. Eat healthy meals, stay active and get enough sleep. Limit your consumption of news related to the pandemic. Don’t be afraid to take a break – you deserve it. Children rely on their parents/guardians for help navigating this pandemic, and if you are not at your best it will be difficult to maintain a positive and healthy attitude. If your child sees you sad and unhappy all the time, they may model this behavior. If you are having a difficult time managing virtual learning, ask for help.
Virtual learning is a two-way street. No child is the same and everyone learns differently. It is important that we consider our child’s learning. If your family is struggling with virtual learning our team of experienced educators are here to help. Please call us at 585-637-0333 or visit TLC Virtual Academy for more information.
Information on the COVID-19 pandemic is constantly changing. For the latest numbers and updates visit the CDC’s website.
Sources