Virtual Classroom Etiquette for Kids | 12 Tips for Success
Virtual Classroom Etiquette for Kids | 12 Tips for Success
Our young students have been challenged to the extreme this spring. And they're not the only ones. Teachers and parents are navigating this new normal too.
My virtual classroom etiquette for kids aims to share a few tips to make the online learning environment as streamlined and enriching as possible.
When we operate with the same courtesies and norms we'd use in person, we can elevate the entire classroom experience.
New Normals
I just a short time, our young students have been asked to completely change their methods of interacting with their teachers and classmates.
This transition can be difficult to understand and process.
For this reason, I recommend creating structure to our student's day that might look like any other school day.
While it's not critical to completely mirror a school day schedule, some well-timed periods can help both students and families.
Sample At-Home School Day
Rise and shine - Depending upon whether you live with young students or adolescents, you can adjust reveilee. Play this tune to get your youngsters out of bed quickly!
As young adults develop, their bodies' circadian rhythms shift requiring more sleep for a new growth period. Here's the science behind why teenagers need more sleep.
Healthy Breakfast - Like any other school day, it's important to start with some healthy food to nourish young bodies for optimal learning.
Try these quick and healthy breakfast options:
- Overnight oats
- Toaster waffle with nut butter and banana
- Yogurt parfait with fruit (fresh or frozen) and crunch granola
Skip the sugary cereal, which can cause kids to have a sugar slump early in their school day.
School Day Begins - After breakfast the first period of work begins for students.
Set a 25 minute Pomodoro timer for the first phase of school work. The Pomodoro method optimizes work session in smaller, manageable chunks for kids and adults.
Be sure to get up, stretch and get a little blood flowing after every school work session.
Online Learning - Prepare for online learning with my virtual classroom etiquette for kids you'll find below.
Lunchtime + Recess! - Serve students another healthy meal and encourage them to be active. Carve out at least one hour to eat and play before returning to seated schoolwork.
Afternoon Classes Resume - When bellies are full and the wiggles are gone, it's time to dive back into focussed learning.
Work to accomplish assigned tasks or create your own curriculum with any number of worksheets and activity plans.
More Virtual Classroom Work - Prep for successful online learning with my tips below.
Wrap Up and Plan for Tomorrow - Like any well-run organization, it's important to highlight wins and prepare for coming challenges.
Take 10-15 minutes at the end of each school day to praise effort and look ahead to the next day.
I encourage my students to make a few notes in their planner about what they'd like to work on the next day.
My students are working on projects that take multiple days of work and even more planning. I love the way these long-term activities have them planning and dreaming of what's to come!
Virtual Classroom Etiquette for Kids
Encourage students to begin each online school session with a mind for those in the 'room' with them.
When I teach manners and etiquette to my students IRL and online, I talk about the fact that manners aren't just a list of do this and don't do that.
Instead, I share that manners are about learning and exhibiting behavior that respects everyone.
This is the foundation for my virtual classroom etiquette for kids.
- Use a table and chair or desk for all classroom work, virtual or otherwise. Do not participate in virtual classes from bed, recliner or sofa.
- Encourage appropriate posture to show respect to your student's teacher and the importance of the classroom time.
- Dress for the school day - no PJs, brush hair and teeth, start they day with a smile!
- Limit external distractions by removing any toys, games and activities from the school workspace.
- Set up your student's virtual classroom backdrop in the same place each day. This built in consistency will help your student with expectations and make logging on to the virtual classroom a breeze.
- Use a virtual classroom backdrop when appropriate. If not an option, ensure that there are limited distractions in your student's physical backdrop.
- Ensure your student's privacy by removing any personally identifiable information including family photos and other from the background.
- Limit sound distractions by encouraging your student to use headphones.
- Use the Mute function when not answer questions or participating in discussions.
- Use chat function for work only, not social time.
- As in the physical classroom, students should avoid shouting out answers and should raise a hand to be called upon or use the 'raise hand' function of the virtual classroom.
- Respect everyone's opinion and be encouraging. Use emojis sparingly and appropriately.
What are your rules of engagement for virtual classroom learning? I'd love to hear how you're navigating this new time.
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