We have been getting feedback from families all over the country about what is working, and not working in the remote-learning environment. Many of the frustrations come from a lack of fully functional online platforms. Dropped web-conferences, inability to hear the presenter, students making inappropriate comments in the chat feature on the web conference, too many users on the network- both locally and through web service providers- making connections unusable, etc.

We have also heard that overall, there is a general lack of consistency among expectations from teaching staff, administration and the school district. Some teachers want kids online every day during their scheduled class period and are using software to monitor student activity during that time. Others are finding that the school district expects kids to do some form of online learning, or at-home learning, document that in some way, and communicate with teachers about the work that is being done. It seems that the older the students are, the more time they are spending per day on their online lessons. Some school districts have just given up and kids are having a free-for-all.

First, we have to say that we all need to remember that this is a new, and different learning experience for everyone. Parents, students, teachers, administration, and school districts are all learning as we go-flying by the proverbial seat of our pants, as it were. We have had to do this with very little advanced warning, preparation or training. As we all learn to navigate this process, there are bound to be hiccups and headaches along the way. This goes back to a post I did early on about “mistaking our way to success.” That is what we are doing- all of us. We are learning what works and doesn’t as we go. The best way we can support our children and their remote-learning experience is to practice patience- every day.

Next, we need to be able to communicate about what is working, and not working as we go along. Document the frustrations you are encountering in your household as they arise. Find ways to communicate those frustrations to people who can influence the decision-making process about what is happening. Remember to communicate in kind and polite ways. That is harder to do when we are frustrated, no doubt. Take some time to cool down before you initiate communication if you are feeling heated about a particular situation or issue.

Work towards solutions, rather than trying to place blame. Realize that we are all finding our way in the dark, here. It takes a while to find your footing and adjust your vision. Remember the remote-learning triangle I presented in an earlier post. We all have to hold up our side of the triangle for this situation to work. Do your part to hold up your side of it.

Next comes the “type-A” part of this post. Here is a list of ideas that can help organize and systemize this process to help everyone function optimally.

• Find a dedicated workspace for each person in your household. Consider who needs privacy, who needs supervision, who works best at a table or desk, who works best on the couch, or the floor-or wherever. Create a dedicated space for each person.
• Make sure that each person’s workspace has the tools they need to be successful: charging station, office supplies, school supplies, resource books, background music, noise-canceling headphones, etc.
• Put together a daily/weekly family calendar of events. Use a big whiteboard, a big piece of chart paper or a shared Google calendar to create a group calendar. Each person should add their events to the calendar. Younger children may need help with this. This will help everyone come together to see when things are due, who has web conferences when, and how to find ways to support and give each other space, as needed.
• Set up, and stick to a regular schedule. Humans are creatures of habit. We function best when we know what to expect. Having regular start and end times for the work and school day helps everyone stay in the right mindset for getting work done.
• Hold regular family meetings. This is a time when open, honest communication is critical. Talk about what is working and what you are struggling with, as a person or as a family. Work together to problem-solve issues and find solutions that work for your family. If you make a plan and it works, terrific! If it doesn’t, rework it until it does.
• Find a support network and rely on them in times of stress. Mental health is of the utmost importance now. Talk to someone about what you are dealing with, mentally. Find ways to minimize your stress and frustration and help others do the same.
• Get outside every day, if you can. Exercise. Go for a walk. Have lunch on the deck. Play fetch with the dog. Lay in the grass and watch the clouds pass by. Whatever it is that you can do to connect with the natural world, do it. It will help you be more grounded, patient, calm and peaceful as you navigate the situations you must face.