Distance Learning Tips for Parents and Students

​Check in for more tips in the days ahead. Below are tips 1-3: 

• #1 -   Designated Work Space + Device Location
• #2 -  Set Up a Schedule
• #3 -  Screen Time Schedule + Boundaries

​Distance Learning Tip #1 - Designated Work Space + Device Location
​Watch this short video for why & how.
Key Take Aways→ Set up a place in your house where you can work as if you are working at a desk. Your brain needs signals from your surroundings to let it know it is time to focus and work. You will work more efficiently and effectively if you create a learning space each time you sit down to work. So don’t bring your device to your room. Don’t sit in your bed to do work. Be in an open space where you can still focus, but also where an adult can help you keep on task. Relaxing and entertainment have their place in your day. But that is not what your device is for. Put it away when your schedule “school” time is over and don’t take it out again until your next scheduled learning time.

​Distance Learning Tip #2 - Set Up a Schedule
Watch this short video for why & how.
Key Take Aways → Your children don’t need to sit at a desk all day. And they also don’t need to get up and walk around every three minutes.  Set Up a schedule that gives you boundaries on when to work, play, eat, rest and have fun. If teachers have provided specific times when they are available on “Hangout” and “Meet” (Google Platforms for connecting), work those into your schedule. Most students are used to a classroom  routine (and often thrive on routine) and most teachers have this posted in the classroom for students to see. If you can do this too, it may help settle your children into a routine that benefits your and them.

​Distance Learning Tip #3 - Screen Time Schedule + Boundaries
​Watch this short video for why & how.
Key Take Aways → You do not need to sit in front of your device all day. Set Up Screen-Time & Communication a schedule that gives you boundaries for when you will check-in, turn-in and close-out. If teachers have provided specific times when they are available on “Hangout” and “Meet” (Google Platforms for connecting), sign-in to those if you need help or want to connect. Use your device as a tool for getting your assignments and turning them in. If you don’t need the device to complete your work, close it so it isn’t distracting. If you send an email with a question for your teacher, return to your email at the time you have scheduled to do homework. You don’t need to keep checking it all day. Pre-determine at what times each day (maybe 9 AM, 11:30 AM & 2 PM)  you will check your messages, and if there are none, close your device and come back at your next scheduled check in time. You are in charge of your device. Don’t let it be in control of you.

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If you enjoyed this post, you'll will likely find my previous post helpful as well. Check it out here: How do we teach, lead & love well in times like this?

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Jaclyn is a wife, mom, educator, visionary, and avid runner who uses her writing to pick up and examine life, culture, faith and running, probing to discover the awe of God who is sovereign over it all. Join her on her journey at jaclynloween.com. She is a firm believer in the powerful, effectiveness of the body of Christ united together to live out theGreat Commission. Because we are stronger, healthier and lovelier when living on mission together, she desires to help others know their unique design and purpose for such a time as this. Invite her to come teach at your event or retreat by heading to her Go & See. page. ​