What can Hamilton parents do to help online learning go smoother? These educators have some tips

Kitchen tables and living rooms across Hamilton have once again transformed into classrooms as students learn remotely amid the latest surge in COVID-19 cases.

The Ontario government announced the shift to online schooling on Jan. 3, just days before students were set to step back into the classroom.

As an Omicron-driven wave of infections threatens the health system, the province said virtual learning will take place until at least Jan. 17.

But just because we've been here before, the transition back to remote learning is still an adjustment - one filled with growing pains, bumpy routines and familiar challenges.

The Spectator spoke to two educators - Bill Torrens, superintendent of programs at Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board, and Lucio Iassogna, principal at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Elementary School - to create a list of tips and strategies for parents during this time.

Here's some of that advice in hopes of making learning at home a little easier. Their responses have been edited for length and clarity.

What can parents do to help with engagement?

Torrens: We know that our teachers really work hard to engage our kids. Where parents and caregivers can really be helpful is going back and checking in throughout the day to make sure things are going well.

That may be hard if you're working your own job, and we appreciate that. But asking questions about what's being learned ... is really helpful. That kind of connection and interest really helps.

If parents have concerns about engagement, please reach out to the teacher. There are added supports that we can provide specific to the student.

Iassogna: Don't have them just sitting in a chair. If you can somehow get them in an upright position for some of the work - raise the table or desk - it lends them to be more active and engaged.

What can parents do to help minimize distractions?

Torrens: Find them somewhere quiet to work, if possible. And just have that conversation, Here are the rules and this is how we're going to do this together,' so it's really clear. Kids really thrive on structure and knowing the expectations and routines. That gives them a sense of certainty.

Iassogna: Parents want to make sure that the only page that is on their screen is the page that the child should be working on. The only thing they should be focused on is the work at hand.

Classical music - if that's something the child enjoys - could be on in the background. And maybe turning down the lights.

When should parents get their kids to take a break?

Torrens: I think watching your child and knowing the signs of whether they are connected or not. If your child is getting tired - looking at screens all day is tiring - inform the teacher that they'll be taking a break for a period and then reconnect.

Iassogna: Sometimes kids go on their wayward way. We weren't made to sit in front of the screen all day, our bodies are made to move. When our bodies get moving, things get better.

If a student misses something, they can get caught up. The educators will always find a way.

What should kids do if they need a break?

Torrens: If you're able to get out, if the weather lets you or you have access to some green space, get out and do some activity to feel a little bit better. Knowing your child and knowing what could pep them up and get them restarted is also important.

Iassogna: The breaks have to involve movement, even if it's a quick walk outside or a jog, it all depends on what their situation dictates. And, of course, healthy eating throughout the day.

What can parents do in terms of mental wellness?

Torrens: It's really about validation and how their feelings are really normal. We've been in the pandemic for quite a long time. We don't want to dismiss that they might be feeling down or want to be with their friends.

So, acknowledging and validating those completely legitimate feelings and then working with the child to put together a plan in terms of how they can take some steps that would make them feel better. That could mean reaching out to a friend, or doing something within the house or an activity later in the day can really make a difference.

Get outside and be as active as you possibly can. If you can find a way to get them connected to activities they like to do in a safe way, I think that's important to do. Hamilton has an abundance of parks, so hopefully there is green space fairly close by that you can visit if need be.

Fallon Hewitt is a reporter at The Spectator. fhewitt@thespec.com