When the school year starts for Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) on September 8, it will be by “distance learning.” Having your child/children doing their schooling from home can be challenging for both students and parents. There are some things you can do to help your child be more successful and you less stressed.
Figure out a specific, consistent “learning space.” It doesn’t have to be a desk, it could be a table or counter spot — whatever works in your home and with your child. It just needs to be a specific spot for doing school work and having any supplies ready and handy. If you have a child who is a “squirmer,” you might consider having them use a stability/balance ball instead of a chair.
Cut down on distractions. For example, turn off the TV and don’t have toys in the learning area.
Have a routine and schedule. Make sure your child gets a good night’s sleep. Have your child get up at the same time each day, get dressed and eat breakfast, and then log into their online classroom just like if they were going to the school building. You might even want to make a chart of the daily schedule. Especially with younger students, you might want sticker charts they can use.
Get familiar with the device your child will be using so you can help them. Most MPS students will be using Chrome Books or iPads, depending on their grade level. Also become familiar with the platform the teacher is using like Google Classroom, Google Meet, Seesaw or Zoom.
Have your child take movement breaks. This could be going for a walk, doing jumping jacks, following a Go Noodle exercise video, etc.
One of the most important things you can do is to communicate with your child’s teacher. Let the teacher know if you are struggling with the classroom’s online schedule because you are working or because you have multiple children you have to work with. Also, if your child is in need of some tutoring, let the classroom teacher know — the teacher may be able to have an Educational Support Professional (ESP) work with your child online one on one to help them.
Don’t forget to give yourself, your child and your child’s teacher some grace. You’re all in this together and doing the best that you can!
The Minneapolis Schools webpage will have updates for the new school year at mpls.k12.mn.us. You can also find some more tips on distance learning from Johns Hopkins University at education.jhu.edu/2020/04/8tipsforfocus/.
Note — All families with children enrolled in the Minneapolis Public Schools district should complete an Application for Educational Benefits each year.
Applying matters! Information provided on Applications for Educational Benefits:
• Determines benefits for students and families such as no-cost meals at school, free bus cards and discounted internet service.
• Generates about $100 million in district funding each year, and qualifies schools and community sites to serve no-cost food to youth 18 and under both after-school and in the summer months. You can find the application at cws.mpls.k12.mn.us/application.