By Dr. Ama Thompson, Student Support Coordinator
As students across the world are making a transition to distance learning, educators and parents will no doubt begin to see the unique set of executive functioning challenges that distance learning can present.
Planning, organizing, and managing time as well as the physical space required to learn and study at home can be difficult to manage. The pull of family, television, video games and free time present enticing distractions. A set routine and the proper materials and supports can be very helpful in creating a structure at home that helps students learn.
Use these tips to build on routines established at school, and help your student practice independence at home during distance learning.
Planning, organizing, and managing time as well as the physical space required to learn and study at home can be difficult to manage. The pull of family, television, video games and free time present enticing distractions. A set routine and the proper materials and supports can be very helpful in creating a structure at home that helps students learn.
Use these tips to build on routines established at school, and help your student practice independence at home during distance learning.
Organize Your Day
Follow a daily schedule to help students develop time management skills. Schedules help add structure to the day and ensure that important tasks get completed.
Consider making separate schedules for children of different ages or learning styles. Each learner has varying levels of attention and tolerance for different tasks. Be flexible with your schedule and patient with
yourself.
Follow a daily schedule to help students develop time management skills. Schedules help add structure to the day and ensure that important tasks get completed.
- Set a time for academic work
- Schedule adequate breaks
- Include other activities (creative time, fresh air, instrumental practice, meals, family time)
Consider making separate schedules for children of different ages or learning styles. Each learner has varying levels of attention and tolerance for different tasks. Be flexible with your schedule and patient with
yourself.
Find Your Happy Space
Designate a space for students to complete school work. The area should be quiet, comfortable, and conducive to concentrating and doing deep work. Consider having students do written work at a table or desk rather than in the bed or on the sofa. Keep in mind the need for a video conferencing location with an adequate WiFi signal, a clear background (if possible) and plenty of natural light.
Designate a space for students to complete school work. The area should be quiet, comfortable, and conducive to concentrating and doing deep work. Consider having students do written work at a table or desk rather than in the bed or on the sofa. Keep in mind the need for a video conferencing location with an adequate WiFi signal, a clear background (if possible) and plenty of natural light.
Get the Right Tools Ready
The ability to organize and manage materials is an important skill that develops at different rates. Distance learning requires the use of materials provided by school as well those found at home. Some items students may need include ipads, chromebooks, paper, pens, pencils, markers, calculators, art or craft supplies.
Keeping materials in the study space so that they are easily accessible, and charging devices at night will help students to be ready to go each day.
Some students may benefit from online assignments or task lists being printed at home, so supplies such as extra ink cartridges and printer paper may be needed.
The ability to organize and manage materials is an important skill that develops at different rates. Distance learning requires the use of materials provided by school as well those found at home. Some items students may need include ipads, chromebooks, paper, pens, pencils, markers, calculators, art or craft supplies.
Keeping materials in the study space so that they are easily accessible, and charging devices at night will help students to be ready to go each day.
Some students may benefit from online assignments or task lists being printed at home, so supplies such as extra ink cartridges and printer paper may be needed.
Make a “To Due” List
Most schools are sending students electronic notifications of daily assignments that are also accessible to parents. An additional strategy students may use as a quick reference and memory aid is to write assignments down. Keeping a written list of assignments can help students remember what is due and independently keep track of what they have completed. Encourage your student to make a list, or even use a calendar or planner page to keep track of what is coming up.
Most schools are sending students electronic notifications of daily assignments that are also accessible to parents. An additional strategy students may use as a quick reference and memory aid is to write assignments down. Keeping a written list of assignments can help students remember what is due and independently keep track of what they have completed. Encourage your student to make a list, or even use a calendar or planner page to keep track of what is coming up.
Ask for Help
Asking for help is actually an aspect of self-regulation in executive functioning. Knowing that you do not know the answer and being comfortable asking questions is a skill that students develop over time. Remember to connect with teachers on a regular basis and reach out to the student support team at your school with questions or for additional help.
Asking for help is actually an aspect of self-regulation in executive functioning. Knowing that you do not know the answer and being comfortable asking questions is a skill that students develop over time. Remember to connect with teachers on a regular basis and reach out to the student support team at your school with questions or for additional help.
Dr. Ama R. Thompson
Student Support Coordinator
Student Support Coordinator
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