Pengi Editor's Note: This article was originally published by Think Academy. We're sharing it here for educational value. Think Academy is a leading K-12 math education provider.
5 Ways to Prepare Kids for Virtual Learning
For many families across the country, school can look different from traditional in-person learning. Today families have two advantages when preparing for virtual learning that they didn't always have: experience and time.
Here are 5 ways to prepare your kids for another year of learning at home.
1. Set Aside Time to Discuss What Worked and Didn't Work
Sit down with your kids to talk about their virtual learning experience. Evaluate what they need in order to learn. Talk about what you should and shouldn't do to help their learning.
Have every member of the family create a list of what they like and don't like about virtual learning. Give them enough time to talk about their own unique challenges and accomplishments.
2. Set Up More Social Learning Opportunities
Brainstorm how your child can get more support during the new school year:
- Check with their school — some offer extra tutoring classes and study groups
- Network with your inner circle — organize virtual study dates with classmates
- Ask a family member — to study over video call with your child
- Sign up for an outside class — when your child needs to catch up or advance in a subject
3. Create a Designated Workspace
Creating a separate workspace for your children will help them:
- Stay focused and present during the school day
- Separate "hangout at home time" from "learn and study time"
This is especially helpful when both kids and parents are working from home.
4. Prioritize Physical Activity
Research shows that physical activity can improve academic performance. If your child is virtual learning, they may experience less physical activity than in previous school years.
Take matters into your own hands:
- Plan family walks, hikes, or outdoor activities
- Brainstorm inside weather physical activities
- Limit passive screen time in favor of active movement
5. Spend Extra Time Practicing Math
Daily math exercises build critical thinking and logic skills, and prevent the "summer slide" — skill loss that many students experience during breaks from school.
To keep your kids up to speed:
- Spend some time each day solving different math problems together
- Use free practice worksheets organized by grade level
- Keep the practice varied and engaging, not just drill repetition
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