With the current COVID-19 requirements in place, teachers, parents, kids, and all other involved have been forced to shift to online learning. This is challenging given the abrupt shift without proper preparations in place. Parents have found themselves playing the role of an educator while kids have to adapt to new learning environments. This has many parents worried about their kids falling behind with open distance learning given the prompt change in the learning experience. Their fears are genuine because you cannot become an experienced educator overnight. However, there are some recommendations parents can follow to help their kids stay on track with hybrid learning.
The first thing you need is to identify and creating a designated learning space. It is important to let the child choose the working space. This is important because it let the child feel autonomous, and in control. You can assist the kid in selecting the right artwork to pin up in the room or suggest other things that will personalize the space. The aim of all this is to make your child feel in control and ownership of the space which plays a key part in self-identification with the learning space which motivates them to participate in e-learning classes.
The other important thing to consider is a distraction. A lot of kids have been using smartphones, tablets, and laptops to play games and watch fun videos which most parents use as a distraction strategy. This time, however, you want them to focus on learning, meaning you have to make them rethink other uses of these devices. One way to minimize distractions is to turn off notifications of video players, emails, online games put the device on focus mode, and other things that might pop up during e-learning sessions. You can also minimize distractions by choosing an ideal learning space in the house with fewer human movements or any other place that eliminate distraction as much as possible. This is important because it makes kids focus on their learning.
It is imperative to consider breaks during virtual learning. The concentration span of children is relatively low. Children will lose focus quite quickly especially when focusing on a screen without physical interaction with others and their teacher. This explains the school’s structural program where lessons are in blocks with intermittent breaks. This also needs to be the case with virtual learning. Therefore, schedule breaks you can incorporate hands-on learning, a walk, or anything else that takes their mind off school work. It is important to share these activities with the kids and where possible they can give you suggestions for activities they need to be included in the schedule.
In case you realize your child is finding it difficult to navigate e-learning such as difficulties in completing online tests and assignments, get a tutor. One downside of virtual learning is that an educator will not able to notice the child is struggling. A one on one observation is important to understand a child experiencing trouble with e-learning and that is why an experienced tutor is vital for a child. A tutor gives personal attention to the child and can identify what is or not working for him or her. Those are some of the guidelines we thought can help your child focus on virtual learning.