Truthfully, when I consider the impact of the coronavirus, I feel stressed, sad, and overwhelmed. Though easier said than done, I am trying to focus my energy on gratitude and growth. Luckily, there is much to appreciate about our Read Write teachers, students, and families. When the coronavirus arrived in Alabama, our team rallied and moved all students to online therapy. I am grateful that we were able to continue services remotely. While we miss our in-person sessions, there are many positive aspects to remote therapy!
1. Less Travel Time: Many families drive 20 minutes+ twice a week to get to Read Write in the afternoons, but remote therapy means not having to sit in traffic! Your Read Write teacher comes to you in your home through the computer screen. This is a time saver for parents, and it means that kids have more time to play and relax at the end of the day.
2. Improved Computer Literacy: Because most kids have been exposed to screens their entire lives, we assume they are computer literate. However, many kids do not get typing or basic computing instruction in school. Remote academic therapy gives them a chance to learn how to use a mouse and practice typing.
3. One-on-One Time: Like adults, kids are isolated during quarantine. They miss their friends and teachers. During Read Write’s remote sessions, kids get to spend an hour one-on-one with an adult who cares about them. Over the last few weeks, I have heard from teachers that kids are really opening up to them about their experience during the coronavirus. It is good for kids to have time with caring adults, in addition to their family members.
4. Parent Observation: When kids attend Read Write’s physical office, their parents wait in our reception area or in their cars. They typically do not see their child’s sessions in action. During remote sessions, parents can hear and see the activities their child does with their Read Write teacher. I’ve heard from many parents that it’s been helpful and eye opening to see the things that their child struggles with.
5. Continuity - No Matter What!: We have offered remote academic therapy for several years. Thanks to this online service, we can see our students even if their car won’t start, they move to a new city, or there’s a global pandemic. Continuity of instruction is crucial for academic growth.
Though there are many advantages to remote therapy, we cannot wait to get back into the office and see our students’ faces in person again. In the meantime, I am so glad that we have a remote academic therapy as an option, and I hope that you are too!
