As our students, teachers, and parents settle into the routine of learning remotely, there are several new opportunities and challenges we face.
In this article, WAB’s team of Technology Integrators shares some tips to help increase productivity and maximize learning experiences.
Whole School Tips
One key point we want to share with our community is to please make sure you follow the correct channels of communication.
For parents, please use the Conoravirus & Home Learning page on WAB’s Parent Portal, as well as WAB Weekly, and WAB Special Emails.
Elementary students should use their blogs, while Middle and High School students utilize Moodle classes.
Elementary School Tips
Elementary school students love a routine, so it’s important to try and continue the normal school time habits where possible. Encourage them to get up, get dressed, have a healthy breakfast, and brush their teeth to start the day.
Keeping to a schedule will also help. Build in snack time; eat lunch together; and find ways to get physically active. Make sure everyone isn’t connected to their devices all day.
When it’s time to start the tasks assigned by your child’s teacher, sit with your child and write a checklist of the tasks they need to do. This way, they have a choice in the order they will complete them and can physically check them off. Your child may need your help to document their learning for the day. Let them know you are available to help them do this when they are done.
Teachers know that everyone is in different situations with different kinds of technology and quality of internet access. If your child finds it difficult to upload a video or access a resource, please let their teacher know, and they can adjust the tasks accordingly.
Middle School Tips
It is easy for Middle Schoolers to feel a little stressed and alienated without their peer group around them. Make sure that they balance screen time with time outside and time socializing (not just online) with other people. If you’re outside of Beijing, see if they can join a sports club on a temporary basis. If you’re staying in Beijing, reach out to other families in your complex and see if you can form some study groups in the morning, for example, rotating from home to home so that parents also get a break.
Alternate “binge” watching TV or YouTube with “binge” reading. It’s a great time to co-read some books, and to try out our online reading resources on Overdrive/Sora. Even teens like to be read to. You can get inspiration from the “Time Magazine 100 best young adult books of all time" and our “Kids Read 100 books” lists. Students are welcome to request the tech integrators to purchase books for them on Overdrive (subject to China availability).
Here are more tips for our Middle School parents.
High School Tips
In amongst the academic learning students are doing, this is a great opportunity to develop some of the life skills that will help them remain healthy and happy adults beyond school. Now is the perfect time to master basic recipes or take charge of the washing/ironing. Pass on those family recipes for the next generation!
We know that healthy bodies and healthy minds contribute positively to academic success. Going for a walk or starting a new physical challenge (push-ups, anyone?) are both ways of getting a break from schoolwork that can also give us a fresh perspective. Sworkit has been recommended by PE Teacher Brad Benson as a mobile app to try for home workouts utilizing a variety of approaches, so check it out!
- remotelearning