More and more kids are doing school at home this upcoming year. Make it successful by getting these tips for kids doing virtual school.
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What a year this has been! Who would have imagined that we’d still be dealing with Cornavirus for the upcoming school year.
In our school district we have the option of choosing an in-school or virtual option this year. I know many other parents are dealing with the same decisions to make.
Some places you may not have a choice and you have to do virtual school.
Never in a million years, I never would have thought I would be debating if I should keep my son home for his first year of middle school!
Tips for kids doing virtual school.
I’ve been reading up on kids that homeschool and thinking about what worked and didn’t work for us last year. What are some simple things that make learning at home successful?
Here are some things you should consider.
Buy blue blocking glasses.
It’s hard to be on the computer all day. Kids will be on their computer, then device watching Netflix or playing video games. They will be spending a huge amount of time looking at screens.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology has not recommended special eyewear for computer use, but many eye doctors recommend them.
You may not have heard of blue blocking glasses. These special glasses block blue light that comes from screens, tablets, TVs and computers. They help reduce red and dry eyes, eye strain and headaches. They should be worn anytime when looking at a screen.
I was a little weary of purchasing these from any source because I didn’t want them to be from overseas and just be regular plastic lenses. I’ve spent hours reading up on these!
Here are a few of my recommendations after my research.
- BLUblok. These are the most expensive, but this company specializes in blue blocker glasses.
- Zenni – Blokz Blue Blocker Computer Glasses for Kids– These are less expensive (around $30). This brand has a great website detailing the blue blocker glasses. This link gives you $5 off!- This is the brand I purchased, see image below.
- Gamma Ray Blue Light Blocking Glasses– These have a ton of info on them, but don’t have kid sizes. These should work well if you have a tween or teen. These are less than $20.
Eat a good breakfast and lunch.
This sounds so simple, but you know when you’re staring at a screen, time can get away from you. They may sit down to work and realize it’s after 2pm and haven’t eaten lunch yet!
Make outside time a priority during the day.
Even if your kids are older and “don’t play, they still need fresh air, exercise and vitamin D. They can go for a bike ride, walk, pick weeds, do sidewalk chalk or even check the mail. They could even do their work outside.
Get kids up and dressed.
I know when we went to virtual school in the spring, my kids were up and ready to go. After a few weeks, they were lounging in their pjs and doing schoolwork in bed. They did not do as well and didn’t take school seriously.
Getting on a good routine and setting expectations at the beginning of the school year is important for all ages.
Take regular breaks.
Remember when kids are in school, they have restroom breaks, lunch breaks, recess, gym. It helps reset them and get them focused on learning. Make sure there are little breaks to give their brains a little break.
Plan time with friends.
Keep your kids social with sports and hanging out with their friends. Make it a priority to invite people over or meet at the ice cream store. If you are home with them, make sure you’re taking time to talk with them about their day because it can get lonely.
It’s important to get them out of the house. They need a change of scenery too! During the quarantine we realized my older son hadn’t even gotten in the car for over five weeks! That can’t be healthy.
Create a dedicated workspace.
Make a place just for them so they’ll want to go and learn. Make sure they have all the highlighters, colored pencils, outlets and accessories they need to encourage learning. Sometimes a colored pen is all you need to get a kid excited about writing.
Make a place just for them so they’ll want to go and learn. Make sure they have all the highlighters, colored pencils, outlets and accessories they need to encourage learning. Sometimes a colored pen is all you need to get a kid excited about writing.