Remote and Virtual Learning:
Many of us are opting for, or it has been chosen for us, a hybrid of virtual learning and in-person school. We have the best hacks, tips and tricks for a fantastic school year from moms just like you!
If at all possible, make the remote learning space be a dedicated space with everything they need to get started available in that area. Whether your remote-from-home is on your dining room table, common space in the basement, or individual bedrooms, have their supplies handy and add a pop of classroom décor.
QC Moms reader Sarah has a ton of great tips and tricks for successful virtual learning this school year:
- Virtual learning has to be done in kitchen/living room/at desk so I can monitor/ jump from kid to kid.
- Sticker charts for assignments to make sure we are completing on time!
- Weekly calendar with meals, schedule, sports and meetings- Made of chad board, it sits right in our kitchen visible all day!
- We have drawers for extra supplies divided by kid
- I give myself the freedom to drink as I make and consume dinner!
- Folders don’t get put away until assignments are completed!
- A whole lot of patience
- Teachers emails programmed into my phone for quick reference and the 10,000 questions I have!
- Lots of smiles trying to make this work—-Sarah
The other helpful hack has been iPhone alarms. I have one for every live lesson for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd graders.
Also- it’s going great. I’m so impressed with the teachers and administration handling all the *extra* that eLearning involves. – Cynthia
-Elisabeth
During virtual learning time, keep to as realistic of a schedule as possible. This will help students remain on task and caught up. Make the most of breaks with movement. Get up, get outside, get physical. Run around the house, do jumping jacks, or head outside to a trampoline to get blood moving and invigorate the senses.
If your school has more flexibility in their remote option, take advantage of lengthy remote-free times, and get out of the house altogether.
- Get outside in nature at least once a week; we’ve got some great ideas for nature spaces around the Quad Cities, as well as a guide to lovely local hiking and biking trails.
- Incorporate a read aloud using Audible or Libby (library digital app) while en route.
For the youngest students, mimic Centers like they have a preschools. Allow 20 minutes of self-directed play with different toys such as dolls, building toys, and puzzles while reading a chapter book aloud to promote literacy.
Another important hack for virtual learning is to not strain the eyes this school year. If your child is spending a lot of time on Zoom or electronic devices, invest in a pair (or two) of blue light filter glasses. Not only are they beneficial for eye health, but they’re also stylish to boot. We’re fond of these.
In-Person Learning
Did somebody say “Mask”?
When I learned we were doing in-person learning this school year, I bought a coat/shoe rack bench for the basement hallway. We’ll come in through the basement instead of through the kitchen to leave our shoes, coats, bags there and we can leave our clothes and masks downstairs in the laundry room. -Maggie
I imagine someone crafty could add a clip loop to their masks. -Lyn
I have enough masks for kids 1-2 per day keep in piles per kid; I wash weekly!- Sarah
- I got a green pencil bag and a red pencil bag from Dollar tree. My clean masks go in green; used in red.
- I also recommend waterless face wipes. They’re magically refreshing. -Kaycee
- Create a “dirty” mask bin. An intimates laundry bag hung from a hook in the laundry room, back of the door the kids come in through, or the headrest in the car is low budget and functional. Plus, it’s washable! Once children get home, have them drop the dirty mask in the bag to wash later.
- On the flip side, have a designated, kid-friendly “clean mask” location near the door, ensuring they grab a clean one each day.
Keeping Track of It ALL
I have a checklist posted on the door, in my car and when I leave my mom’s to make sure I don’t forget anything. -Kaycee
When we were virtual in the spring, I did a color coded excel spreadsheet and put it on the fridge and put one in a sheet protector to put on the table while we worked so everybody know what was next. – Jenny
Be sure to check out our Back to School Must Haves post for the absolute BEST tried and true calendars.
Lunch Hacks
For lunches this year, I bought tubs at the Dollar Tree for the sides. One is healthier (applesauce, fruit, granola bars, etc.) than the other so they can pick two of those. The other one is chips, cookies, etc. so they can only pick one. At night I tell them to pick their stuff, so I only have to do the sandwich or fridge stuff. Packing five lunches most days takes a lot of time, so this helps a lot!- Jenny
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