Page 11 - Birmingham City Schools 2020-2021

engaged. Learning material that is easier for a child, and therefore moved through more quickly, can be completed at a different time (such as in the afternoon or even another day). It’s also helpful to share with your child’s teacher what is working best for you and your child.
6. Use a checklist for focus. For some children who really struggle with focusing, a basic visual checklist of tasks for a particular activity will be helpful. For example, if the child is asked to watch a lesson, read a prompt, and then provide a written response to the prompt, the checklist would have keywords for each of these required activities: watch, read, write. The child would check off each task with you as it
is completed and receive some positive praise or another reward
when finished.
7. Give your child (and yourself) a break. Your teacher does not want
your child to be frustrated with learning. In fact, teachers spend time trying to make lessons interesting, and tailoring instruction to provide the most appropriate level of challenge for their students. If something is too challenging, or if your child has hit a frustration level, it’s okay to take a break from the activity. It’s also okay to slow down the pace, which means giving your child time to think and process information. It also means participating in segments of learning one at a time. rather than trying to tackle a whole lesson in one sitting. You can give yourself permission to pick that lesson back up another time or another day.
8. Provide immediate positive feedback. Each time your child completes remote learning instruction, provide immediate and positive feedback! Something as simple as putting a check mark, star, or sticker on the work assignment can go a long way in helping to motivate your child. And don’t forget to celebrate yourself, as you are playing such an important role to help your child le learn and grow. Examples of rewards: praise, stickers; choose a movie; a treat such as ice cream, candy, or a popsicle; tablet time; choose a family activity, play with a special toy; free choice time; or an extra 15
minutes to play before bedtime.
Article written by
Dr. Linda Carling
John Hopkins University
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