Because we are in the midst of a pandemic, parents will have to take more responsibility to ensure that their children receive a quality education. Many schools will operate a remote learning program to some degree, but for such a program to be successful, parents must organize their homes to be conducive to learning by ensuring that the home environment has everything their children need.

Parents need to understand that their children need every educational advantage during these difficult times, and organizing the home for educational success is critical when engaging in remote learning. This process begins by establishing a special place in the home where children can do their homework, study, read, research, etc. Most parents create a workstation in their child’s room, but if another room in the house is more conducive to remote learning, that room can be used. The area should have a desk and chair, like a school workstation, for the child to feel comfortable. The workstation should include the following, as required:

1. Books (shelf), magazines and newspapers
2. Pencils, pens, paper and school supplies.
3. Computer, printer and internet connection.
4. School Information
5. World

If parents want to do more in the room, they can display certificates, awards, report cards, and completed homework assignments with good grades. To motivate them, parents may also want to display positive posters on the walls. Posting words and math problems can help make the area more like a real classroom. The idea is to make this a positive educational environment because children will spend much of the day, and possibly the night, in this room.

Once the room is complete, parents may want to consider scheduling for remote learning. Most schools that operate a remote learning program will set a time, probably 8:30-3:30. The curriculum will be established and the school teacher will take care of the actual teaching. Schools will need parental support to ensure success with remote learning, especially with younger children who may have a hard time staying focused. Therefore, parents will spend their time monitoring their children to make sure they are on target. They also need to make sure they have the right technology and that everything works. Also, parents need to make sure their kids eat breakfast, lunch, and possibly a snack. Parents should also incorporate some type of physical activity for their children during the day. As you can see, the parents have a full time job.

Some children will have a hard time adjusting to the remote learning format; if this happens, parents should talk to the school for help. Parents may also want to schedule some additional educational activities after the remote learning day is over so that children can stay focused and not fall behind. Additional reading and writing activities are a good place to start. One way to encourage children to read is by placing reading materials in every room of the house. Children who see reading materials throughout the house will be influenced by what is important to parents. This is a great seed to plant that will grow over time.

Parents should stick to routines so that children know what is expected of them each day. Kids still need time to do their homework, eat, do chores, and engage in some fun activities with the family. Parents may also want children to participate in other activities so they don’t get bored or depressed. Some special projects that parents can consider are:

1. Learn to cook a special dish 6. Write letters to relatives.
2. Learn how to shop for groceries 7. Take an online computer class
3. Learn about financial education 8. Learn about the Bible
4. Learn to play the stock market 9. Learn to play an instrument
5. Learn to play chess 10. Learn a new sport/game

The key is for parents to create an environment that fosters creativity at home so that children can learn, play and grow. That’s why it’s so important to structure the children’s day with their best interests in mind.

Developing children for educational success is one of parents’ most important jobs, but they must also remember that children need time to play and be children.