What’s really the best hashtag for the massive swing education has made in 2020?
Speaking of swings, my plan was to use this post to talk about The Behavior Hub’s emotional literacy framework and how to embed it into your lives in order to reduce challenging behaviors. That methodology is very much needed considering current circumstances, but I decided to push it back a week or two. What I am hearing is that learning how to teach online and how to help kids receive virtual education is more pressing.
So, today’s post is taking a swing from emotional literacy to virtual education, tele-teaching, online education, whatever you want to call it. We’re going to walk through the "how to" of running an online session and then how parents can help their kiddos learn at home.
How to run and receive an online teaching session
Get your mouse ready because there’s going to be a whole lot of clicking going on!
Let’s begin with what to do BEFORE the session starts…
1. Create an agenda.
It helps keep everyone organized, on track, and knowing what’s coming next.
2. Share handouts and links.
If you’re planning to use handouts or links, send them ahead of time. Why? Because it saves time during the session. Kids already have a short attention span, don’t lose them during the session by transferring resources that could have been shared beforehand.
BONUS:
Use Google Drive to store your handouts, links, and resources. Then, give parents access to the "Drive Folder.” Maybe make folders for each session. The beauty of this is that the link is live so as you upload documents, parents will be able to see the documents via their shared link. You won’t need to continue to resend the link, BUT make sure they save it.
If you’re unfamiliar with Google Drive, check out these links:
3. Rehearse and visualize.
As the old adage goes, “Practice makes perfect.” But seriously, if you rehearse the session ahead of time, I promise you it will go much more smoothly. Not only that, but take a moment to visualize what the session is going to look like. Visualize success (What does it look like, sound like, feel like?) and you’re far more likely to achieve it.
Before going live…
4. GET PUMPED UP!
I know this sounds odd, but bringing the energy to in-person lessons is easy. Doing it online, not easy at all - especially because some of us are hanging in our PJs under our “work” shirts. So, get your blood pumping before the session goes live.
I do this before I go on stage when speaking at conferences. I kid you not! I go into the bathroom or a quiet, hidden area, and I jump up and down and shake my hands and arms. I know I look like a crazy person, but I want to bring my best and most energized self to each session.
If you aren’t sure how to do this, think about what might get your blood coursing through your veins. Running a few laps around the house? Push-ups? Jumping jacks? A big, loud roar?
Depending on the age and energy of the students, maybe you consider doing this with them! Give it a chance and see what comes of it.
And finally...
5. Share!
Take time to share an update or photo. If you have a large group, consider Zoom breakout rooms (depending on the age) or choose a few this session and a few others next session.
BONUS: I learned a killer tip recently: when doing introductions, use a script so that everyone is only sharing one sentence instead of their last 24 hours. For example: “I’m Lauren. I love to hike. The best thing about my day/week has been working out outside.”
Questions for the script:
I love to…
The best thing about my day/week…
Tackled those prep tasks? Then you’re ready for the DURING.
1. Use the chat feature.
If the kiddos aren’t old enough, then have their parents or siblings type for them. Or, think about what other ways you could have them respond, answer, or stay engaged. Hand signals? Drawings?
2. Check your energy and theirs.
If it doesn’t look like they’re ready to learn, do something active to get them there.
3. Set behavior expectations
(and review AT EACH MEETING!). If they know what you expect of them, then they are FAR more likely to respond accordingly.
What are some examples, you ask…
We do our best.
We choose a quiet, distraction-free environment (if there is one).
We work together to limit background noise.
We raise our virtual hand to speak (Zoom feature). Young kids might actually LOVE this one!
The beauty of this is that if they aren’t meeting one of the expectations, we can check in with them…”Are we working together to be quiet right now?”
4. USE VISUALS!
Again, it’s going to be challenging to keep attention on you and energy-focused. One way to better your chances of this is to add visuals (especially moving ones) to your lessons.
Last, but not least…
5. Check for engagement.
The average attention span of a 3- to 5-year-old is about 5-7 minutes and that’s in-person. Shorter online. Set a time for every 5-10 minutes to take the temperature of your audience. If you’re losing them, then do something to regain their attention. Clapping patterns? Dance party? Exercise? Deep breathing?
BONUS! Be open, flexible, understanding, and validating. Everyone, almost everyone, is new to this. If you make mistakes, give yourself grace. Parents, if teachers mess up, give them grace. If students struggle to attend, meet them where they are and see them for the progress they are making, not the skills they don’t yet have. We are all a work in progress!
AFTER the session ends…
Reflect.
Think about/take notes on your lessons about the process and technology (maybe journal). Reference it before the next lesson. Improvement, not perfection!Stop/start/continue.
Think about what needs to stop (and how to fix it), what needs to start (and how to add it), and what needs to continue (give yourself some praise!).Assignments.
If you’re going to give homework, I challenge you to make this homework active, engaging, and involving of movement. Get creative and think outside the box!Give thanks and praise.
Thank your attendees for joining you and praise them for being open to this new type of learning. With change comes growth!
EXTRAS:
Routines are a must.
The brain is seeking pattern and control because stress causes us to feel a lack of control. Meet on the same days, at the same time, and start and end each session in the same way. #brainlovespatternApply the familiar.
If you did something routine-like in the classroom, can you carry that into these digital sessions? Again, our brains are looking for patterns.Build relationships.
Tell them how much you miss them. Ask about their lives.Offer fair and motivating choices as much as possible.
Choices give up control. Their brains are deeply seeking control, right now.
Tips for parents:
1. Be nearby
Watch from afar or maybe listen (age-dependent).
2. Put on your thinking cap.
How can you make virtual calls interactive? Dance parties? Puppet shows? Coloring the same pages?
3. For the love of...CHOICE.
With whom do they want to connect? When? Where?
4. Don’t feel obligated and maybe lower the expectation a teeny bit.
I’m EXHAUSTED from all of my video calls. Maybe they don’t want to be on the screen all day either. And. That’s. OKAY! Reach out to their teachers and explain what’s going on and accept the realization that they probably aren't going to learn as much as they would if they were in school, which is FINE! They get to be learners their entire lives, and this is a great time to ignite a fire for self-education and to build relationships. You’ll probably never have another chance like this to connect so deeply. Take advantage of it!
5. Pivot has become my favorite word.
I feel like I’m doing this in every moment. With business, with relationships, with meals, with exercise. My mantra has been, “You can do it (cue The WaterBoy)” and “I’m flexible (channeling my inner Mrs. Incredible/Elastigirl).” Breathe and think of a better solution.
6. Focus on your relationships if that wasn’t clear in #4.
Does it need to get done today? What happens if it doesn’t? Are you entering into a power struggle that REALLY matters? Grace, understanding, and a whole lot of unconditional love right now.
7. Heyo Trello!
Trello is an app/website I use for organizing my To-Do Lists, but this is a great tool for kids because you could create a “To do, Doing, and Done” board. You could even create a “Let it go (for now)” board. Too much tech? Draw one up somewhere in your home! #pivot
8. Find your inner child.
When power struggles arise, turn it into something fun.
Example: pretend to be the child’s teacher or pretend to be a character from a movie. Could they do their work with window markers, bath crayons, or maybe dry erase on appropriate alternative surfaces (fridge front, bathroom tiles, mirrors)?
9. Home isn’t school.
Please don’t feel like you need to make it so. They can still learn! A schedule is important because the brain is still looking for patterns and feels safe with certainty, but not every minute of the day needs to be planned, and the schedule can change if need be. #flexible I would recommend starting the learning session with some type of signal. I use a diffuser, music, or Tibetan singing bowls. But, be sure to use the same thing to signal learning as the brain is looking for patterns, remember?
10. KEEP CALM!
You’re like octa-parents...teaching, working, parenting, housing, all the ings. Give yourself grace - what you’re trying to accomplish is no small feat. In fact, I think you should celebrate all that you’re doing. Seriously, plan something right now to celebrate all the hard work you are doing. And then comment below to let me know how you chose to celebrate!
*Parents:
The next blog post goes into more detail in terms of home education and octa-parenting. “May the Force be with you.” Just trying to see how many movie references I can make! #starwars
And more pillow fights!
If there’s anything at all that you take away from this post, know that you’ve got this! It will be messy and challenging and even a train wreck on some days, but be kind to yourself.
We’re going to get caught up in the moment, and emotions will run wild because right now none of us have the patience to maintain self-control at all times.
So, expect to apologize. Do it frequently and authentically.
And above all, know that your relationship with your kiddos is more important than anything else.
Sidebar: I LOVE virtual education, and because of my passion for this topic, I’ve spent years researching it. Let’s call it a micro obsession. That said, I’m DYING to share this knowledge. If you’re a teacher struggling to create engaging virtual lessons or a parent grappling to keep your kiddo engaged, The Behavior Hub's coaching sessions are for you! To learn more, shoot me an email!
Questions? Need help? Reach out!
Email: hello@thebehaviorhub.com
Social media: @thebehaviorhub
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