Family Engagement
	
Lessons Learned From Virtual Learning During COVID-19

	

Tips for Families From Families and Educators

Establish Routines and Schedules

• Set loose schedules to provide predictability, prioritization of tasks, division of time/balance

• Write down schedules and share them with stakeholders (e.g., children, educators, therapists)

• Include wake/bedtime, exercise, school, chores, and free time

Collect Data

• Collect data on behavior and individualized education program (IEP) goals

• Document successes and challenges

• Provide information on “out-of-the-box” teaching successes (e.g., science through cooking, math through laundry)

• Collect data in different ways, such as taking videos

Communicate and Collaborate With Teachers

• Tell teachers what works and what doesn’t work

• Talk about successes and challenges and adjust accordingly

• Engage in collaborative problem solving

• Don’t be afraid to ask for help!

Be Understanding and Forgiving Toward… • Your children
• Yourself

• Professionals (especially those supporting their own children’s schooling)

Enlist Help and Resources from…

• Family members (e.g., spouse, siblings, grandparents)

• Teachers, paraprofessionals, therapists/ counselors, administrators

• Other families and students

• Online resources, such as Khan Academy, PaTTAN, Scholastic…but don’t get overwhelmed

Continue High Expectations and Normalcy

• Advocate for best teaching practices (e.g., UDL, inclusive practices)

• Talk to your children’s teachers about how to support learning of new content

• Presume competence in your child’s ability to adapt and possibly thrive in a virtual environment

• Utilize supplemental online learning Establish a Workspace
• Select a student workspace that meets your child’s needs (consider privacy, support, flexibility, seating, etc.)

• Sit with your back to a wall to prevent uninvited visitors while livestreaming

• Keep your microphone on mute unless you are speaking

• Communicate with your family if quiet is needed for a particular learning session

Know Assignments and How to Submit Them

• Create calendars and to-do lists with assignments and due dates

• Use technology (e.g., guided access on iPad, videos, screenshots)

• Watch tutorials

• Find out early how each teacher prefers submission (e.g., through app, email, Google, Teams)

• Submit a “practice” assignment and contact the teacher to make sure it was received

Support Your Children By…

• Giving them access to nondigital learning materials (e.g., paper, pencils, dry erase boards, art supplies)

• Providing lots of hugs and kisses

• Listening to their worries and frustrations

• Remembering that you are a parent first

• Asking for help when you need it

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Tom Wolf, Governor

7/2
7/200