School Upended Due to Coronavirus? Don't Fall Behind!

“My kids are having nightmares,” a friend wrote to me yesterday. “They’re stressed out and anxious. I think it might be because of the energy we are putting out right now.”

Big news out of Austin, Texas this month, as in-person classes were declared to resume in the fall.

The announcement left many school employees and parents confused and upset … especially as COVID-19 cases continue to soar in the state.

Coronavirus (also known as COVID-19) is wreaking havoc on families trying to plan for the upcoming school year...

It's likely that many will settle on a blended model: Part in-person, part online. That's if schools are allowed to open at all...

But don't fret. There is help...

Concerned about falling behind? Contact Us About Online Tutoring Today!

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) confirmed that there will be flexibility for families with health concerns.

“There will also be flexibility for families with health concerns so that their children can be educated remotely if the parent so chooses,” the TEA’s statement read.

For parents who are concerned about the health of their children and their families amid COVID-19, there are some alternative options available.

Online Tutoring

Just because schools are closed it doesn’t mean your child’s education should take a hiatus, as well.

It's likely that most schools nationwide will incorporate some form of remote learning this school year, with periodic closures...

Parents should be prepared to continue some form of schooling at home. And thankfully, many organizations have banded together to release some fantastic online content for home-bound students.

Here are some of our favorite learning tools:

Khan Academy: All subjects, all levels. Like being in school… PBS LearningMedia: Fantastic content that supplements real-life school curriculum. TedEd: Great life lessons… with animation. Lumosity: Good brain benders for problem-solving and critical thinking… DuoLingo: Keep those language skills sharp!

Of course, it’ll take some adjustment to get used to online schooling.

Be sure to give each child an expected, uninterrupted time slot to maximize concentration and focus. It’s best to set clear guidelines from the beginning, establish daily routines and schedules, and stick to them.

Located in Austin, TX? Check out our Socially Distanced Learning Pods as an Alternate Option for the Upcoming School Year!

If You Need Reinforcement…

Keeping your child engaged and accountable during upcoming school disruptions will ensure that they don’t fall behind and that their grades do not suffer when classes resume.

If you need additional support, you can always turn to Jill’s Tutors.

Our award-winning teacher’s network of educators and top tutors in Austin are well-versed in all subjects, and available for all levels of education. And under the current circumstances, they’re prepared to take their lessons online.

Having a predictable tutoring schedule can greatly help kids take their schooling and assignments seriously, during a time that may otherwise feel like vacation!

If you’re worried that your child may fall behind during the Coronavirus school closures, don’t hesitate to give us a call at 512-598-5135, visit jillstutors.com, or email us at jillstutors@gmail.com.

And as a reminder, taking precautions like social distancing during this time is crucial for keeping our kids, ourselves and our communities healthy.

While children haven’t been as adversely affected by the Coronavirus (as other vulnerable populations), it’s still important for families to practice and encourage healthy habits.

By following the CDC’s guidelines for minimizing the spread of the virus, we can better protect people who are at a higher risk for suffering severe symptoms of the Coronavirus. See the CDC’s recommendations below:

1. Clean your hands often: This means washing your hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. This is especially important after you have visited a public place like a grocery store, or after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. It’s important that you avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

2. Keep your distance from people: When possible, keep distance from yourself and other people, especially people who appear to be sick.

3. Stay home if you’re sick: The best thing you can do for yourself and for others is to stay home if you are feeling under the weather. Click here to see what to do if you become ill.

4. Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze: When possible, cover your mouth or nose with tissues when you cough or sneeze, or use the inside of your elbow. Immediately after coughing or sneezing, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

5. Wear a facemask ONLY if you are sick: If you have access to facemasks when sick, wear a facemask when you are around other people and when you visit your healthcare provider. You do not need to wear a facemask if you are not sick. They are in short supply and should be reserved for caregivers and those who are ill.

6. Clean and disinfect regularly: Clean and disinfect surfaces daily and pay special attention to tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets and sinks.

And when it comes to talking with your children about the Coronavirus, the CDC suggests following these general principles:

1. Remain calm and assuring. What you say and how you say it will determine how your children react to the news.

2. Be available to listen and talk. Remind your children that they can come talk to you at any time, whenever they have questions.

3. Don’t use language that blames or stigmatizes others. Don’t make any generalizations about the virus. It’s important to remember that the virus can make anyone sick.

4. Control what your children see or hear on the TV, the radio or online. Limit their amount of screen time, especially to news networks that focus solely on COVID-19. You do not want to create anxiety in your children about the virus.

5. Give your children honest and accurate information. Give your children information that is accurate and appropriate for their age.

6. Teach your children healthy habits. Practice healthy habits with your children like regular handwashing and covering coughs and sneezes to help reduce the spread of germs.