Best Practices for Remote Teaching by Elementary School Teachers

Remote teaching presents unique challenges and opportunities for elementary school teachers. Engaging young learners online requires creativity, structure, and patience. When done well, remote instruction can be just as enriching and effective as in-person learning. By adopting age-appropriate strategies, leveraging interactive technology, and building strong connections with students and families, elementary educators can create vibrant virtual classrooms where learning continues to flourish.

1. Establish Clear Routines and Expectations

Young students thrive on structure. Clear, consistent routines help them feel safe, confident, and ready to learn—even in a virtual environment.

• Begin each session with a familiar welcome routine or song.
• Use visual schedules and verbal cues to signal transitions.
• Set expectations for online behavior using child-friendly language and visuals.

2. Keep Lessons Short, Simple, and Engaging

Elementary students have short attention spans, especially online. Lessons should be concise, interactive, and broken into manageable segments.

• Limit live instruction to 15?20 minutes per subject.
• Use a mix of songs, stories, videos, and movement activities.
• Incorporate games, polls, or drawing tools to maintain attention.

3. Use Age-Appropriate Digital Tools

Choose platforms and apps that are visually engaging, easy to navigate, and developmentally appropriate for young learners.

• Seesaw: Great for student reflection and family communication.
• Raz-Kids or Epic!: Interactive reading resources tailored to student levels.
• Flip: Lets students record short videos to respond to questions or showcase learning.

4. Encourage Active Participation

Remote learning can easily become passive if not carefully designed. Promote engagement by involving students in meaningful, hands-on activities.

• Ask frequent questions and call on students by name.
• Use “show and tell” sessions to encourage speaking and listening skills.
• Include simple home-based activities like drawing, measuring, or journaling.

5. Build Strong Relationships Remotely

Relationships remain at the heart of teaching. Take time to connect with each student and maintain a warm, encouraging tone in every interaction.

• Hold virtual one-on-one check-ins with students weekly or biweekly.
• Celebrate birthdays, milestones, and accomplishments virtually.
• Use empathy and humor to build rapport and ease anxiety.

6. Communicate Frequently with Families

Parents and guardians are essential partners in remote learning, especially for younger children. Keep them informed, involved, and empowered.

• Send weekly updates with schedules, tips, and resources.
• Use tools like Remind, ClassDojo, or emails for regular communication.
• Offer parent tutorials or virtual Q&A sessions to support home learning.

7. Differentiate and Provide Flexibility

Just like in the classroom, remote learning must meet the needs of diverse learners. Provide multiple ways for students to access and demonstrate understanding.

• Offer assignments in audio, video, and visual formats.
• Allow students to work at their own pace with optional extensions or supports.
• Check in regularly with students needing additional help or encouragement.

8. Prioritize Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)

Remote settings can feel isolating. Integrating SEL helps students stay emotionally connected and builds resilience.

• Start sessions with feelings check-ins or mindfulness moments.
• Teach strategies for managing emotions and staying focused at home.
• Create virtual circles or morning meetings for community-building.

Conclusion

Remote teaching at the elementary level requires thoughtful adaptation and unwavering commitment. By combining structure with flexibility, digital tools with creativity, and academic instruction with emotional support, teachers can ensure students continue to learn, grow, and thrive—even from a distance. With the right practices in place, remote classrooms can become safe, supportive, and joyful spaces for young learners everywhere.