Tip of the Week

April 13, 2020

Motivation and Distance Learning

Many students are having a hard time keeping motivated with their distance learning. Though it may appear otherwise, please know that your child is NOT lazy. It’s far more likely that your child is having a hard time connecting to, or engaging with, this new model. Some students crave this kind of independence and are thriving; others need far more structure and accountability. Meet your child where they are. Here are a few suggestions: 

  1. Be your child’s partner. Very few people respond well to criticism, arguments, or lectures. Acknowledge the new, unfamiliar school environment and let your child know you’re there to help however they need it. Be their partner, not their adversary. 
  2. Set short, attainable goals. Rather than trying to accomplish all of assignments A, B and C, set a goal to accomplish only assignment A today. Achieving a more specific goal will help keep your child focused and result in a feeling of accomplishment. 
  3. Create a sensible schedule. To achieve those goals, your child needs a realistic schedule they can commit to following. Resist being too zealous and certainly don’t make the schedule for them. If your child makes their own schedule, they’ll be far more likely to follow it. 
  4. Be flexible. What works for you may or may not work for your child. Maintain your expectations but allow some freedom as to how your child goes about meeting them.