Tips for Parents
Tip # 1: Create a Learning Schedule and Space
Sustained periods of remote learning are successful when students have a routine to follow and a space in which to work and learn. As you consider how to support your child's remote learning, be clear about the extent of the assignments your student will be asked to complete. If you're not sure, ask your child's teacher(s). Once you have an idea about daily time commitments, plan a schedule for your child to follow. Stick to as predictable a daily routine as possible. Don't forget to include times for breaks and lunch. In addition to developing a daily learning schedule, it is important to identify an at-home learning space. Ideally, this space should have:
Tip # 2: Provide Learning Materials and Tools
Nothing disrupts a person's ability to do planned tasks than having to stop and find the materials and tools that are needed for the task. Remote learning experiences don't just require a device. Students who are learning remotely should also have the following materials and tools available to them:
Tip # 3: Set a Schedule and have a Plan
Every learner is different, with different peak times to study and be productive. Setting a schedule around a time when a learner is most alert, is important. Be mindful of the schedule that worked best for them in the past. Once you decide, take advantage of that time. Review work and study every day. Keeping adolescent brains mentally “in shape” by doing homework will make the transition back into classes, easier.
Tip # 4: Communicate
Great Falls Public School educators and leaders are ready to continue to provide exceptional educational opportunities. In situations where teachers are working remotely, and students are learning remotely, communication is integral to the mastery of material. Teachers have lost the ability to monitor body language, to help gauge understanding, and they need to get those tips directly from the learner and/or their guardian.
Sustained periods of remote learning are successful when students have a routine to follow and a space in which to work and learn. As you consider how to support your child's remote learning, be clear about the extent of the assignments your student will be asked to complete. If you're not sure, ask your child's teacher(s). Once you have an idea about daily time commitments, plan a schedule for your child to follow. Stick to as predictable a daily routine as possible. Don't forget to include times for breaks and lunch. In addition to developing a daily learning schedule, it is important to identify an at-home learning space. Ideally, this space should have:
- If available, a computer, iPad, Chromebook or other device.
- Good lighting
- Ready access to learning materials and tools
- Free from distractions
Tip # 2: Provide Learning Materials and Tools
Nothing disrupts a person's ability to do planned tasks than having to stop and find the materials and tools that are needed for the task. Remote learning experiences don't just require a device. Students who are learning remotely should also have the following materials and tools available to them:
- Paper, pencils, and pens
- Calculator, ruler, compass
- Textbooks, composition notebooks, and other necessary curriculum resources provided by your child's teacher
- If possible, a phone, iPod, iPad, or computer with camera for taking pictures of work and/or recording videos of learning demonstrations
Tip # 3: Set a Schedule and have a Plan
Every learner is different, with different peak times to study and be productive. Setting a schedule around a time when a learner is most alert, is important. Be mindful of the schedule that worked best for them in the past. Once you decide, take advantage of that time. Review work and study every day. Keeping adolescent brains mentally “in shape” by doing homework will make the transition back into classes, easier.
- Pick your time
- Provide breaks every 45-50 minutes; stand, stretch, get a snack. Secondary school is punctuated by bells and passing periods.
- Tackle the most difficult subject / work first. This leaves time to contact teachers and the school with questions.
- If a learner gets stuck, set the work aside. Take a break and work on something else. Sometimes switching “mental gears” allows us to quickly solve a problem that baffled us earlier in the day.
- Have a learning partner. Communicate with classmates. Cooperative work means learners get help, but others do not do their work for them (that is cheating). Work cooperatively.
Tip # 4: Communicate
Great Falls Public School educators and leaders are ready to continue to provide exceptional educational opportunities. In situations where teachers are working remotely, and students are learning remotely, communication is integral to the mastery of material. Teachers have lost the ability to monitor body language, to help gauge understanding, and they need to get those tips directly from the learner and/or their guardian.
- Email teachers, using their GFPS email address.
- Contact teachers, using the information provided in materials.
- If you can’t reach your teacher, contact your school. They will help put you in touch with your teachers.
- Talk with each other. This is a new opportunity to learn differently. Learners will find things they like and don’t like about this experience. Share frustrations and celebrations with each other