How to Support Your Children at Home During Online Learning

As our community continues with online learning, we want to acknowledge something openly: this is hard. Learning from home brings challenges for families and for schools alike, and many of us are balancing work, family life, routines, and wellbeing at the same time. While our experiences may be different, we are sharing this journey together, and staying connected has never mattered more.

While learning may be taking place away from the classroom, our sense of community has never been more important. As part of the BIS Abu Dhabi family, our commitment to your children remains unchanged. We continue to place equal value on academic learning, emotional wellbeing, and feeling connected, because children learn best when they feel safe, supported, and understood.

Supporting Children at Home

From experience, we know that children thrive with structure, encouragement, and opportunities to connect with others. At home, the partnership between school and family becomes even more vital, and it’s one we approach with care, empathy, and flexibility.

Some practical ways families can support learning at home include:

• Maintain realistic routines: balance online learning with movement, rest, and offline time. Consider creating a simple daily schedule together, including study blocks, breaks, and family time.

• Encourage social connection: foster engagement through virtual class activities, teamwork, or informal chats with friends. Celebrate effort, not just achievement: acknowledge perseverance, curiosity, and small successes.

• Reflect on learning: even brief conversations can help children make sense of their day and feel proud of their accomplishments.

• Stay active as a family: plan short daily walks, jogs, or runs together, whether around your neighbourhood, at a local park, or indoors in a gym. This activity keeps children physically active, strengthens family connections, and encourages resilience and perseverance. This month, the school is running the BIS Abu Dhabi “Around the World in 30 Days” Challenge to keep our community active.  Follow daily updates on our collective progress via social media, so we can celebrate achievements together.

• Encourage curiosity and independent learning: provide opportunities for children to explore topics they’re interested in beyond the set curriculum. This could be through online resources, documentaries, or creative projects. Even 15–20 minutes a day can spark curiosity and build lifelong learning habits.

• Limit screen fatigue: schedule offline time to rest eyes and minds. Encourage reading, drawing, building, or simple mindfulness activities like yoga or stretching.

How to Partner with Teachers During Online Learning?

Please remember, you are not alone in this. Our teachers remain fully connected to their classes, supporting learning, checking in with students, and adapting as needed. Don’t hesitate to reach out if your child is struggling, or if you want advice on supporting learning at home. Collaboration between school and home ensures children feel supported academically and emotionally.

Building Resilience Together

Although this period is challenging, it is also helping our children develop resilience, independence, and confidence, qualities that will stay with them long after this moment has passed. 

It’s also important for parents to look after themselves. Even short breaks, shared family time, or connecting with friends and colleagues online can help maintain your wellbeing, so you can support your children more effectively.

Together, as a school community, we will continue to support one another and ensure students feel connected, confident, and cared for, wherever learning takes place.

Matthew Harper
Deputy Head of Primary