Family Engagement

Helping Your Child Learn at Home

What to Do When You Don’t Have Access to the Internet

Preparing for Distance Learning Without the Internet

pMy child’s teachers and related service providers (speech-language pathologist, occupational therapist, behavior specialist, etc.) are aware that I do not have access to the Internet.

pMy child has a place to work that is quiet and comfortable.

pIf I have multiple children, I have thought about how to organize and share resources (workspace, family support, etc.) among them.

pMy child has access to basic materials (pencil, paper, etc.) to support academics.

pI know where and when to pick up materials that the school provides for my child.

pI have devices that are necessary for learning (laptops, tablets, etc.), if required.

pI know if and when my school provides Internet access, perhaps through mobile hotspots or by accessing the school’s wi-fi outside the building.

pI know how to download materials on to my device to access them later and how to use jump-drives.

pI have asked the school whether they can provide additional materials to support my child’s learning (calculators, graph paper, laptops, etc.), if necessary.

Participating in Distance Learning Without the Internet

pI have a schedule set up for my child that identifies time for completing schoolwork.

pMy child has a schedule that includes recess and breaks. This schedule works for our family.

pI feel comfortable helping my child with schoolwork or I know who to call for help.

pI know when and how to return completed assignments.

pMy child’s teachers have provided me with appropriate activities that we can complete at home without the Internet.

pI can use available resources such as PBS television and library reading programs to supplement my child’s learning.

pBased on an IEP/504 Plan, my child has access to identified tools to help with learning (reading guides, graphic organizers, assistive technology, etc.).

pMy child is able to communicate with other family members, classmates, and friends for social experiences (phone calls, writing letters, etc.).

Additional Considerations for Learning at Home

pI understand that learning at home will look different from a traditional school day.

pI know that juggling home, school, and work is tricky, and I need to give myself a break sometimes.

pI make sure to leave time for family fun!

pI know how to use accessibility features that may help my child learn in the home (closed captioning, speech-to-text, text-to-speech, etc.).

Collaborating and Problem Solving

pI know how to reach my child’s teachers and related service providers.

pI celebrate the successes of learning at home and share them with my child’s teachers.

pMy child’s teachers and I have discussed how to support behavior and participation in learning.

pI have access to materials that will help me support my child’s behavior (timers, visual schedules, etc.).

pI am in contact with other parents and friends who I can talk to about schoolwork.

Ways to Access the Internet, if Needed

pContact local service providers to ask for lower-cost Internet plans and indicate that your children need access for school.

pContact your wireless provider about the possibility of using your phone as a hotspot to access the Internet.

pConsider purchasing a hotspot – this might be less expensive than regular wifi and may be useable in areas without good Internet options.

pVisit your local library – computers are typically available for public use.

pGo to a public place (fast-food restaurant, coffee shop, local recreation center, etc.) that offers free wi-fi.

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Tom Wolf, Governor

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