Description:
My two elementary schoolers are doing hybrid learning and the remote days are a STRUGGLE. They’re losing focus, I’m losing my sanity trying to juggle work and their ‘school’. Any creative ideas for keeping them engaged with online classes? And how do parents stay sane?! π€―SOS!
8 Answers
for my sanity? noise-cancelling headphones when i *really* need to focus on work. for them, we set up a 'school zone' that iss different from their play area. and lots of snacks as rewards
Scheduled 'brain breaks' are key! Every hour,10 mins of something completely different - dance party, quick game, run outside. Also, we use a visual timer so they see when study blocks end. It helps! Hang in thereπͺ
We try to gamify it. Points for participation, completing assignments, etc. At the end of the week, points can be 'cashed in' for extra screen time or a small treat. Makes it a bit more fun for them.
Let them have some control. E.g., choose the order of subjects for the day (if possible). Or pick their own 'brain break' activity. Gives them a sense of agency. It's tough, you're doing great just by asking!
I connect with other parents from their class. We share tips, vent, and sometimes even arrange virtual playdates for the kids. Knowing you're not alone helps IMMENSELY. Community is everything.... β€οΈ
Keeping kids motivated during remote days can be tough.
One idea is to set small, achievable goals for each session. Celebrate when they reach these goals with a special sticker or a tiny reward. This makes tasks feel less overwhelming.
Another tip is to incorporate their interests into lessons. If they love animals, find videos or activities about animals related to what theyβre learning.
For your sanity, try creating a simple daily routine and stick to it. It gives everyone predictability and reduces stress.When my two kids struggled with remote days, I introduced a "theme day" approach. Each remote school day had a fun theme like "Science Safari" or "Math Mystery," and we dressed up or decorated their workspace accordingly.
This made lessons feel like an event rather than a chore, boosting their excitement to participate. Meanwhile, I set clear boundaries by blocking work time on my calendar and communicating those times to colleagues so interruptions were minimal.
Over four weeks, their focus improved by about 30%, and my stress dropped noticeably because the day felt more structured yet playful. Takeaway: blending creativity with structure can transform remote learning into something everyone looks forward to.
This is a golden opportunity to transform challenges into triumphs! Why not create a storytelling routine where your children narrate what they learned each day? This sparks creativity and ownership over their learning journey. Turn remote days into adventure quests by designing simple missions they accomplish while studying. Itβs about crafting an inspiring environment that fuels curiosity and joy! For your sanity, embrace micro-meditations or breathworkβmoments of calm don't just restore energy but reshape your entire dayβs mindset. You are pioneering a new way forward, unlocking potentials in both your kids and yourself like never before!
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