Four Ways to Help Your Child Beat the COVID Slide

Though teachers across the country are doing their best with distance learning, it’s a program that wasn’t tested before launch, and it’s one that just can’t reach every kid where they’re at. Our children aren’t where they would have been academically if they would’ve been in the classroom all of this time. Students are struggling, teachers are concerned, and parents are worried about their children’s academic progress. If you’re looking for a few ways to help your student overcome this COVID slide, you’ve come to the right place. Follow the tips below to give your child the skills they need to step back up to the learning we all know they’re capable of: Read, Read, Read One of the best ways to get kids learning from home is to catch their interest with a good book. If your child is struggling in history, find a story that takes place in the past and ties in some of their interests, too. If your child needs a little extra help in English class, any book will suffice as they’ll be taking in tons of grammar knowledge as they flip through each page. If your child isn’t interested in reading for fun, there are a few things you can try. Consider reading during your own free-time — our kids learn by seeing, not by being told. You could even try sitting next to your child and reading a book aloud. It’ll be hard to ignore while the storyline unfolds in front of their eyes. Talk and Listen The biggest concern our kids have today is likely related to their emotions. They’ve lost their scheduled social time, they’re missing their friends, and they’ve been pushed into a routine that takes self-discipline and intrinsic motivation at a level they may have never had to reach before. If your child tells you how they’re feeling, take it all in. Address their concerns and do what you can to help. If they feel emotionally supported throughout this challenging time, they’re going to have more mental energy left to focus on the online classes they’re enrolled in. Schedule In Study Buddies Speaking of losing important social time, our kids miss their friends. One of the reasons why the school atmosphere is so successful in teaching kids is because their friends are beside them learning too. Consider carving out time once a week for your child to meet with a friend over Zoom to go over homework. Maybe they’ll just chat about life at first, but that’s okay. Once the subject of a certain class comes up, there’s a good chance they’ll dive right back into the studying style that used to fill their days at school. Give Tutoring a Try Possibly the most efficient way to help your student catch up academically is finding an excellent tutor for them to work with. Be sure to choose a tutor that your child will get along with, as it’ll boost their motivation in the long run. Flex Academies offers an excellent online tutoring program that prioritizes the perfect tutor match if you’re looking for a place to start. No matter where your student is currently falling in regards to their academics, they can absolutely reach their potential with a bit of extra help. Try out the tips listed above to help your learner beat the COVID slide.