Senior to Senior: Learn From Home

School may, or may not, start up on schedule this fall, but even if it does, the curriculum is likely to be abbreviated. Early attempts at virtual classrooms didn’t go particularly well. What can you do to help? Now is the time to draw all family members into the pictures; no, mothers working from home cannot do it all, but grandparents can. Knowing that you are truly needed sounds like a win-win situation to me. You can’t just sit a kid in front of a computer and expect instant learning to occur. Kids are kids, but they need a teacher/mentor/monitor at home just as they do in a classroom. Make sure everyone is healthy and set some ground rules; kids need supervision and they need help to stay on track. Students need a supportive adult to be firm, to be encouraging, and to just be there. Grandparents can help: • Students need to get up, have breakfast, and get dressed so that can go to school whether at home or in the classroom. • Students need to have a schedule: they need to know what their assignments are and when they are due. They need to be present for their classes and they need to know what questions to ask when instructors are available. • Peace and quiet. This is serious business; work time. Even if your little one is just learning new words there has to be a time, a place, and a learning atmosphere. • Focus: distractions are everywhere whether in a classroom or at home. School time is not the time to check phone messages, take naps, or walk the dog. Keep distractions to a minimum. • Don’t forget recess. Mentor, tutor or supervisor; grandparents are important. They can listen to lectures (you might learn something new), notice if junior is struggling, and help formulate questions so that both of you understand everything. Learning can be fun. Learn to embrace new teaching methods and wonder at the thing’s kids are learning these days. Families need to invest, not just in the latest equipment, but in the time necessary to make education a priority.