2020 Washington State Teacher of the Year shares strategies for remote learning

While we continue to practice social distancing to fight the spread of COVID-19, many of us are also now having to navigate working, parenting and teaching from home. 

As official sponsor of the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) Washington State Teacher of the Year program, PEMCO wanted to share some takeaways for at-home learning from 2020 Washington State Teacher of the Year, Amy Campbell.

Here are her top strategies to help parents keep kids engaged and learning outside of the classroom:

1. More isn’t always more

There are many online resources for children to use, and for those of us who are fortunate enough to have access to these online resources, it may be overwhelming to know how to best support your children. Remember that keeping your kids engaged and participating is a great way to ensure they’re learning, and this can still be done without using technology. Just being there goes a long way! 

Amy also shared an important reminder to take breaks throughout the day. Parents, it’s OK to pause and play a quick game of catch, have a spontaneous dance session or anything to get that extra energy out. This gives kids' brains a break and they’ll return to learning with a renewed focus that will get everyone refreshed and back on track.

2. Bad behavior is not a sign of bad parenting 

If your children are acting out or misbehaving, remember that this is also an uncertain time for them and they've experienced many changes over the last few weeks. Understand that misbehaving may be their way of responding to these unprecedented times.

3. Collective efficacy

Amy shared how Albert Bandura’s theory of collective efficacy states that when a team of individuals share the belief that through their unified efforts they can overcome challenges and produce intended results, groups are more effective. 

Amy encourages parents, teachers and children to apply this theory for student learning. It’s important to recognize that parents and teachers all have a hand in moving each student forward, and by working together our children can succeed. It’s not all on you! 

4. Students spent 70% of the school year in a traditional classroom setting

Recognize that children have spent a majority of their school year in a traditional classroom setting learning.

Don’t be afraid to reach out to your children’s teachers for tools on how to support them learning from home. Teachers have spent a lot of time with your kids this school year and may know specific tools to help them stay focused and continue to learn that are specific to your student.

5. This is a movement not a moment

As COVID-19 continues, it sheds a light on how many students rely on school for more than an education and how online learning isn’t accessible for everyone. It’s important to recognize that students have faced these issues before COVID-19 and will continue to after. 

As many of us continue to work, parent and teach from home, remember that we are all learning and growing from this experience -- we’re in this together!