Ways for Parents to support Virtual Learning
Thank you so much for taking on this adventure of virtual learning with our teachers! We know this is a challenging time and want to provide tools that can help make virtual learning a little more palatable. Please reach out to Heather McDonough as well! She is the Positive Behavior Social/Emotional Support Coach for Briarwood ([email protected]).
1. Help Teach Virtual School Expectations
With consistent expectations, students know what's expected of them throughout the school day. This allows them to feel more confident, engaged and connected to the school community. It also makes it easier for teachers to recognize positive behaviors, and to correct problem behaviors to keep small problems small.
Consider making an expectation chart for home using our school rules as well. A blank template is provided below that can be used to talk about and outline expectations in the household. Consider filling this out and discussing reasons for the expectations being set. This will allow students to have a greater ownership over the expectation, understand the expectation and follow the expectation.
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2. Create and post a daily/weekly schedule
Creating a daily and weekly schedule that is posted in the student's workspace will heighten expectations which can reduce anxiety. This will create a sense of routine for the student, which can in return help them be more successful in the classroom. Consult with the school and teacher to best understand the expectations of the teacher schedule.
3. Teach Checklists and To-Do Lists
Teach your children how to access their materials online to create checklists or to-do lists for the day and week. This is a great skill that will help them into adulthood. Show them how to access the materials and create these lists on their own. Model the skill first (perhaps have them watch you making a grocery list) and then have them co-create a checklist before they do it on their own. This is going to help them build independence and ownership. Checklists and To-Do lists can be specific towards assignments as well, such as a writing checklist that includes the needed components of writing.
4. Talk about how to solve conflict
With the entire family working and living from home, I am sure you have noticed some conflict may have happened. Conflict happens at school and we use restorative practices to help students resolve their conflicts. This allows the students to have voice in the resolution and think of the impact of their actions. It is best to reflect over these questions when the child is a calm state. Use the tool of a Calm Corner to wait for the student to regain baseline behavior.
5. Set up and Teach about a calm corner
At Briarwood Elementary, we support social/ emotional skills through a variety of lessons and support that are developmentally appropriate. We focus on skills that promote kindness, empathy and friendship. Research has shown that a focus on positive behavior and social/emotional support can positively impact the success of our students. We know that at times students can become overwhelmed with their emotions and become angry. This is called “flipping their lid” and there is an effect on their brain that temporarily makes it difficult for children to think rationally. This impacts the choices that they make in a moment of frustration, anxiety or aggression.
One of the strategies of helping a child in an escalated state is a calming break. Students will have access to the “Calm Corner Toolkit” at school to de-escalate themselves when in a heightened state. This will allow them to calm down and rationally think about their behavior in a problem-solving space.
A calming break is a structured break time that is taught before use. This is designed as a tool, not a toy that can be used at home as well as school. It is important that this tool is taught before a child has reached a heightened state. Clear, taught expectations around this tool will yield the most benefits. This tool can be used at home, as well as our implementation at school.
How to use the Calm Corner Toolkit:
One of the strategies of helping a child in an escalated state is a calming break. Students will have access to the “Calm Corner Toolkit” at school to de-escalate themselves when in a heightened state. This will allow them to calm down and rationally think about their behavior in a problem-solving space.
A calming break is a structured break time that is taught before use. This is designed as a tool, not a toy that can be used at home as well as school. It is important that this tool is taught before a child has reached a heightened state. Clear, taught expectations around this tool will yield the most benefits. This tool can be used at home, as well as our implementation at school.
How to use the Calm Corner Toolkit:
- Build a space for relaxation
- Acquire some or all of the items on the Calm Corner checklist
- Show your child each item and explore which one brings them the most relaxation
- Teach them how to deep breathe in and out
- Build expectations around the use of the kit
- Use a timer (5 minute timer), and have your child use one or more of the tools for relaxation
- Debrief around the concern after the child is calm
6. Set up Incentives and Rewards
In the PBIS framework, rewards are used to reinforce new behaviors, and until those behaviors become part of every day use. The work of Gary Chapman and his book The Five Love Languages, tells us that everyone has an area of rewards unique to them. For example, if trinkets are given to someone who prefers an act of service as a reward, it won't be much of a reward. Finding the right love language for members of your household can improve family relationships and the overall happiness in your home. You can start with this chart to determine the love languages in your house:
7. Use a Behavior chart If behavior concerns arise
Behavior charts can be a great way to set goals for behavior, track behavior and a tool for behavior reflection. Watch the video below for instructions and tips on setting up a behavior reward system at home.