We made it! It’s hard to believe that it is already a year since covid 19 changed everything. We went from traveling and socializing outside to completely staying at home. The boys’ school decided to transition into full remote learning the second week of March 2020. At first, Aiden and Tyler became frustrated with the long period spent on the computer. They also missed playing outside with their friends. It took us some time to get used to this new normal.

Here are some tips that helped us get through remote learning.  

1. Individual Workspace

In the first month of remote learning, Aiden and Tyler shared a workspace, which became a disaster. They were constantly distracting each other by playing. I later separated them into different rooms and created their own workspace with some of their favorite things. Now they’re more focused and are engaging with their classmates instead of each other.

2. Scheduled and Timers

Printing a copy of their schedules helped tremendously; the boys loved checking it every morning before logging on. This made them responsible and accountable for their work throughout the day. The timers reminded them when it was time to log on after breaks and lunch. Over time, Aiden and Tyler became great at panning out their workload for the day. I can actually sit and enjoy my coffee because they’ve become very independent.

3 Mental Health

This one is important; working from home and doing remote learning during the pandemic hasn’t been easy for us. I learned it was ok to take time for myself and give myself grace. There were times I called Aiden and Tyler’s teacher during remote learning to let them know we’re having a mental health day. We would go for a quick drive or relax without the stress of remote learning, which brings me to the fourth tip that made our experience better during remote learning.

4. Be a partner with their Teacher

I have always played an avid part in Aiden and Tyler's education. Remote learning made no difference. I text and scheduled zoom meetings with their teachers every so often. I’d get an update on my boys and also see how the teachers are coping with everything. The pandemic has also affected them, and they are doing their best to help our children stay on track with their education.

5. Off-screen activities

Board games and other fun activities like painting, coloring kept Aiden and Tyler away from any additional screen time. A household favorite is an old Caribbean game with pen and paper called “ Country, Animal, Boy, Girl, Eat, Drink and the Total amount of points. Basically, one person says the alphabet silently, and whichever letter the person is on when you say stop (depends on how many people are playing). Everyone has to write something that begins with the letter for each section above before the caller who initially said START says STOP! my boys love this game, and it’s a great way to learn about new Countries.

I am going to miss them when the time comes to return to the classroom. But for now, I am enjoying our little lunch talks, the random hugs, and I love you, mommy. The baking of cookies and muffins on what they call's “comfy Mondays”—the cuddle times on rainy days. I am so proud of Aiden and Tyler for soaring through this experience. 

Share your experiences below?

Are your kids doing full remote learning?