Most kids have already headed back to school or are headed back this week — at least somewhat. Y’all know I don’t lie to you. I try to tell you the truth, even when it’s ugly. So here we go — it’s going to be a tough year. Everything is new. Everything is different. And we are all dealing and struggling with issues we’ve never faced before. And I’ll venture to say that nothing about this is going to be easy.

With a few exceptions, most of us are sending kids back to school only a couple of days a week, or not sending them to class at all. That’s a whole new ballgame for most.

This new school-world can mean a lot of new hurdles for parents — childcare on off days, making sure kids stay on course and keep up, figuring out how to help kids with their schoolwork when most of us haven’t been in school in decades and the vast majority have never ‘taught.’ And that’s not even getting started on learning how to navigate whatever programs the kids are using for school. I’m writing this the Friday before you read it, and I literally have NO IDEA what the programs look like, how to use them, how they will work, let alone how to help use them.

So, what can we do to make the transition to virtual learning as smooth and easy as possible?
Stick to a schedule

Many students are successful because they follow a schedule. The Center for Social and Emotional Foundations of Early Learning says that routines and schedules are important because they influence a child’s emotional and cognitive development. Children feel secure with schedules, which may help them recognize what’s expected of them.

When learning at home, students should strive to maintain as consistent a schedule as possible, including bedtimes, wake times, hours devoted to learning, and time to get outside or engage in downtime activities.

I also think this should include getting up, and doing the same routine whether they are going to school or not. Get up, get dressed, breakfast, teeth brushed, etc. — maintain some semblance of normal.
Connect live if possible

There are many free tools and resources available that enable teachers to provide live video lessons or to record them so students can watch them later. Similarly, social networking apps and virtual meeting programs enable students to connect digitally. This can be helpful for collaborative learning assignments or just to see a familiar face.
Check student accounts frequently

Just like students, teachers may be learning as they go in regard to remote learning strategies. Students should be sure to check school email accounts or other places where teachers post assignments a few times per day so that they stay on top of all assignments and are aware of due dates.
Reach out to instructors

Allegheny College suggests students contact their teachers if they are unsure of how to participate in remote learning environments. Ask questions about assignments, get clarification on key topics and be sure to tune into any remote chats or virtual “office hours.”
Stay in touch with guidance, if needed

Remote learning is a new experience for many students, and there may be certain struggles or roadblocks. It can be easy to grow frustrated with equipment failures or lack of in-person interaction. Schools employ qualified therapists and guidance counselors who are just a click, call or email away if issues need to be talked through. Students should utilize all resources made available to them.
Don’t forget to read

I cannot stress enough the importance of reading. There are literally no disadvantages to reading more. (OK, OK, some may argue that I should put down my book, and like, clean my bathroom, but that’s neither here nor there).

The libraries are open, and we should all be taking advantage of them. Admittedly, I am not familiar with what every library offers, but the JV Brown library has a ton of resources available, both in person and online.

Whether with you, or on their own, kids should be aiming for 20 minutes of reading per day.

The more a child reads, the better they get at it. It improves concentration and the ability to learn and retain information, it teaches them about the world around them and increases empathy, it helps to develop their vocabulary and language skills and their imaginations. Reading promotes achievement in all subjects, not just English. Children who are good readers tend to achieve better across the curriculum.

I wish everyone the best of luck as they traverse their way through this new way of schooling and learning. There are bound to be times of frustration and irritation, so as parents, don’t forget to reach out and lean on your friends and family also. We are all going to need the extra support as we figure all this out! Keep your head up, you’ve yet to encounter anything so far that has killed you — this won’t either!