We can hate. We can leave it to fate. Or, we can relate.
The children are homebound, and so are you. The schools are closed and the lessons are coming slowly or not at all. Technology is limited for some and educators are scrambling to find methods of reaching students. High school seniors want to graduate.
So much anxiety. Ouch! The key here is communication. If you have access to internet, the schools and teacher will reach out. Make sure, as a parent, you know when they do and have your child do the work. If you are not sure, call the school or the district office and see what is available. If they aren’t doing anything, INSIST they do and stay on top of it.
If the internet is not available to you, call the schools or the district and see if you can pick up work for your child. If you have books, schedule a time for reading. This is particularly important for elementary and middle school students. They can read or YOU can read to them. One, it is comforting, two, it is essential to activate their young brains and have them focus on new things. That’s how they learn. Make them struggle, because when they struggle, they are learning. Same goes for you the parent. Find new challenges.
Schools will eventually reopen, and when they do, you want your child to be ready to move forward not be left behind.
Colleagues tell me that some districts are providing lessons online and even providing computers and internet. But, in a disturbing development, many of the students are not doing the work. Parent must be on top of this and insist their children turn in assignments.
Be proactive, whatever your circumstance. If you need assistance, ask. Contact me and I will do my best to provide contacts or relevant information.
Don’t just sit at home and fear what might or might be coming. RELATE and COMMUICATE to your loved ones. Work together and keep on learning everyday.