And We're Back Online! Some Tips To Surviving Online School

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Authorities have announced this morning (Apr 28) that all schools in Chaoyang must move online with immediate effect. This move comes as little surprise considering the school closures that have been taking place over the last few days. 

While it probably isn't your first online rodeo, it doesn't hurt to recap some helpful online school survival tips shared by our education consultant and editor Julie Wolf. 

Keep a routine

It can be as loose or as strict as you are comfortable with but some form of scaffolding for the day beyond logging in at 8.30am and logging off at 3.30pm is vitally important. Get them up and dressed and make sure they have breakfast before starting class. Trust me, most teachers hate it when kids eat during class. Then make sure there is a set time for after-school activities and scheduled time for homework, chores, and relaxation.

Learning space

Establish a separate learning area away from distractions. A small desk with basic supplies including paper, pens, coloring supplies, glue, etc. should be there and ready for them to learn. If possible get a list of needed supplies from the school so you aren’t rushing around looking for things last minute. Keep this area free from toys and distractions. If they need special items like a fidget spinner or stress ball to focus make sure it is available.

They need to move

Especially our littlest learners. Channeling some of that excess energy is important for staving off cabin fever and staying focused. If you can, go out for a bike ride or walk each day. During short breaks and recess encourage them to move by playing music and having a dance party or putting on your favorite TikTok challenge.

If the weather is bad try playing the workout card game: Take a deck of cards and have the kids assign each suit a physical activity – i.e. hearts are jumping jacks, spades are push-ups, diamonds are sit-ups, clubs are mummy kicks. Then take turns flipping over a card. A five of diamonds means five sit-ups. Court cards are 30 seconds of dancing to their favorite tunes.

Extracurriculars

Obviously those are a no-go for the next few weeks so pick an activity the family isn’t familiar with and learn about it together. Have you always wanted to cook paella or make origami creations? Now’s a good time to try!  For example, mahjong is a great method for kids to learn their Chinese numbers in a fun way.

Focus on life skills

Most expat families have an ayi but there is a good chance your kids won’t be taking her to college. So simple things like knowing how to sew on a button, do the laundry, make their bed, and scramble an egg could be important. Make a list of things you think they should know how to do and pick one or two of them to teach on an afternoon when they are bored.

Tap all your learning resources

You know what worked for you last time. Resurrect the same resources. Here is a shortlist of some of the easily accessible learning tools we love.

Love this online resource! Tons of great, short, educational videos on everything from world history to ecology. Whatever they’re interested in, there’s a lesson on it.

This phonics card game is a great option for fun, at-home learning.

Easy videos for at-home craft, cooking and tactile project ideas. The Strega Nona pasta project is one of my personal favorites and I guarantee you already have all the materials in your kitchen.

Lastly, be gentle with yourself. This is stressful so make sure to carve out a little self-care. Read a book, call a friend, make your significant other watch the kids long enough for you to treat yourself. Whatever fills your tank.

Images: Pexels

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