Some parents may feel overwhelmed helping a
child continue their education at home during the COVID-19 emergency.
The topics and links below will help you face this new challenge.These tools are not designed to replace the communication, guidance and academic material provided by your school district. This is a resource guide and represents only some information available.
OVERARCHING ADVICE
- Keep a schedule- regularity and consistency are how children thrive.
- Plan for downtime.
- Find time for fun.
- Take it a day at a time.
Resources:
Developing a schedule
Considerations when planning a lesson
- Before you send your student off to work, be clear on their expectations. Consider:
- How long do they have to complete the work?
- What happens if they get stuck?
- Do you want complete sentences?
- How often do you want them to check in with you?
- What work do you want to do together and what do you want them to do on their own?
- What does it look like to be 100% done?
- A worksheet can be as simple has 3-2-1. Don’t get bogged down in trying to build an immaculate three page worksheet to accompany an online resource. You can make a worksheet that is as simple as
- What are three things you learned?
- What are two questions you have?
- What is one thing you disagreed with?
- Take it a day at a time if you need to.
- Before sending your student to work on a resource make sure you have looked through it yourself so you can gauge how independently your student can work through it.
- Some resources are printable (you print and hand to your student and they go), some are directive (online program your student can work through) and some are guided (you work through with your student). Before assigning to your student work through the resource and determine which type it is.
- Plan for breaks and plan for fun!
Library resources
- Joplin MO Public Library e-content
- Pittsburg KS Public Library digital library
- Webb City Library digital services
List of things to do
Talking to your kids about COVID-19
- CDC: Talking to young children about coronavirus
- National Association of School Psychologists: Talking to children about COVID-19
Digital Resources
Accessing the Internet
- Check with your local cable or Internet provider for the best plan for your family. Many companies are making special provisions for existing and new customers during the COVID-19 emergency.
Handling challenging behavior
- PBIS World (Positive Behavior Interventions & Support
- Understood latest updates and tips
Tips for working while your student is home
How to work from home with kids around
How to work from home with your kids during the coronavirus outbreak
1.Make a visual schedule
- Printable for younger kids
- Printable for older kids
- Post in a central place
- Keeps everyone accountable
2.Over communicate
- Make sure your student understands their schedule and yours
- Be clear where you are flexible and where you are not
3.Set boundaries
- Is there a kid free space if you need one?
- Are their rules when you are on a conference call? Video call?
- Three before me
- If your child is having difficulty getting started on something and you are temporarily unavailable, consider teaching them the three before me rule. What are three things they need to do to keep themselves busy before they ask you? Could be 1. Take a deep breath and try again 2. Read your book until I am free 3. Try completing some chores until I am free. Setting this boundary ahead of time can be a life saver.
- Consider using older siblings as part of the plan if they are home as well.
- Are their rules about snacks?
- Are their rules about devices?
4.Take breaks
- Adults need brain breaks just as much as kids do! Consider scheduling in yourself into recess and lunch with your students.
These resources are designed to supplement, not replace, guidance and academic material provided by local school districts.
Looking for help?
United Way is committed to helping our community through the coronavirus. If you need help or have general questions about COVID-19, dial 2-1-1.