DOS AND DONTS DISTANCE LEARNING FOR PARENTS DOS

DO’S AND DONT’S DISTANCE LEARNING FOR PARENTS

DO’S FOR PARENTS • Limit distraction ü You should limit their use of their devices, other than what is needed to complete their work, until their schoolwork is done. . • Make space for learning ü Your children will achieve their best work in a quiet, comfortable, and dedicated space that is strictly devoted to learning. This space should be a different set-up than where they normally play games or watch television. • Maintain breaks such as snack time and recess ü Children will function best if they maintain their routine as close to normal as possible. Setting alarms similar to those they would encounter at school can be helpful for keeping them on a schedule. • Be Patient ü Give Staff 24 -48 hrs to respond to your messages • Mute your video sessions ü This allows the teacher to speak without distractions

DO’S FOR PARENTS • Mix screen time with old school learning mediums ü DMCS has sent home packets that scholars are able to work from in addition to their online work. Take some time to have your scholar read a book to incorporate different kinds of learning • Keep in touch with other parents ü Check in with other parents to see what they’ve found effective, and ask if they need help as well. • Make your scholar accountable ü Keep your child accountable with their online school work and let them know that this is not a vacation. ü Ensure your scholar has been accounted for attendance purposes, daily Attendance Matters! ü Make sure they have submitted assignments as grades are being administered during Quarter 4 through Distance Learning. ü Be mindful of your scholars dress code and others in the background • Scholars should be in their uniform shirt to maintain the school culture.

DON’TS FOR PARENTS ü Don’t underestimate the power of a schedule Having a clear vision of what is expected of your child will help them see that just because they are home does not mean they don’t have work to do. üDon’t expect everything to be seamless We are all learning to navigate these unchartered waters together. Be patient with yourself, your scholar and staff. üDon’t forget to schedule time for fun While this is most certainly not a vacation, it’s important to have some fun with your children while they are at home. It’s rare that you have this much time with your children, so use it as an opportunity to bond. Experts at Children and Screens recommend organizing a tournament, family card games, charades, or chess, or getting outside for a hike or walk together.

DON’TS FOR PARENT • Make assumptions: • That Staff is ignoring your messages about your child's learning. ü Remember that Staff has to contact every scholar daily and you are on the list. • Get Frustrated: ü We are all getting used to this transition to online learning and sometimes the system may go slow or crash. Contact the teacher via email or google number to get ahead of it.