The Cornerstone C’s to Survive Distance Learning

Children and youth are experiencing an unprecedented period of uncertainty and flux.  The physical distance from their peers, family, and friends has been emotionally and socially difficult.  As schools open, close, and reopen, the experience may be very different and at times overwhelming to both parents and students.  Students may need more support to navigate the challenges of remote learning, and social distancing. Adults and peers are a critical support network for students as they return to school, either remotely or on campuses.  

Caregivers are crucial in the emotional, and social health and development of our students. You are parents, guardians, teachers, faith leaders, grandparents, neighbors, babysitters, coaches, therapists, and more.  

Schools provide so much more beyond traditional education. In the school environment students’ experience continues and evolving interactions. These interactions are the bedrock of a social context, which promotes growth and change daily. Caregivers can help students connect, reunite, and bridge relationships with peers and other loved ones to ease the transition to the school year.  Use the Cornerstone C’s checklist for a reminder on what you can do as a caregiver.

•   Connect

  • Make socialization and connection a priority, rather than soley focusing on the books and academics.  

  • Encourage students to connect with peers and other trusted adults at school or online.   

  •  If the school is in a continued state of distance learning, plan and recommend group projects or play activities to have peers connect virtually.  Examples:

    • Have each child build the same lego set together over a virtual platform.

    • Play video games while talking online to friends

    • Create a virtual movie night among friends

    • If possible, encourage physically distanced meetups at parks or any wide-open space that is safe and can allow students to see each other in-person and share some conversation and laughs.

• Calm

  • Caregivers should make a self-care plan.  

  • Caregivers need to be emotionally regulated to be able to provide support for students in-need of emotional support.

    • We can not de-escalate a child if we are feeling escalated.

• Creative

  • Find ways to engage students in off-line creative outlets. Creative activities, such as art, music, cooking, and building can provide learning opportunities, while allowing for an outlet to decompress, and build additional skills.  

  • Get creative about new sports and hobbies. If team sports aren’t available, select something new to try that is physical.  

• Choices

  • Choices help children and adolescents feel empowered and provide a sense of control within a world that feels very much out of their control right now.

  • The simplest choices can make the greatest impact.  With remote learning  and social distancing it is crucial to ensure students have opportunities for choice:

    •  During a virtual class, educators can give many opportunities for choice: discussion topics, brain breaks, and teammates for group projects.  

    •  At home, parents can make it fun by giving children silly choices. When it’s time to go to bed, Do you want to walk like a bear? Or hop like a frog to the bed?

    •  Ask children, do you want to do your math or your writing first? Do you want to email the teacher the question or ask a friend? Which friend do you want to have virtual Lego build with?

•  Compassion

  • Model compassionate, empathetic, and pro-social behaviors.

  • This experience is unprecedented and unchartered.  Teachers and parents may not be able to help their children or students with everything, but they can listen and show compassion, and validation. 

  • Have self-compassion.  

    • This is hard, and you can’t do it all.

    • Prioritize your own work and obligations, and self care as a trusted adult

  •  Their and your emotional well-being is just as important as any academic success.