5 ways parents can set kids up for success while online learning

The majority of parents and caregivers in Ontario are struggling to homeschool their children as learning institutions remain closed amid the surge in Omicron cases.

Former teacher Beth Gaskill joined Annette Hamm on Morning Live to share five ways parents can set their children up for success while learning online.

Maintain a Routine

The most important strategy is to stick to a routine while remote learning, Gaskill said.

She suggested continuing to pack a lunch, put their backpack on and even walk around your neighbourhood before starting online classes.

“Give the kids transition time to understand school is about to begin,” said Gaskill, who is also the founder of the online reading program Big City Readers. “This is going to set their brain up for success that day.”

Get Dressed for School

If your child usually wears a uniform to school, Gaskill recommended they also put it on while learning at home.

“If not, hype them up for the day and say ‘let’s pick out your outfit’ as if they’re still going to school or going to that in-person activity,” she said.

Create a Visual Task List

Rather than having your child feel that it’s six hours in front of a screen, have multiple pictures on a piece of paper of their school subjects with breaks for meals and playtime.

It may include photos of a toothbrush, breakfast and then a backpack to signify their morning routine.

“This can help take away a lot of meltdowns and tantrums,” Gaskill said.

Make a Busy Basket

Gaskill said to leave a ‘busy basket’ beside them with quiet items such as wiki sticks or Play-doh for them to handle to keep their motor skills busy while they are concentrating on the lesson.

“Just like adults can go for a jog and listen to a podcast and take in that information, busy hands can help kids take in that information too,” she said. “It often helps them focus even more.”

Be Easy on Yourself

Homeschooling your children can be incredibly challenging for parents who are not teachers or are juggling working from home.

“Give yourself some grace that you aren’t expected to know how to teach, homeschool and work,” she said. “Give your kids a couple minutes a day of reading out loud to them. Even using an audiobook for your children to listen to while cooking dinner is fine. If you’re burnt out, at least someone is reading to your child.”

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