First and foremost, we hope you and your family are staying safe and well.
As schools across the country have closed, families and students are faced with tough and unprecedented circumstances. We recognize every school and community will be impacted differently by this situation.
At Summit Learning, our teachers and partners work hard every day to equip students with lifelong learning skills, such as engagement and self-direction in their own learning, strong relationships with their teachers, and the ability to master and apply their knowledge. These skills have prepared students to continue learning beyond school walls, setting them up for success during school closures. In addition, our technology tool gives students and families full access to learning material at home.
Attending school outside of the classroom may take some adjustment. The Summit Learning team has compiled suggestions and tips as a resource for families and parents to consider as they navigate school closures. While we are not a source of information regarding local laws or regulations, we are here to support you in an effort to find what fits the needs of families and students.
- Minimize change. To reduce stress and disconnection, maintain a normal schedule and familiar experiences as much as possible.
- Help students set daily and weekly goals. By reaching goals, students will be motivated and can see their progress throughout the week.
- Hold daily check-ins with your child. Through the lens of a check-in protocol, focus on school work progress and understanding your student’s overall improvement — all of which can be accomplished on the platform. For more information on how to access the platform, click here. If you have questions about the Summit Learning platform, visit our Parents Center here.
- Directly support student learning. Help students study from notes, study for assessments, and work through projects. Families and parents can also proctor or monitor student tests.
- Reflect on the learning process with your student. Guide them by talking through and answering questions such as, “Why am I learning this?” and “How might this help me in the future?”
- If your child’s teachers and/or mentors have made themselves available during the closure, connect with them. Work to understand what learning should take priority while your child engages.
- Build-in opportunities for your child to take ownership over their learning during this time. Self-direction builds confidence, skills, and a sense of accomplishment. Check-in with their teacher, if possible, to discuss how assignments are going. The teacher is still a valuable resource.
Here are some additional tips on talking to children about COVID-19 and tools and resources to help maintain the important human connections of teaching and learning during this period of social distancing.
We are confident in the power of families and communities to rally together to support students, even under the most challenging circumstances. During this time of uncertainty, we are here for all of our partners as they look for ways to support student learning beyond the walls of a classroom. Adjusting takes time, but we believe these tips can be helpful in adapting to the current situation. Have additional tips or wish to discuss? Reach out to us on Facebook or Twitter!