By Tamara Fyke
A friend of mine has two young school-age boys, one in kindergarten and the other in second grade. Recently she posted a photo of her youngest slumped over the kitchen table, head down and discouraged by his remote learning experience. Our district is offering fully remote instruction through Fall Break in early October—and possibly beyond—so many families are navigating this new normal.
There are countless opinions about how to approach this new educational landscape. Amid the debate, two priorities are widely shared:
- Safety first.
- Foster a lasting love of learning.
How do we pursue both goals during this unique moment in history? First, we must broaden our definition of safety to include physical well-being as well as mental and emotional security. If children are discouraged or overwhelmed, we need to change our approach. That means teachers and parents must continually ask: What are we teaching? How are we teaching it? And does this method connect with and empower the child?
Adapting to remote or hybrid models requires energy and creativity from both educators and families. We are, in effect, redesigning parts of the education system to fit a new reality. Instead of aiming merely to complete checklist tasks, our focus should be to reach children’s hearts—cultivating curiosity, delight, and the desire to learn for life.
Technology can help us achieve that when it is used as a tool rather than a substitute for meaningful interaction. Students no longer need to memorize isolated facts; those are searchable. The unique value of education lies in helping students synthesize information, solve problems, create, and think critically—skills that cannot be outsourced to a search engine.
Imagine expanding learning beyond the screen and the traditional classroom. Practical, engaging options include:
- Encouraging children to read classic literature that stimulates imagination and empathy, exposing them to varied voices and storytelling styles.
- Scheduling structured outdoor observation: have students document and classify birds, trees, insects, or other local species to practice scientific observation and writing.
- Designing project-based learning challenges for groups that meet virtually—projects that require collaboration, research, and presentation.
- Using technology creatively for digital storytelling: photo journals, short vlogs, digital posters, or collaborative slide shows that combine media and reflection.
- Providing hands-on materials for simple science experiments and art projects that can be completed at home with family members to strengthen family learning routines.
- Sharing practical strategies and quick tips to empower parents as learning partners, including short how-to guides for facilitating discussions and hands-on activities.
- Supporting social-emotional learning (SEL) goals through intentional, consistent messaging and activities that reinforce empathy, self-awareness, and healthy routines.
These approaches balance on-screen time with hands-on experiences, helping children build a healthy relationship with technology—one in which devices support learning rather than dominate it.
I know many people feel overwhelmed by these changes, and that reaction is understandable. Still, I remain optimistic. This moment is prompting real innovation in education while also returning us to foundational practices: meaningful relationships, experiential learning, and curiosity-driven inquiry. Whatever format schooling takes this year—remote, hybrid, or in-person—children must remain at the center of our decisions.
As we teach and support students, remember: we are working for the family. Small gestures make a big difference in a child’s day and willingness to engage.
- Smile when your child joins a lesson; let them know you are genuinely glad to see them.
- Thank children for showing up and participating—attendance is the first victory.
- Acknowledge and give attention to students who follow directions and make good choices.
- Prioritize success by teaching the child, not only the curriculum. Focus on growth and understanding rather than just completion.
About the author
Tamara Fyke is an educator and social entrepreneur focused on children, families, and urban communities. She is the creator and author of Love In A Big World, a resource that provides mental health, social-emotional learning (SEL), and wellness curriculum and content. During quarantine, Tamara developed MusiCity Kids, an online educational show for children ages 6–12 that addresses health, movement, character development, STEAM topics, and more.
Tamara is the editor of Building People: Social & Emotional Learning for Kids, Schools & Communities, a collection of perspectives on SEL for educators, parents, and community leaders. She shares insights and resources to support families and schools as they adapt to changing educational environments.