Virtual learning tips stress well being and establishing new routines

As frazzled households adapt to the challenges of virtual learning during the pandemic, the Westmoreland Intermediate Unit is offering a free webinar to help parents cope and make it easier for children to succeed in school from home.

The free webinar available online,“FACE: Families and Communities Engaged Together,” tackles problems and provides tips for parents and caregivers to support children — and themselves — for virtual education.

Like most of the state, the region’s school districts are teaching large numbers of students virtually, in-person, or a hybrid of both.

“The greatest challenge for families is the fact that they need to juggle many different responsibilities including their job, their child’s access to a consistent, conducive environment for learning, as well as, assessing the mental wellness of their children during a pandemic,” said Jason Conway, executive director for the Westmoreland Intermediate Unit.

The webinar was videotaped on Friday and featured Marissa Ameris, Burrell School District’s social emotional learning specialist.

Ameris said with students learning virtually, parents and caregivers don’t have to be afraid of uncharted territory during the pandemic in an “age of the unknown.”

She suggests three practices to not only keep students and their parents and caregivers sane, but provides ways to build stronger relationships, social awareness and productive learning.

First, recognize the well-being of yourself and others, Ameris said. Parents need to watch out for signs of fatigue such as their child’s lack of interest in school, introversion, lack of hygiene, a drop in their grades and hearing less about their child’s friends.

“Ultimately you know your children and loved ones the best,” she said. Parents have to be on the lookout for potential problems.

Spend time talking to your children daily.

Change is difficult and responses to change vary, Ameris said. Parents should be monitoring their children’s emotional well-being and remember the importance of their connections daily.

Secondly, be present in the pandemic.

“Recognize what we need now, savor the moment and talk honestly,” she said. While daily living can be monotonous, parents should work on being present with their children and making the most of the time with them.

“Change happens quickly,” she said. “Find the joy and gratitude in the moment no matter what it looks like. There’s something to be grateful for.”

If your child gets into a rut, talk about it honestly.

Individual time is important for everyone in the household, Ameris said. Use that time wisely and don’t just hunker down.

Thirdly, keep healthy routines. Routines create a sense of order during the day, providing a sense of control for parents and children.

“All children, including teens, benefit from a routine that is predictable and flexible,” she said. When the usual routine is thrown off, establish new ones.

There is a higher rate of academic success when there are established routines, Ameris noted.

Get ready for the day for virtual learning.

“Set the alarm, get out of bed, have breakfast, take a shower, find a workplace,” she said. “We don’t want students rolling over in bed and logging on.”

Designate an area of the home for school work and establish a learning environment that “we are ready for and that is ready for us.”

Delineate between school time and down time.

“We need to have a time to turn it off, to schedule self-care and alone time.

“Don’t forget to schedule alone time for everyone in the family,” she said. “You are not selfish for recognizing what you need.”

The three step program is a practice.

“We are going to make mistakes and you want to give yourself grace.”

To learn more about resources for families during the pandemic, visit the state Department of Education website.