Tip of the Week: Remote learning

Latham’s Tip of the Week from our expert on Prader-Willi syndrome is sure to help any parent of school-age children, but especially those with special needs:

For those of you who choose to keep your child home and use the remote learning option, here are some ways to keep your child on track:

• Set up a space that is used only for class time. It doesn’t have to be a whole room, just a corner that is designated for class and nothing else. This will help your child understand that when they are in this spot, it is time to learn and do school work. Some kids do well with a barrier – even a small tent – while other kids do not like to feel confined. Set up this space thinking of your child’s best learning style.

• Use every resource you have. Do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s teachers regularly. They are still there for you and your child, use them!

• If  it gets too overwhelming, take a break or stop for the day. Remote learning is hard and over time, you will create a routine. If things are rocky at first, it’s okay to give up for an hour and try again later.

Remote learning can be a great alternative for kids who get easily distracted or overwhelmed by other children. But it requires much more parent time than in-school learning. Let yourself get used to the new routine and give yourself permission to take it slow. Feel free to reach out to us if you need some help setting up a daily routine that will work for you and your at-home learner.

Patrice Carroll, Latham Centers’ Director of PWS Services, is world-renowned for her Prader-Willi syndrome expertise. She works with Latham students and residents, their families, and other experts, continuously learning and teaching about PWS best practices. If you have PWS-related questions, we invite you to email TipTopics@LathamCenters.org.