Grandparents and Remote Learning – How to Help

School is in session!

Or is it?

If you are raising your grandchild, then you are jumping into some variation of remote learning like millions of other parents across the world.

The situation is much more complicated with so many parents – our adult children -unable to work from home or coping with varying work schedules. As an example, my daughter is a nurse and she works rotating shifts. No two days are alike. Her partner works Monday through Thursday from 3am to noon and alternating weekends. My granddaughter’s school year opens August 18 with a hybrid learning program: all students are remote on Mondays; those with last names A – L attend school Tuesday and Thursday. Those with M – Z attend school on Wednesday and Friday. The new school day will run from 8am to 1pm.

Whatever your situation, there is a lot of preparation, planning, and restructuring for a new style of education; one that will last for an unknown amount of time.

The question is: how will families cope?

Grandparents to the rescue!

Grandparents are ready, willing, and able to help. Here are some of the benefits grandparents can offer grandchildren and adult children through the evolving threads of a non-traditional school year.

Time: if you are retired, then your schedule is what you make it to be. The beauty of remote learning is there are no fixed schedules. Whether you are geographically close to your grandchildren or long-distant, you can adjust your participation as needed. If not retired, your availability is still an asset as you can provide backup evening or weekend assistance when your adult children need a break.

Patience: grandparents tend to have more patience with grandchildren. We’ve already raised children and have learned that the world will not end if things don’t go exactly as planned.

Experience: 1) Our previous parenting experience has us trained in handling homework, schedules, and procrastination. 2) We’ve developed a thick skin over the years, and are immune to delay tactics from our grandchildren. 3) Our grandchildren aren’t as tuned in to our weaknesses as they are with their parents. The evil eye from a grandparent is far more effective. 4) We’ve learned how to effectively practice tough love.

Safety and love: the uncertainty of school leaves parents and educators concerned about the security of our children. Grandparents are a top choice for providing a safe and stable learning environment.

With these strengths as your foundation, talk to your adult children about what help they need and how you can contribute. If you are raising your grandchildren, these same principles will get you well-established.

Get ready for remote learning

• Create a learning space for you and your grandchild.
• Create a learning schedule and stick with it.
• Vary the education format, lessons, and experiences.
• Provide ample reading time and self-guided learning.
• Balance online learning with offline learning.
• Allow the children to visit other approved sites, including games.
• Set time limits on e-learning and extended screen time.
• Provide frequent breaks and play time.
• Include meals and snacks throughout the day.

Additional methods to help with remote learning

• Get to know your grandchild’s learning style. Modify learning based on how your student learns best.
• Provide socialization as able under the current social distancing guidelines.
• Utilize video conferencing to maintain connection to students, teachers, friends, and other family members.
• Avoid caving in to whining, procrastination. This includes adult children and grandparents.
• Create a reward chart! One for your student, one for yourself, and a group reward chart. Celebrate each accomplishment. (More powerful and positive than a consequence chart!)
• Be available to your adult child as emotional and mental support.
• Be prepared to provide backup opportunities as work and school schedules change.
• Don’t let deadlines and due dates stress you out. Most important in learning.

Working with teachers during remote learning

As the school year begins, ensure that you are listed as an emergency contact for your grandchild. Your adult child will have to initiate this action. Also sign up to receive remote learning updates, assignments, and communications from the teachers and school district. My local school system uses Class Dojo, a downloadable app, for communication and assignments. The teacher(s) will also share other resources to assist with the learning process. The following list and this article lists free resources to support families with remote learning:

• Kahn Academy
• Epic reading sites
• Storytime Online
• Starfall
• Prodigy
• Zearn
• Engage New York
• BrainPop
• National Geographic Kids

For resources specific to your school district and state, contact your local school district or visit:

[Your State] Department of Health and Senior Services

[Your State] Department of Education

Also search “Best websites for [your student’s] grade”, for additional information on your grandchild’s learning needs.

The CDC website is the best resource for the latest information on Covid and this article shows the latest update on preparing for a safe return to school.

How to support teachers with remote learning

Your student’s teachers have concerns of their own. I spoke with Michelle Rennie, a 30-year elementary educator and member of the Remote Learning Committee in my local school district. The concerns for teachers and school districts include:

• What will the children at home be doing when the other students are at school?
• How will educators balance the imbalance.
• The need to build rapport with new schools, students, and teachers.
• Families “blowing off” academics.
• The retention lost over the summer break will be more drastic.

Michelle shares that remote training has been intense and grandparent involvement would be a welcome blessing!

Final thoughts

It’s been an unexpected year of events that is influencing every generation. As grandparents, we bring a lot of talent, strengths, and ability to the situation. I know I will be a welcome contribution (even with my hectic schedule!) to my daughter and granddaughter’s learning experience. How will you contribute?

Kristen

photo credit: Pexels from Pixabay