Below See TIPS, IDEAS & SUGGESTIONS FOR KIDS ONLINE LEARNING
The Reality of Parents & Grandparents Trying to Survive Kids Online Learning!
In March of 2020, when the Coronavirus was declared a pandemic, educators, parents/grandparent and students thought schools would be closed for a couple of weeks. Those weeks turned into months.
The months turned into a year..plus! Who the heck could have imagined our children would not be returning to school for a year? I did not!
Unexpectedly, during virtual learning parents and grandparents were forced to survive kids online learning. On a daily basis, students were expected to log into a list of assignments.
Students read through the information and submitted lessons through the technology established by the school district.
Our school district policy had provided all students iPads when entering Kindergarten. Luckily my grandkids understood the search options and submissions for their classwork.
However, that was not the case for all parents and grandparents. Many parents and grandparents were unfamiliar with the technology, so submitting assignments was a huge challenge.
In our home, we quickly discovered most lessons were embedded inside other lessons. Once one portion of the work was completed, it led to another lesson. WHAT?!?! It all became very confusing and kids were falling behind.
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Parents & Grandparents Becoming Unexpected Teachers!
Without preparation, parents and grandparents became teachers, tutors, counselors and support staff! Everyday was a challenge in our house.
Many times I heard “I did that already” (but didn’t actually complete it) or “I can’t do anymore”, “I need a break”, or “I don’t understand”.
Those statements were often followed by tears and frustration. Many of those tears were mine! I was frequently upset with the learning process and my lack of knowledge for each class.
Communication was lacking! Support was lacking. Everything was lacking!
Moving from March through June of 2020 was exhausting and emotionally difficult for everyone in the world. Our children suffered in more ways than we will know for many years to come.
My high-functioning autistic grandson became apathetic about everything. He did not care about grades or school or friends or anything.
His social escape was gone when schools closed. His funny, sarcastic personality disappeared. He lost interest in interacting with others.
The pandemic ruined what would have been, what should have been, an exploratory year for him and millions around the world. We all still grieve for what we’ve lost.
What we missed. What could have been our life experiences in 2020?
Fortunately, my granddaughter maintained her bubbly personality. I honestly thank God for the technology that continues to keep her connected to her friends near and far.
Having access to technology and online resources has been a blessing for her.
Fall 2020: School Expectations
How Will Parents and Grandparents Survive Another Year of Kids Online Learning?
Sadly, in the Fall of 2020, our schools remained closed. School districts improved their process for connecting through technology.
Unfortunately, the pressure on parents and grandparents did not get easier though.
Now parents and grandparents had to focus on their kids signing into live classrooms for distanced learning timeframes. Kids online learning became virtual learning with cameras in our homes.
Additionally, parents and grandparents needed to make sure kids were in front of their devices and cameras for their scheduled classes.
Also, the house needed to be clean and clear of people, pets, or siblings. Kids, parents, and grandparents all felt the pressure of the technology inside our personal spaces.
Teachers had a tighter schedules and less time to support their students. Kids felt more accountable for submitting assignments they didn’t completely understand, at the designed time.
All in all, kids online learning is HARD! Virtual learning was HARD! Virtual learning IS HARD! It’s hard for everyone including parents, grandparents, teachers, schools and especially students.
Due to the pandemic, kids lost important educational experiences. Surprisingly, some schools returned for hybrid or onsite classes. While other schools required students to wear masks throughout the day.
Regrettably in schools, students were distanced from others and kept separated, even in the lunchroom. Most areas within the school were closed, such as libraries, resource rooms, etc.
Many students were unable to seek the academic support they needed. NO ONE was winning!
Check Out These Great School Supplies for all Kids Online Learning:
There are many other options for school needs and supplies. See the links below for Staples and HP Products.
If you are looking for computer products, printers, laptops, monitors, etc., you will typically find what you’re looking for to Staples or HP Products.
This post may include affiliate links, which means I will receive a small commission if you purchase through my link, at no additional cost to you. For full disclosure read here.
Moving Beyond School For Kids Online Learning
Unfortunately, living and learning through COVID-19 has had more challenges than some kids, parents or grandparents could handle.
We need to find outlets for our frustrations. Thoughtfully, we need to mourn our losses while we imagine brighter days ahead.
As vaccines became available for everyone in our country, we need to figure out how we move forward peacefully, successfully, without resentment and bitterness. (For COVID-19 vaccination information)
I am leaning toward inner peace and self-reflection. I have five FREE ideas that anyone can do to relax and refresh. See FIVE FREE ideas to help you move toward serenity in the days ahead see 5 FREE IDEAS ON HOW TO CALM DOWN YOUR MIND.
Additional Resources for Online Learning Support
TIPS, IDEAS & SUGGESTIONS FOR KIDS ONLINE LEARNING
- BE PATIENT! Honestly finding patience was extremely hard for me when teaching my kids online learning. But, I realized when I lost my patience, they did too, so I REALLY practiced being as patient as I could every day!
- Don’t overreact! It is extremely hard to not overreact when you can see and feel the pressure of assignments that are not being completed. Ask questions before overreacting.
- Take Breaks. There is not a prize for getting through all of your child’s school assignments in a certain amount of time. It is not a race!! Take your time throughout the day. Schedule breaks. Stop when needed and take a break!
- Create a schedule and stick to it. BUT do not overwhelm yourself or your child with a hectic schedule. Tomorrow is another day of kids online learning at your kitchen table or in the dining room or in whatever space you have set up for their school time. The work you do not get done today you can work on tomorrow.
- EAT! Be sure you and your children eat breakfast and lunch….and dinner at dinner time. Eating will give you and your children the energy you need to sustain the school work load. Make a point of eating before you start your work in the morning and at lunchtime. Stopping to eat will also help you to take a break from the work!
- Breathe! Teachers and administrators KNOW the pressure parents (and grandparents) are under with online learning. When you are feeling overwhelmed, take a minute to breathe. It will be ok!
- If you do not know something, ask the teacher. When in doubt email the teacher. I have sent MANY emails, screenshots, and pictures of lessons I did not understand…and received answers. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a teacher if you don’t understand something.
- Don’t sweat the small stuff! Yes, you want your child to submit EVERY assignment, but if they miss a homework assignment here or there it is ok. Do not let yourself get upset about every little task.
- We will get through this!! There is a light at the end of the tunnel and eventually, our children will be back in school and we will not be at-home teachers.
- Give yourself and your kids a pat on the back. Online learning stinks for everyone and we deserve to feel positivity for our hard work!!
For other helpful information about education for kids and grandkids, see Significant Challenges Face By Students in School.
Another interesting articles for Kids and Adults is The Importance of Learning At All Ages.
