How to Transition Back to Virtual Learning
After a relaxing winter break, it can be difficult to make the transition back to online school. Read on for more details about how to best transition back to virtual learning after winter break!
Sleep Schedule
Fixing your sleep schedule can be one of the most difficult adjustments when resuming online learning. Without having to be present at a physical school at a certain time, you need to hold yourself accountable to wake up, get to class on time, and get enough sleep. Practice gradually going to bed a half hour earlier each night until you are back on the appropriate sleep schedule for school. It may be difficult at first, and you don’t have to fall asleep right away, but be sure you are putting your technology away and in bed earlier each night to regulate your sleep schedule again.
Morning Routine
Come up with a morning routine if you didn’t already practice one before break. Eating a balanced breakfast every morning before school will help fuel your mind to get through a long day of classes. Additionally, building in extra time before class allows your mind to wake up and be ready to start learning as soon as class starts. Avoid eating breakfast during school- you need to be giving your full attention to your classes, and oftentimes schools have rules against eating during online class. Also, make sure you drink plenty of water during the day!
Designate a Study Space
If you have the space available, try participating in virtual learning in a different room or space than your sleep space. Separating your working and resting spaces helps your mind adjust between the modes of learning and relaxing when it is time for each. Don’t show up to online school in your bed just because you are learning from home! Sit at a real desk in a designated learning area to achieve maximum focus during your classes.
Have a Back-up Plan
Schools are still adapting to online learning, which sometimes brings new challenges. It is possible that one day technology fails and prevents your student from attending online class. Be sure you have a backup plan for this! Does your school have a particular policy for when technology interferes with attending class? Is there another device your child can use to attend class? The chances of experiencing some sort of technological failure at some point during your online learning are high, so be ready.
Mental Health
Despite optimistic vaccine news, we are still in the middle of a very tumultuous and uncertain period of time. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the mental health of people of all ages across the globe; make sure you check in with your family’s mental health, especially those who are learning remotely. Having social-emotional support systems in place can go a long way in making your child feel comfortable spending so much time at home. Ask them not just about how they’re doing in their classes, but about how they’re feeling. Are they overwhelmed? Are they able to focus during class? Is there any other way you can help them through this difficult time?
Socialize
It’s been almost a year since we have been able to socialize normally without worrying about safety. Sometimes it can feel like a chore to check in with our friends who we don’t see every day, but finding ways to socialize safely is crucial for maintaining mental health. Set up a virtual playdate for your child, or find a place outdoors where your child can see their friends (socially distanced and masked, of course). Every family has different comfort levels and circumstances that determine how they want to set up social interactions, but make sure it is happening no matter how it occurs!