How to make the transition to distance learning

My son started first grade last week, and it was … not awful!

I say that with immense relief, because I’ve spent the past few months bracing for the worst. For the health of my family and for our community, I didn’t want schools to open for in-person instruction, but I was anxious about distance learning and the unknowns that come along with it.

Like, will this even work for a first grader?

After one week, I can say it does. And every day of school has been better than the last.

But we’ve worked really hard to make this a successful transition, and I wanted to pass along some things that have been helpful for us, in case they’re helpful for you.

First I integrated tips from Dr. Aliza Pressman, developmental psychologist, parent educator, and host of the Raising Good Humans podcast. She recommends:

• Keep the routine you’d have for a traditional school year.

For us that meant taking photos outside, which I’ve done every first day since pre-preschool. My son, Everest, also picked out a special outfit, and we had a special dinner of his choice to celebrate the new school year.

• No pajamas.

Get dressed and ready for school every day.

• Get a big ball.

If your child is getting wiggly or losing focus, use a big exercise ball as seating for a while. Alternate with their regular desk chair.

• Stand and stretch every 45 minutes.

With my son’s schedule, it’s more like every hour.

Some other things that have worked for us:

• We tidy up.

We did a complete overhaul of Everest’s room to prepare for school. We cleaned it up, got rid of some things, and created a clear, uncluttered work space.

• We do cardio.

Zoom fatigue is real, so I integrate movement during E’s 15-minute breaks between classes. Because we live in the desert and it’s too hot to go outside, I queue up a brief cardio class on my laptop. We use the 5-minute Fit Family Brain Break classes on the Peloton app, but if you don’t have that, I’m sure you can find something appropriate on YouTube — or just turn on fun music and have a quick dance party.

• We pack a lunch.

Like, in his lunchbox and everything. This is great for creating structure and contributing to a sense of normalcy for E. (Also I don’t have to stop my workday to prepare a meal!)

• Anticipate hiccups with technology.

On the first day of school, the teacher’s sound was terrible, the other students didn’t yet know how to mute themselves, dogs and siblings were in some of the frames — it was a mess.

Naturally, E found it difficult to stay on task that day. So we had a conversation about how it can be difficult to focus when technology isn’t working or when there are distractions. I think just acknowledging and being aware of this is important; E was trying his best, but these are challenging situations.

• Ring light!

E’s room doesn’t get much natural light, and I wanted the teacher to be able to see him. (Here’s an affiliate link to the LED ring light I bought).

• Expect some changes.

It’s been one week, and E’s schedule has already shifted in minor ways as the teacher learns what works and what doesn’t. I can’t imagine any school is adhering to a rigid structure right now, so we have to be adaptable.

• Remember, this is cool!

On Twitter, writer Daniel Torday said, “In 1980, if you showed every potential college student in the US the Jetsons’ video phone and told them they could take college classes on it, they’d have said: SIGN. ME. UP.”

That tweet gave me a new lens for looking at virtual learning: We don’t have to do it, we get to do it. This technology allows us connect with each other and learn amazing stuff without ever leaving the house. That’s so cool! (Sure, we’d like hover boards, but I’ll take Jane Jetson’s phone instead.)

I know virtual learning isn’t compatible with every child’s learning style (or every teacher’s teaching style!), and I understand every situation is different. It’s definitely not what I envisioned for E’s elementary experience. But after this week, I’m far more hopeful about this year and what we can do with it.

Home schooling Virtual learning Online school First grade Kindergarten Covid Pandemic Closures Covid-19 Coronavirus Virus In-person Education Zoom Elementary