As I look outside and see rain coming down I think that we have a long road of distance learning ahead. But then I remember, we have less than a month! As we glide, float or bump into our last few weeks of balancing distance learning and the rest of your life I just want to say, HANG IN THERE, YOU'RE ALMOST DONE!
I've noticed my kids steam has dissipated in the last few days and they are ready for things to be done. It's been harder to motivate them to get out of bed and do work. They are ready for SUMMER! I know this week's weather has sent a reminder that it isn't summer yet and it has caused a roadblock in thoughts that the break is near. And I know for some of you, distance learning may not be over when summer starts because ESY (extended school year) begins on June 10th. Click here for more information on ESY and to register for ESY Distance Learning.
Understood.org has an article on When Kids Won't Do Schoolwork. Whether your child is COMPLAINING, AVOIDING, or REFUSING tell you different things. Some examples shared:
COMPLAINING
When your child sits down to do math work they whine and say they don't want to do it because it's boring.
Tip: Make sure to stick to the requirement that it needs to be done and they can't do something else until it is done. They are not getting out of it just because it is not preferred.
AVOIDING
When they sit down to do their math they say they don't want to do it, it's too hard and runs out of the room and cries.
Tip: Some kids try to avoid the work because it may be too hard. Negotiate with them to accomplish the work and provide some additional support. Perhaps set a timer for work and then breaks, sit with them and help them through the first problem, have them do what they can and then come to you when they have all the places they need help.
REFUSING
Your child has a meltdown when it's time to sit down to do math, they hide, then even when you finally calm them down they are not going to do any schoolwork. They may say they are sick, can't sit up and do the work that day, or continue to tantrum when you continue to make demands of doing schoolwork.
Remember: Lots of children are feeling stressed, worried, lonely, confused, and perhaps anxious. They may not like their new way of learning, or miss the school environment. Also, remember that you are a parent first and they are not used to having you in their 'business' like you are today, every day the same thing... Mom telling me to clean my room, Mom making me do my schoolwork, Mom playing games with me. (I say Mom but I mean Mom, Dad, Grandma, etc.) Your children are not used to this, to you not being the way you used to be and they may not like things the way they are now or miss the way things were. They miss Mom just being MOM.
Tip: Make sure you always take on your role of Parent first. Feel your child out and talk to them about what they are feeling. Acknowledge that this is "not normal" and that this may be hard and they may be feeling "BIG" feelings. Build in work when you know your child is ready and make sure to have consistent routines that help with daily expectations. Build in lots of praise and rewards! Perhaps even use a rewards chart for the work they do, start small with expectations and continue to build on it. Make sure to understand that it is ok if you child doesn't do all of the work one day, they can make it up later when they are feeling better.
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