Parent Tips
Online school begins Tuesday. If you have not already posted a written routine/schedule, have your child(ren) - to the greatest extent possible - help to create one. Parents provide guidance, allowing only those limited number of options/choices that you, the parent, can live with. You do not need to recreate your child's school schedule to be successful at home!
DAILY SCHEDULE / ROUTINE
Meals, breaks, fun time, physical activities, social activities, family time, chores, reading time, relaxing time, as well as online or offline learning activities can all be included. For some youth, this may be an opportunity to work on skills related to activities of daily living and independence such as cooking, cleaning, laundry, etc.
Daily Schedule Samples
LEARNING/STUDY AREAS
Most households do not have unlimited devices and space. We also
do not want our children to be isolated in their rooms. Designating
and rotating spaces for certain types of activities can support
learning and encourage social connection.
RULES / INCENTIVES / CONSEQUENCES
Limits on screen time, completion of chores, minimum minutes per day on "school" learning/activities and no cell phones/gaming/etc. while doing so are all possible rules. Involve your children in development of the rules, incentives, and consequences for not following the rules. Have them write and post (or help you to do so) -- to hold everyone accountable.
Parents will reap the benefits of involving children in development of schedules and rules. Picture and graphics that help a child visualize the schedule and//or rules are helpful additions to written text. Parents/students can set timers to keep the daily schedule flowing, just as in school.
If a child is off task or not following the pre-determined schedule or rule, parents can ask their child to refer to the written guidance and ask
"what is on the schedule?" or "what is the rule about....?" as a means to help their child get back on track.
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