Kids’ learning has always been every parent’s priority. We want them to study in good schools, have great teachers, and be able to provide for their every possible need. We know that education is one thing no one can take away from them and would be willing to do everything just to make sure they have everything they need to finish their studies. But as the pandemic drags on, parents are left feeling worried about how their kids are coping with the new normal of learning. What can you do to help your child learn effectively online?
It All Starts with Your Choice of School
Most schools had to make the sudden transition just to ensure the kids still get to learn efficiently in the middle of a pandemic. But since most students are not used to learning at home and online and teachers are not being used to teaching kids online, everyone had to make a huge adjustment. You may be satisfied with how your kid’s school has handled the transition, but what if by next school year, your child will be in the 7th grade and you now need to choose a new school? Checkout Live Online Courses here.
Choosing a new school is never easy with or without a pandemic. What makes it even more challenging is that you now need to make sure you find a good school for your children that offer an excellent online learning experience. This is especially true if you fear for your child’s health and safety that you intend to keep them home up until the pandemic clears up.
When choosing a new school, consider the quality of education offered, the fees associated and one that has caring and excellent teachers who can offer personalized and interesting classes. Don’t forget to consider an online charter school. These tuition-free schools offer high-quality education, are open to all students, and allows parents to keep track of their kids’ learning progress each quarter.
Create a Distraction-free Space for Learning
Online learners need a space for learning where distractions are kept to a minimum. Ensure our kids have the necessary equipment and tools needed to make online learning possible. Choose comfortable furniture for their learning space and ensure everything they might need like books, notebooks, and other school supplies are within reach.
Limit distractions by removing things that usually distract the kids. Aside from their gadgets, give them enough privacy especially if your kids already know how to behave in class. Avoid doing chores that can distract them while they study like vacuuming and ensure small kids and other siblings won’t disturb them during online classes.
Encourage Them to Take a Break
Some kids don’t know when to take a break. Mountains of homework, tons of reading assignments, and even projects can keep them from eating snacks and relaxing for a bit. Make sure to check on your online learner and to encourage them to take a much-needed break no matter how busy they might be.
Keep an eye on their schedule and check the best possible times you can encourage them to eat. As much as possible, maintain a routine and motivate them to eat on time. Prepare healthy meals that can boost their mood and energy.
It is also a good idea to schedule breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the same time each day. This way, kids will know when to expect their meals. Schedule these meals around your kid’s schedule so that the family can still have time to bond, eat together, and talk about how their day went.
Don’t forget to encourage socialization even if it meant calling their friends online. Use technology to keep them social and to ease their boredom. They can video calls, play online games together, or even do virtual group study sessions to make learning more fun.
Schedule Time for Outdoor Fun
The pandemic made kids stay indoors more and live a sedentary lifestyle. Since they are also learning at home, they no longer get enough exercise and play. They no longer walk with their friends inside campuses and had no P.E. classes with their classmates.
What you can do is to schedule time where they can stand up from their desks and move more to get their daily dose of exercise. For best results, encourage them to play in the yard, walk the dog, or do gardening with you in your backyard garden. This will help them enjoy being with nature, smell the fresh air, play with their pets, and get enough Vitamin D.
Be More Involved with Their Learning
Parents play a huge role in their kids’ learning. The more involved you are, the easier it will be for you to monitor your kids’ progress. This also helps parents check if their kids are coping well despite the new normal of learning.
Keep in touch with their teachers and befriend some of their classmate’s parents. They might have found great strategies to help their kids cope with online learning and you too can offer your help as well.
Kids need us now more than ever. It is only a must that we try to support them in every way we can, especially that they are still trying to cope with learning online and at home. Aside from taking care of their needs, think about their mental health and how you can make online learning more fun and engaging at home.
