This is How Parents Can Help Their Child from Falling Behind at School

Right now, getting through each school day still feels exhausting for many parents and students in New York City and across the country who are decidedly “over” the continued uncertainty surrounding their children’s education. Switching between emergency remote learning, to in-person instruction, to hybrid learning models is chaotic. Not surprisingly, NYC homeschooling enrollment numbers have seen a 31-percent increase this school year.

The toll of learning disruption is not only emotional; it is financial. Mothers are leaving the workforce in record numbers to help their children navigate their schooling.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended that K-12 schools work quickly to safely reopen, and New York City’s Department of Education is making steps in that direction. But the timeline remains unclear. With some U.S. school districts already committed to remote learning for the remainder of the school year, and with rumors flying about even more worrisome strains of the coronavirus, parents are wondering whether schools will even reopen for the start of the 2021-2022 school year.

How to Ensure Your Child Isn't Falling Behind at School This Year

Looming large over these worries is a big question: Exactly how much learning did students miss out on this year? If New York suspends state standardized testing for another year in a row—as state education officials recently proposed—many families might never know the answer to this question.

Instead of just worrying about how far behind students may be after an unusual year of school, there are practical things parents can do to regain control over their children’s education this year and ensure they stay on track. Creating a “learning backup plan” is not expensive, and it can save your child the frustration of starting the 2021-2022 school year behind on his or her learning.

What is a “learning backup plan”? It’s four steps parents can take over the next 6 months to eliminate some of the uncertainty surrounding their children’s education and arm themselves with as much information as possible.

Evaluate How Your Child Is Doing This Year in School

Parents should continue to closely monitor whether their children are truly engaging in remote learning. Touching base with teachers and having frank discussions about your child’s progress is key. To start with, ask your child’s teacher the following questions:

• Have you noticed any changes in my child’s behavior since the start of the school year?

• What type of remote learning assignments does my child seem to enjoy the most or get the most excited about?

• Are there any topics or assignments my child seems frustrated by or struggles with?

Of course, don’t just focus on learning and achievement; think about your child’s happiness and well-being, too. If your child is struggling with remote learning, consider bringing other students together by creating a socially-distanced learning support pod. To augment your child’s in-school learning, tap into some fun online courses and educational games that are designed to help students acquire skills and knowledge.

Encourage Your Child to Pursue Hobbies

Parents can and should actively encourage their children to pursue healthy interests outside of school. Work with your children to explore things that spark their curiosity. Curiosity is recognized by psychologists as a key building block to lifelong learning. Besides helping your child develop new skills and a spirit of perpetual learning, tapping into hobbies can reduce the anxiety or stress your child may be experiencing due to school disruptions. So, whether your child is interested in collecting rocks and learning about geology, discovering the stars and learning about astronomy, learning how to build things or take them apart, or anything else, now is the time to encourage your child’s after-school hobbies.