How to Help Your High Schooler's Education During COVID

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COVID has thrown the entire country for a loop. It continues to make life challenging for high school students across the nation. Many continue to be taught through online instruction that is remote. Others must attend through a hybrid model that combines several days at home followed by several days in the classroom. Sports have been cancelled or delayed in the majority of schools. Students are no longer able to enjoy social activities with their classmates, such as club meetings and dances. The loss of human contact in person continues to be a struggle. As a parent, there are tips you can take to help your high schooler to get the most out of an education at this difficult time.

Establish an Environment that Promotes Learning

Your teen needs more than the kitchen table while involved in remote learning. Set up a space in your home that is dedicated to schoolwork. It could be a corner of your son or daughter's bedroom, an area in the spare room, your home office, or another room that will not have any distractions. Make sure school supplies are on hand to keep your teenager on track. Make sure other members of your family know that this space is not meant to be disturbed. When your high schooler is doing schoolwork, that room or any interruptions are off limits.

Consider Hiring a Tutor

Giving your teen space to work and a schedule are a step in the right direction. However, your son or daughter may need extra help in order to be successful while completing schoolwork at home. While some students thrive with online assignments and independent learning, others need to work under the guidance of a knowledgeable instructor. You may feel out of your depth when working with your teen. The best way to help is to provide additional support from a source you can trust, such as the best ACT tutoring online. Tutorial sessions will target the areas where your son or daughter needs help. It's also a great way to provide one-on-one instruction that allows students the opportunity to ask questions or have a deeper understanding of subject matter. You can also consider hiring a qualified tutor to work with your high schooler at your home.

Give Your Teen the Opportunity to Socialize

Being cut off from classmates and the social life at school has been one of the greatest challenges for students during the pandemic. Make sure your teen is able to connect with close friends. Online gaming and video chats are one way of keeping the lines of communication open. You can also encourage your son or daughter to have a small number of friends at the house. While they can have study groups to be more successful on schoolwork, be sure to give your teenager a break. Everyone needs some free time to relax and do something they really enjoy. Make the most of weekends and evenings. Make sure your son or daughter gets out of the house to avoid feeling cooped up.

Create a Schedule and Stick to It

There is a set schedule when school is in session in the traditional setting. Students quickly become accustomed to their routine on a daily basis. It gives them a rhythm to their days. They know what to expect. A daily schedule should be followed during remote instruction at home as well. In many cases, teachers may have online meeting times set each day. Make sure your teen attends all required meetings. If your son or daughter does not have times set by the school, establish a schedule at home that will ensure your teen completes assignments for the day. Build in breaks for lunch and time away from the computer. The main goal should be to avoid procrastinating. If your high schooler gets down to business every day, there will be more free time.

Conclusion

Many adults make the mistake of believing high schools students should be completely independent in their teen years. You need to continue to be involved in your son or daughter's education, especially now that the pandemic has forced everyone to expect the unexpected. Check in with your teen about assignments. If your high schooler is experiencing difficulties, get in touch with teachers and tutors. Let your teen know you are there to help in any way you can.