School is now in full swing for students across the country. But for their parents, the current climate has them worried as a new study discovered that over half (56 percent) of American parents found remote learning to be difficult for their household.
This school year is a different one for sure. And while students attending college might be used to online learning, how is a K-12 student to deal with logging in to their online classroom each morning? To help children navigate this new frontier of online education here are five tips every parent needs from Rebecca Gramuglia, Consumer Expert at TopCashback.com:
1. Upgrade Internet Provider
With millions of people working and learning from home, you may have experienced small problems with your home internet provider. If the problems persist, change or upgrade your internet. Be sure to look for deals from providers like Verizon Fios, AT&T, Xfinity and more. Sometimes simply purchasing a better router makes a difference.
2. Purchase New Laptop/Electronics
Upgrading your children’s electronics before a new school year is always smart, but now more than ever it’s important to ensure your child has the best laptop and gadgets to make learning easier. Start by asking your child what supplies they need (not want).
If your child prefers pen and paper, for example, get a scanner so they can hand in their work without a problem. And don’t forget to save money on new gadgets by shopping via TopCashback.com to earn a percentage of your purchase back in cash back from retailers like Staples, Office Depot® and OfficeMax®, Dell Outlet and more.
3. Set up a “School/Classroom” Area at Home
Many adults have a specific area at home where they can work and get some quiet time, and it’s important that you create a similar space for your child. Children will thrive at remote learning in a quiet and comfortable space that is strictly devoted for school time. This space should be away from where they normally play games or watch television. Establishing a “school/classroom” area will also help create a much-needed routine while learning from home.
4. Trust the Teachers
Before providing your child with supplemental work, stick to what the teacher requires. Trust that educators are providing your children with all they need. Remember, many teachers are still trying to figure out the best system for remote learning (whether part-time or full-time). You may also want to schedule check-ins, via email or phone, with your child's teacher to stay informed of your child’s progress.
5. Purchase Face Masks/Protective Gear
As of right now, many school districts haven’t finalized their plans for kids going back into the classroom. So whether your child will be heading into school full time or part time, make sure they have everything they need to stay safe. Purchase a few comfortable face masks, hand sanitizer and gloves now rather than later. Don’t forget to practice safety protocols while at home so they become habits.
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