Home based learning - How to get the support your child and your family needs

Pennsylvania and many other states around the US made it official today that schools will be closed for the remainder of the year. Students will be educated by distance learning for the remainder of the year. Many parents, students and teachers were hoping the original shut down might be a temporary two or three week ‘inconvenience’ where students were “distance learning” however this has become a longer term situation now.

So what does that mean for you, the parent? The student?

It’s time to get an academic plan in place to make sure that your child stays on track for the remainder of the academic year. The end of the year is always a busy time academically and that means it is critical that they keep up with their studies. As a parent and long time educator I realize that distance learning your child is probably not what you had in mind for this academic year. I’m certain that there was already tension around getting work done on time and good grades that tension has (or is) already amplifying due to the distance learning situation. 

The reality is that some kids, the outliers, the ones who are self-motivated and disciplined will thrive during this time but unfortunately that is not the majority of students (from my experience). Yes, I am sure that we as parents and now teachers of our children have a lot of strong emotions around how this whole year is playing out for our children but has now become our job to play the role of parent and co-educator. It is time to take action.

Is this situation ideal? No. However, one of the core philosophies of my 20 plus year tutoring and education business/program is that for students to have success the parents should play an active role as co-educator in their students' education. I have always believed this even back when I was in a classroom teaching. 

Unfortunately, now due to COVID-19 parents are thrust into this role instead of actually committed to it on their own. Either way, it is incredibly important to embrace it and take an active role in that process. 

Everyday I see parents facing so many challenges. Perhaps you can relate? These challenges include but are not limited to the following: 

• Inability to be teachers/instructors at home 
• Not able to create a physical structure at home 
• Not able to manage multiple children at once - esp at different age / grade levels 
• Lack of guidance from the schools
• Concern that students will fall behind
• Fighting & tension over completing assignments
• Dwindling confidence from their children around their education
• Watching as their children fall behind and feeling helpless
• Overwhelm
• Lack of instruction 
• An inability to complete the assignments
• No structure in place at home to set students up for success
• No short term or long term plan

Meanwhile, on the student’s side of things I am seeing students who were already struggling, struggling even more. I am seeing good students (B students) lose confidence in their abilities. I am seeing more and more students flounder. These challenges include but are not limited to: 

• Hard to self-instruct 
• Lack of time management
• The teacher may be excellent in the classroom but ineffective online 
• If they were already struggling - even worse now 
• Lack of structure 
• Lack of focus on longer term goals
• Lack of self-motivation
• Loss of confidence
• Overwhelm

The success of your child’s distance learning education is now in-part in the hands of their new co-educators, that’s you, the parent. For many students the next 8 to 12 weeks could change the trajectory of their academic careers especially for those students who are at critical junctures in their education such as high school juniors who are gearing up for the college admissions process and their senior year, or eighth graders getting ready for the transition to high school. 

You, the parent and co-educator can support your child in having success during this time period by creating structure and having a system so that your child doesn’t fall behind. 

As someone who has spent the last 8 years teaching, tutoring, creating systems and educating online (and more than 20 plus years teaching) I understand all the pitfalls, challenges, shortcomings and mistakes that can happen when it comes to distance learning. You don’t have to learn the hard way during this time and here’s how: 

My mAke the grAde Success Community provides students and parents with the tools they need to set up the systems to allow your child to thrive. I have a proven track record and have worked with over 14,000 students (and their families). I am not one to brag but I have even written a best selling book which has sold over 30,000 copies (see www.maximumeducuation.net) about this very topic! 

I understand the psychology of instilling academic confidence, creating systems for students and time management that works for students of all ages. Now is the time to join my Maximum Education Success Community and let’s be clear this community is not something brand spanking new that I just put together. This is the community I created nearly a year ago to support the parents of my students and give them the tools they need to help their students succeed. Given the current state of schooling, it is more relevant than ever! 

You might be thinking “Well, Steve, what is this mAke the grAde Success Community?” Great question! This community is a support system for parents to help them create structure for their students to set them up with long term academic success, to keep them focused and provide them with time management skills, to provide parents with the tools they need to keep their child on track. 

Now, here’s the thing, I don’t expect you to just take my word for it.

"We were so frustrated. My daughter, my husband, our other children, and the stress level was so high. We are so fortunate to find this system. It took some time but the improvement has been amazing. Better grades in every class. And no more fighting every night about doing homework. Thank you!! This really works." Mary A - Parent

"Steve has a wonderful ability to hone in on what the student's academic and emotional needs are, while helping to maximize their potential. He is incredibly patient and focused while working one-on-one and helping the student understand and learn the material. Steve is incredibly accepting of the craziness of teenagers' schedules and working around their schedules to fit in tutoring time. Our family is fortunate to have the opportunity to work with Steve." - Andrea R. (parent)

Now if you are still reading this and wondering alright Steve...I’m curious to learn more….keep reading. 

Recently, given our current state of the educational process, I have actually added an additional option for a limited time for students that also includes unlimited tutoring and office hours specifically for students to get additional support from an educator who has the experience to teach and support students virtually. 

Are you still wondering if this is for you and your student? This is for you if……

• You are willing to invest in your child's education
• Your child was teetering prior to distance learning
• Your child struggled to complete assignments on time
• Your child struggles to self motivate 
• You are tired of fighting over school and assignments
• You want a proven system for your child
• You want additional support for you child’s education

This is not for you if…..

• You aren't willing to take action and implement now
• You aren't willing to invest in you child’s education
• You believe your child will figure it out
• You want to continue to be frustrated 

It's time to take action and get the support you and your child need. Enroll today in the success community. 

If you still aren't sure if this is for you let's talk! Click here to book a totally free 15 minute consult to see if this would be the right fit for you family.