Create a distance learning schedule that works for your family so you can head back to school virtually. Learn how to plan a weekly routine.
Disclosure: This blog contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, Keri Houchin earns a commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
It’s back to school time and like most families, we’re trying to adapt to all the changes this year. There’s a lot of uncertainty.
As a Type A mom and planner nerd, I hate not only feeling like I don’t have control but also like I can’t even plan for whatever lies ahead – because I don’t know what that is.
I love routines, but I’m pretty flexible when it comes to adapting to changes. Boy, have there been a lot of changes lately.
My kids are both in high school and, as of this blog post, our school’s plan is to have the first 6 weeks of school as online-only learning. We did distance learning for the last 6 weeks of school in the spring. Since it was all thrown together without much time, the district assures us that this fall will be more organized.
I’ve been digging into advice from parenting experts, homeschool parents, teachers, and anyone who has ideas on the best way to create a distance learning schedule.
Here’s my plan for the fall.
How to plan for distance learning
It’s hard to plan for something unfamiliar, especially when we don’t have all the details. I wanted to at least kind of follow our regular back to school routine though, which includes making sure my kids have everything they need.
1. Evaluate your resources.
Do a quick inventory of what you have and what you need. That includes school supplies and clothes. You also want to make sure you have all the technology equipment that will be needed for distance learning. Think about what will make this school year as stress-free as possible.
2. Create an appropriate workspace.
While you likely don’t have the time and budget to remodel, there should be a designated place to do distance learning. This will make it easier to avoid your kids feeling like they live at school. (This is true for adults working from home too. You want to be able to mentally “leave work” at the end of the day.)
Whether it’s the dining room table or a desk in their bedroom, find a place that has few distractions. Bonus points if you can store all the school supplies there too.
3. Gather school supplies.
Just like for in-person school, plan ahead and shop for school supplies. Think about things that will be convenient, even if they aren’t on an official list. If your child is using a laptop, a wireless mouse might be better than the touchpad. If you have several kids (or just one, but you’d like some quiet time), get a couple of sets of earbuds or headphones.
My district is tentatively planning for kids to go back in person after a few weeks. Having all the supplies will make it easier to transition, even if you aren’t using all of them in virtual school. Check with your child’s teacher to find out what the expectation is at your school.
4. Make a habit of checking teacher and school contacts.
I expect our routine to change quite a lot this year, so I have all the school contacts programmed into my phone and email contacts. I check the school Facebook page often for updates too.
Usually on meet the teacher night, all the teachers hand out a syllabus that includes their contact info. I keep all those papers in a folder, so the only difference this year is that I need to sort through emails and save all the information.
How to create a distance learning schedule
Your school may have a fixed schedule that your children will follow, but if you have some flexibility, here’s what helped me create our schedule.
1. Start with things that are fixed times.
Grab a calendar and write out the things on your schedule that can’t move. That might be Google Classroom video time or it might be your work schedule.
While you probably don’t want your child effectively going to night school, if you work a first shift job from 6 a.m to 2 p.m., you could plan distance learning in the afternoons.
2. Include minimum class requirements.
As a mom of two overachievers, I’m going to make a suggestion that might not be popular. Lower your standards for this school year. I’m not saying let the kids slack off – but focus more on the minimum requirements for each class, not a perfect 4.0 (or 5.0 if your child is in AP classes).
3. Have a weekly check in.
On Fridays, plan to evaluate how things are going and make changes as needed. This school year will be stressful in different ways, so it’s important to know when to take a mental health day or change up your routine.
4. Plan plenty of downtime.
Schedule time every day to do nothing. Let your kids zone out and play video games. Give them time for online socialization with their friends. Leave the weekends empty.
Oh and do this for yourself too. After being home for months (6 months in our case), going back to school is going to be weird. We all need to take it in baby steps.
5. Write it all down.
You guys know I’m an organizing nut. But writing out your schedule and making to-do lists will save you from having to keep it all in your brain.
Some options:
- Printable School Planner
- Printable Academic Calendar
- Washi Tape and Sticky Note DIY Calendar
- Family Command Center
Distance learning schedule for high school
Your own distance learning schedule will probably look different, depending on what’s going on at your kids’ school. Here is our tentative plan:
- 7 – 8 a.m.
Morning routine - 8 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Live video classes in Google Classroom - 11:30 – 12 p.m.
Lunch and break time - 12 – 12:30 p.m.
Zoom assembly/meetings/etc. - 1 – 3:30 p.m.
Homework, projects, reading, teacher office hours (if help is needed)
Friday, more live classes. - 3:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Free time - 6:30 p.m.
Supper and evening routine
What I’m putting on our daily study schedule
- Morning and evening routines to mimic the structure of the regular school year
- A morning check-in at breakfast to make sure we know the plan for the day
- Brain breaks to eat lunch, play outside, and get in a little physical activity
- Regular school hours and after school hours
The best part of distance learning
We had a choice at registration, but then the district decided everyone would do distance learning for the first 6 weeks. If we are given a choice after that, I’ll probably keep doing distance learning (because I know we can do it and staying home means there is more space for kids who won’t be fine staying home). After 6 weeks of virtual-only, we were given the option to go back in person or continue virtually. We’re staying with virtual but have the option to switch every 6 weeks.
If you have a choice, there are pros and cons for distance learning.
On the one hand, distance learning can be flexible. It’s practical if one or both parents work from home. There are fewer distractions, no commute, no bells, and less social awkwardness.
On the other hand, our kids are sure to be missing friends. Some kids simply learn better with hands-on engagement rather than visual and auditory. Some families don’t have the resources for distance learning.
No matter what your family’s school year looks like right now, remember this is temporary.
What’s next? Try these other fun and creative ideas on One Mama’s Daily Drama:
Leave a Reply