The Changing Face of Education in the Wake of Coronavirus
Our country is experiencing disruption like it hasn’t seen in years, possibly even decades. As the coronavirus pandemic takes hold, life as we know it is changing. Business are shutting down. Employees are working from home whenever possible. And students and teachers are having to learn to adapt to online learning whether they are prepared to or not.
Everyone is working together to figure out how to best meet the needs of students and ensure that their education and academic futures don’t take a serious hit. Internet providers are stepping up to provide wireless access to as many families as possible to help students access learning resources. Education companies are increasing the number of online tools available for free to keep students engaged. And school districts are working tirelessly to meet the diverse needs of learners, whether it’s through distributing Chromebooks or free meals.
If you’ve found yourself suddenly tasked with overseeing your child’s education through online learning, here are a few ways that you can help them be more successful during these challenging times:
· Create a schedule
Children thrive on routine, and no school means their routine has been significantly disrupted. While you don’t have to plan every last second, try to keep things consistent. If school usually starts at 8 a.m., start at 8 a.m. at home too. Break down your day to designate certain times to specific subjects or activities. Children feel safer and calmer when they know what to expect. It can also be helpful to have them get dressed, eat their breakfast, brush their teeth, etc. instead of lounging all day in their pajamas which can make them feel less motivated.
· Have a designated workspace
Set aside some space that is devoted to schoolwork. Gather all of the supplies you may need and have them readily available so your child isn’t losing focus by wandering around looking for a calculator, scrap paper, or their headphones. Plus, this provides some separation between school and home. They’ll know that when they are sitting at the dining room table, or their desk, they are focused on school and getting their assignments done. When they’re in the living room, however, it’s free time, and they can relax.
· Take advantage of available resources
With schools shutting down for an undefined period of time, so many companies and professionals are stepping up to help. For instance, the Smithsonian has put a variety of resources online regarding history and the museums that they operate. Many museums and even aquariums are live-streaming exhibits and teaching short lessons. Professionals in various fields are creating videos and live streams about topics they are experts in. Dance teachers and physical fitness instructors are posting at-home workouts and exercises for students.
There is a wealth of information available, which is a positive during these trying and uncertain times. Also, don’t forget to support one another. Many teachers are offering their help to students who get stuck on certain concepts or assignments, even those who are not their own. Plus, Crafting Scholars continues to offer one-on-one, personalized tutoring because we know how important your child’s education is. Children may not be physically at school right now, but their learning doesn’t have to come to a halt. We are here to support their needs and keep them moving forward. Contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment. We will get through this together.
