Leaves are changing, the air is crisp, and the school year is in full swing. At least, it should be. But what if your online student is struggling? What can you do to help?
Connect With Teachers
Students working from home have teachers who care about them! Help your student reach out to their teacher(s). Even if they don’t have a specific question, just having connection with the teacher helps them feel more committed to the class.
Set a Schedule
Online classes offer flexibility. Let your student enjoy this, while also having plenty of time to complete their work. If something is not working, make an adjustment. Make sure your student has breaks, both for physical activity and for socializing.
Designate a Study Area
Even if your student sometimes works outside or enjoys taking their work to a coffee shop, make sure they have a designated place to work at home. This space should be free from distractions and comfortable, but not so comfortable that it feels like naptime!
Limit Distractions
Following the schedule you and your student set, make every effort to eliminate distractions during study time. Resist the urge to interrupt your student to ask questions or to remind them of their chores. Turn volumes down, and keep siblings away.
Be Flexible
When students don’t meet their goals, don’t let it become a pattern! Make a change and encourage them to move forward, not ruminate over past failures. Help them to become resilient. Teach them that one failed exam or missed deadline does not mean a lifetime of failure.
There are many things you can do to support your student working from home. Help them to make choices that work for their success!