Make space for learning

• Have a specific area where your student can do their work. 

  • Quiet

  • Limit or intentionally choose background noise 

  • Comfortable

  • Not usual “play” space 

    • Having dedicated, separate spaces for learning and play may not be possible for all homes. Whenever possible, put away “play” items during learning time, and put away learning items during play/free/non-school times.     

• Have all materials necessary for learning at close reach

  • Charged iPad (keep the charger close by just in case)

  • Wi-Fi Password 

  • Log-ins (username and password)

  • Apps

  • Note taking materials

  • Headphones 

Set and Keep a Schedule and Daily plan

• With live learning classes, the schedule is made for you, simply join the appropriate class video at the specified time.

• If class is not live or students have a day to work on projects and assignments, follow the usual schedule as much as possible. 

  • Set alarms throughout the day to mirror the usual bell schedule

• Encourage your student to look at the week ahead and prioritize assignments. 

  • Do you have a research paper due on Thursday? What do you need to do on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday to ensure you’re doing your best work?

• Make time for breaks!

  • Your class ended - get up and move a bit (ex. Stretch, take a lap, go get a drink, or go to the bathroom) before your next class starts

  • If you have snack time and lunch at school, make time for those at home too.

    • Use these times as a break. They should not be during class time (a spill would certainly be a distraction to avoid)

• Don’t forget recess, but set a time limit to get back to learning!

Allow time to interact with friends

• Set up a zoom call, Facetime, or even just a phone call

Don’t teach - help them understand

• Your approach may vary from class to class, and grade to grade

• Does your student need to watch the recording of today’s lesson? 

• Can the textbook clarify what your student doesn’t understand?

Help them check messages and communicate with school

• Teachers will communicate through Google Suite - classroom, gmail, calendar, etc. OR Accelerate Education 

  • Check Classroom/Course for announcements (like reading the “chalkboard”)

  • Check email for individual follow ups

• Does your student need extra help with a topic or assignment?

  • Does the teacher have office hours scheduled?

  • Can your student email their teacher to ask a question?

• Does your student need more help?

  • Reach out to school administrators or counselors for additional resources or assistance

Use school resources

• Online texts

• Use other resources such as ClassLink or see school library web pages for links

Make sure all work is complete

• Virtual - Review you student’s progress in PowerSchool to ensure your student is completing and submitting all assignments

• OLAC - Review your student’s progress with your observer account and weekly update. Only final grades will be available in PowerSchool.