We are all experiencing challenging times as we navigate the Covid-19 pandemic. As we implement new health and safety procedures at home, work, and public spaces, our area schools are doing the same. Hillsborough county schools and most other Tampa Bay counties are offering 100% virtual learning for the school year. For the 48,410 Hillsborough county families and many others around Tampa Bay who voted for e-learning, here is a list of things you can do to help your children have a productive school year from home. Here are 5 steps to help your kids master e-learning in Tampa Bay.
Establish a “school area”
Designating an area for your children to complete their schoolwork is essential for success. This space should have little to no distractions. Also, this space should be for school purposes only (if possible). When children enter this space, they will mentally transition into school mode. If you don’t have an extra room for the school area, use a corner of any room in the home. You can even think outside of the box and establish an outdoor learning space. If you have the time, space, and resources, you can find lots of inspiration for a DIY project by doing a simple Internet search for homework spaces for children. However, for folks who cannot take on a DIY project, your children will have the necessities for e-learning if you have space for a small desk or table and a chair.
Make sure that you include the required supplies in the school area. Your children need space for a desktop, laptop, or tablet. Make a little room for pencils, notebooks, crayons, and other supplies. Local dollar stores sell office organization supplies for reasonable prices. I went to my local dollar store and spent $5 to organize our school area.
Dress your children in their school clothes
We hear the phrase “dress for success” often. We’ve seen how what you wear can impact how you are perceived and how you perform. This shouldn’t be any different for our children. If kids are in pajamas or play clothes for e-learning, they are far more likely to put forth lackluster effort toward schoolwork. Why would they do anything different when they are dressed to play or sleep?
For many Hillsborough county schools, this means putting on a school uniform each day, even while e-learning. Just like they would if they were going to a brick and mortar learning environment. When you dress for success, you’ll be successful!
Communication is key
Create a schedule
Be flexible.
Our new #saferathome environment can be frustrating for parents and children at times. Frustrated children are not able to learn. You need to have balance. Your mental health is important, so take time to pray, meditate, or just pause each day to refresh your mind, body, and spirit. If you are stressed, your children will be stressed, and nothing will get accomplished.
Just keep swimming.
During these uncertain times, it’s important to remain as calm, kind, and flexible as possible. There are many moving pieces surrounding us. But one thing remains the same- our children are looking at how we handle this situation. They look to us for guidance and comfort. They want to know that everything will be okay. And, eventually, everything will. Properly preparing your children for e-learning in Tampa Bay is key to their success and your sanity! And, remember, when things get tough, and they likely will…follow Dory’s advice and “just keep swimming!”