How Parents Can Support Online Homework

It has been quite a year with most of California’s students learning remotely full time. In spite of technology glitches and steep technology learning for teachers and students, many students are thriving and learning. It is not ideal, but we are keeping our students and families safe. As a substitute teacher and tutor for primary grade students, here are 10 tips for helping your child thrive beyond the school day:

Give your child lots of love, cuddles, and listen to her each day.
Meet with your child each day and review his work for the day and any homework assignments. Ensure that you read to him daily or that he participates in a sustained reading activity each day.
Contact the teacher if your child does not know how to log into her online homework software applications.
Contact the teacher if your child is not completing the work correctly and is confused about key concepts. Also notify the teacher if he is very frustrated or overwhelmed with daily class activities or homework.
Connect your child’s learning experiences with daily life. For example, if she is learning about air quality, check the Air Quality Index and plan for outside play when the air is good.
Have your child teach family members about what he is learning. For example, he can read books to younger siblings and ask questions about the story. Siblings can play school with each other.
Incorporate learning into cooking activities, shopping, balancing a checkbook, planning a trip, and managing daily household activities.
Incorporate performing arts activities and crafts into making cards for family members, writing stories, creating gifts, decorating, and making gifts for seniors and lonely community members.
Plan a community service activity with family members that encourages children to use academic skills.
Ensure that your child balances each day with healthy living habits that include sufficient food and sleep, participating in calming activities for relaxation and to reduce stress, ensuring playtime outside while exploring nature and exercising, and spending quality time with you.

May your daily activities support your child’s healthy growth and academic successes!

Mary Ann