As students around the world transition to distance learning, adults who surround them will want to assist them in maintaining healthy habits, developing structured routines and embracing techniques that are proven to promote productivity and focus. Learning in the home can be rewarding and exciting so long as appropriate structures are put in place.
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The keyword? Routine! Routine, routine, routine!
Routines help maintain predictability during times of crisis and can keep everyone feeling calm and in control. Your child will need your guidance and accompaniment to become familiar with these new structures.
Take Care Of the Basics: Maintain a sense of structure and routine.
- Regular bedtimes and waketimes
Consistent bedtime and wake times ensure that children are able to fall asleep, stay asleep and wake feeling refreshed!
- Negotiation of sleep or not?
Your teen may want to negotiate and sleep-in later than usual as they are not commuting. Perhaps you can negotiate and add 10-15 minutes to their alarm, no more, exceptions made for students living very far, this being the opportunity to avoid getting up unnecessarily early. With the extra morning time, they can take an invigorating shower or get fresh air before class!
- Set a clear schedule for each day with a checklist overviewed by parent or adult
Regular mealtimes, set breaks, and planned activities can serve to guide the day with certainty. Setting an intention or goal for the day upon waking can be highly motivating.
- Set Them Up for Success: Workspace Matters
Limit distractions wherever possible (e.g. turn off social media and iPhone notifications) Ensure your child has a bright, quiet and clutter-free workspace. Returning to this same workspace each day can allow for increased productivity and focus. Leave the workspace during lunch hour for fresh air and direct conversation.
- Physical Activity and Movement Breaks: Regularly Scheduled Breaks Is a Must!
Schedule regular breaks. Allow students to break work up into small chunks utilizing intermittent body/brain breaks (stretching, standing, dance breaks) and longer planned breaks (e.g. walk the dog, exercise, journaling, yoga/mindfulness, etc.) to enhance overall focus and effectiveness
- Socialization 🙂
Do not underestimate the essential need for socialization. On a slightly contradictory note, social hour must be accounted for, though it will extend the screen day. It is crucial to reach an agreement on timing for this with your teen.
- Log Off!
Reduce screen time after school hours. After school/social hour, promote family-time, outdoor activities if possible, conversation, creative learning. Provide as much direct social engagement as possible.
Support will remain available to students and families throughout the entirety of the Online Lycée program by communicating directly with our School Psychologist and Counselor via email and phone. Reach them through MyLycée directory listings.
About the Author :
Hélène Stafford, School Psychologist and Rebecca Perini, Middle School Counselor, provide mental health and counseling support services to Lycée students and families.