How to Stay on Track During the Alberta Strike: Simple Ways to Keep Learning

When school routines suddenly stop — like during the current teachers’ strike in Alberta — it can be hard to know what to do next. You might be wondering: How do I keep my brain sharp without regular classes, homework, or deadlines?

Here’s the good news: learning doesn’t have to stop just because school is on pause. With a little structure and some creative strategies, you can stay connected to your studies, keep your skills strong, and return to class feeling confident and ready.

1. Keep a Routine (Even a Small One)

A full school day schedule might feel unrealistic right now, but keeping some structure goes a long way.

• Create a daily schedule just as you would have at school.

• Pick regular wake-up and start times. You don’t need to start at 8:30 a.m., but try to have a set morning rhythm.

• Block your day. Spend an hour on academics, take a break, then try another focused block right after or later in the day.

• Add anchors. Meals, walks, workouts, or family time can help create natural start and end points.

  
  

💡 Tip: Even having a “study hour” and a “creative hour” each day can make things feel purposeful without being overwhelming.

2. Schedule Real Breaks

Without the school bell, it’s easy to forget to step away — or to take too many breaks. The sweet spot: work for 25–30 minutes, then take a 5–10-minute break and get back into it to complete that one-hour block.

Stretch, grab a snack, step outside, or do something completely different for a few minutes. Short breaks actually help your brain focus better when you come back.

3. Read for 30 Minutes a Day

Reading is one of the best ways to keep your brain engaged and your vocabulary growing. It is also a great way to practice reading comprehension strategies learned in school. Read anything — novels, graphic novels, magazines, articles, or non-fiction books.

Try these ideas:

• Choose one fiction and one non-fiction book to alternate between.

• Read out loud to a sibling or pet (it actually improves fluency!).

• Keep a quick “reading journal” where you jot down one quote or takeaway from each day’s reading.

  
  

4. Keep Writing — It Doesn’t Have to Be an Essay

You don’t need formal assignments to practice writing. Writing of any kind builds critical thinking, communication, and organization.

Try:

• Journaling: Write about your day, goals, or even what’s been frustrating about the strike.

• Creative writing: Short stories, poetry, or even song lyrics count!

• Lists or reflections: Make a list of things you’ve learned this year or goals you want to achieve before the winter break.

5. Do a Little Math Practice Each Day

Math skills can slip quickly when you don’t use them, but a short daily routine keeps everything fresh. You don’t need a textbook.

Try:

• Websites like Khan Academy or IXL

• Practice sheets online for your current grade

• Review old notes or redo past quizzes for practice

• Use AI to generate worksheets or quizzes with answer keys

• Apply math to real life: calculate discounts, track expenses, create a budget or compare prices at the store

6. Look Ahead (If You Know What’s Coming)

If you have an idea where you are headed next, take a peek ahead. Watch short YouTube videos or lessons, read the first few pages of the next chapter, or find online summaries. Even light exposure helps you feel less behind when classes resume.

If you’re in high school, this might mean:

• Reviewing key science or math units that build year over year.

• Reading the first few chapters of your next novel.

• Exploring topics that connect to your next course (like Psychology 20 or English 30-1).

7. Mix in Creative or Hands-On Learning

Learning isn’t all about books and screens. Use this time to explore creative or practical skills that boost your confidence and independence.

Try:

• Cooking a new recipe

• Learning basic budgeting or tracking expenses

• Practicing typing, Canva, coding or design skills

• Volunteering in your community

• Starting a “passion project” — anything that makes you curious or excited to learn

  
  

8. Stay Connected with Classmates

Even though you’re not in class, staying connected helps you feel motivated.

• Create a group chat to check in with friends about what everyone’s working on.

• Share study tips or resources.

• Start a “study pod” — meet online once a day to read, review, or just hold each other accountable.

  
  

When you learn together, you stay engaged and feel less isolated.

9. Focus on Well-Being, Not Just Productivity

The strike is stressful — for students, families, and teachers alike. You don’t have to be productive every minute of the day. Rest is part of learning, too.

• Move your body every day — go for a walk, dance, play outside.

• Get enough sleep.

• Stay off the news when it starts to feel overwhelming.

• Do things that make you feel calm and happy — hobbies, music, or time with pets.

  
  

10. Remember: This Is Temporary

This disruption won’t last forever. The habits you build now — self-discipline, curiosity, reflection — will make your return to school smoother and might even give you an edge.

If you can come out of this time saying, “I kept my brain active, I stayed curious, and I learned something new,” that’s already a win.

Final Thoughts

The strike may have paused the school schedule, but it doesn’t have to pause your growth. Focus on what you can control — your routine, mindset, and habits. A little structure and consistency each day can keep you learning, motivated, and ready to move forward when school doors open again.

At The Fourward, we help students build confidence, organization, and momentum — even during uncertain times. If your teen could use a bit of structure or accountability, check out our coaching programs designed to help students take ownership of their learning.