How Parents Can Help Students Adjust to the New School Year

Based on current data, students in North Carolina will not be headed back to school fully in-person this fall. The state recommendation is for a hybrid plan of some in-person learning and some online learning to start, though schools (and parents) could also opt for entirely online learning. Regardless of the decision, school is going to look different this year than it has in the past.

That means that families will need to adjust. This new schedule will impact parents and students alike as everyone figures out how to make it work. As a parent, it is important to help your child adapt and be as successful as possible. There are several ways to do this:

1. Keep a positive attitude. You may not agree with the school district’s decision, but it is what it is. Try to stay positive when discussing things with your child; if you start off the year with a bad attitude, your child probably will too. Remember that students had no say in the decision. They are simply doing as they are told and making the best of the situation. Encourage them to continue trying their hardest and speaking up if something isn’t working for them.

2. Help your child plan their day. Whether online or hybrid schooling is happening, it can be a lot for kids to keep track of on their own. Sit down with your child and create a schedule for each day. If learning is entirely online, when do they have Google Meet or Zoom meetings scheduled? If it is hybrid, which days do they go to school and which days are online? Check in to make sure they are writing down when assignments or projects are due, or checking things off of their list for the day. Sticking to a regular routine can make adjusting easier.

3. Encourage communication. In the classroom, it is easier for kids to raise their hand or talk to the teacher after class if they have a question or don’t understand something. They may be more hesitant to speak up in an online setting, or be unsure of how to ask for help. Make sure you have accurate email addresses or phone numbers if you need to get in touch with the teacher. Teach your child how to write an email or use approved messaging apps to connect. Remind them that it’s okay to speak up online if they have a question because other kids might be wondering the same thing too.

4. Be as supportive as possible. Hybrid and online schooling are a big change for everyone. Do your best to assist your child as needed with learning new technology, accessing information, practicing skills, and completing assignments. Have open conversations about their thoughts and feelings, what they like and don’t like, what is going well and what could be going better, and how you can help them. Let them take breaks and move around.

If your child is struggling to make sense of what they are learning, consider working with a tutor. They can get help tailored to their individuals needs and have someone work with them one-on-one, presenting information in a way that they can understand. Crafting Scholars offers both online and in-person tutoring to support students in being as successful as possible and staying on track with their learning. Contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.