Last Updated on September 17, 2022 by Arif Chowdhury
Indeed, we are facing one of the greatest calamities of our time. As the COVID-19 pandemic crisis continues all across the globe, it is tough for the government to reopen schools, colleges & universities. Therefore, relying heavily on virtual learning is one of the best solutions.
However, a virtual learning platform is an entirely new environment that young students may need some time to cope with. The venue is unique, and the whole scenario of staying at home is a different challenging situation. Though adults can somehow cope with it, young ones always need extra care in these trying times.
In school or college, teachers usually take care of students; however, in virtual learning platforms, it’s simply not possible. Thus, it is the parents who must play the role of a teacher to guide their children as this will help them to achieve academic success quickly & faster.
So, how can parents support learning at home? To learn more, continue reading this guide, and I will explain eight simple yet effective ways to do it correctly.
Method 1: Help them to stay focused.
According to a 2019 study, people spend around 144 minutes daily on social media. So it’s more than two hours every day. And for children, this number is more than 144 minutes.
Not just social media but especially YouTube is very attractive to children. If it is leisure time, spending on these channels won’t affect them much unless they use a mobile phone, tab, or laptop. These devices use a battery that usually emits harmful radiation if the user spends an extended time with it.
As in the current situation, children have to spend most of their time with these devices for virtual learning, so your responsibility is to control this timetable as much as possible. In addition, you can save them from harmful radiation and help them stay focused on their studies by limiting their device use after school.
Also, when they study, keep an eye on what they are doing with the device. Finally, for best practice, lock other apps when they learn, i.e., Facebook, YouTube, etc., so they can’t be distracted by those channels even if they want to.
You have to offer them valuable resources within these platforms for their career development and goals. For example, your child can learn the English language (if it is not their mother tongue) or learn extra learning tips from YouTube videos.
Recommended Reading: Best Online Learning Platforms with Certification (Reviewed)
Method 2: Frequent mental break.
You have to keep in mind that this is not physical schooling. Staying in front of a screen for a long time may cause various health problems, including depression & obesity.
Some children may have to take a break from virtual learning more frequently than others to bypass this issue. It entirely depends on the person, though, as a parent, you should constantly monitor their health. Some children may not say it aloud, but it doesn’t mean he feels comfortable.
According to Linda Carling, associate researcher at John Hopkins University, children may need a quick break after every 5 to 25 minutes of screen time. Not only that, some physical exercise is one of the best ways to reduce depression & obesity.
One more thing, sometimes for young children, it’s better if they do their schooling while standing in front of their screen, this condition may help them to focus on their given task.
Quick Note: Whether your children study at high school or University, distance learning platforms provide resources and information for the student. In addition, these learning platforms help them to create strategies for their future career plan.
Method 3: Efficient time management is the key.
Since the pandemic crisis started, our regular timetable has wholly changed. We may be able to cope with it, but children need extra care. It is best to maintain the exact schedule they had before. Some school systems may encourage children to wear a uniform in virtual classes as they always did in school. This way it helps children to maintain previous rules & regulations even at home.
However, a school cannot do everything from a remote location. As a parent, you have to maintain it. For example, wake them up & make sure they finish their breakfast early in the morning just like they did before, then prepare them for school time. Not just wearing a uniform but also maintaining the same quiet environment, like school. It is best to separate the room to hold a calm environment.
After school time is over, help them to focus on their homework. Help your child to create bonding within the families. Then it will be easier for both of you.
Don’t forget to exercise physically as your children cannot go to the school playground. You have to give them more time as you did before, as you are parenting and teaching.
Method 4: Encourage them with positive feedback.
It is always the best way to encourage children with positive feedback. Sometimes if you can encourage them enough, they can do almost an impossible task from their level. The only thing you have to remember is this – don’t overdo it & do it in the right way. Otherwise, things will be out of control.
Let me clear this up for you. For example, you can teach your child to finish their regular homework on time. And if they do it correctly according to your instruction, you will reward them with their favorite delicious food or chocolate. However, sometimes a simple hug & smile can be a great reward, depending on your child’s desires. And it is your task to find out.
Making simple things interesting is also a smart way to encourage them. You can challenge them; let’s see who can memorize this faster. Whoever succeeds first will receive a new comic book. As you can see, this is an excellent way to make a tedious task funny & enjoyable.
However, you shouldn’t overdo it. For example, please don’t give them something they will get addicted to, like watching YouTube or browsing social media for too long. You should always limit this type of entertainment for your children.
Method 5: Give them more time than usual.
It’s so apparent that as they stay home with you more than ever, they will expect more time from you. Not only hanging around with them, but also they might need to solve their regular homework.
If you can lend them a hand, it will encourage them to study more and help you understand them deeply. Sometimes you may have some important task to complete but try to give priority to your children first, do your work later at night or sometime else.
Virtual learning could be a blessing if we know how to use it properly. Maybe COVID-19 forced us to stay at home but consider it a perfect opportunity as you & your family now have a chance to get closer to each other.
Take this situation as an advantage and build a strong relationship with your child. Help them in every aspect you can, as this will be a treasure for you & for them for the rest of your life.
It could be the greatest challenge for you as a parent. As your child is no longer visiting school premises, they have no physical interaction with his teachers & friends. He cannot play with them anymore, perhaps only voice & video communications. It is a problem that we cannot replace with anything.
There is no alternative to the playground, maybe they can enjoy computer games, but it has to be limited for their health issues. They may communicate with their friends using the device. However, device use has to be limited as well.
The best practice is – to try to arrange a physical meeting with their friends. But make sure to take all the precautions. For example, perhaps you could connect other devices with a smart TV. Thus, your child can communicate with their friends through video chat & also can stay far away from devices.
Method 7: Keep regular communication with teachers.
Try to connect with your child’s teacher regularly. Thus you will be able to learn essential things about your child. Perhaps, they need more attention from you, or he is not severe in his virtual classroom. You will only be able to learn this if you keep in close communication with teachers.
Adult children can take care of themselves, but young ones sometimes need customized care from both parents & teachers. Therefore, you must make things easy for your child and teachers as a parent.
For example, perhaps your child cannot keep up with regular homework due to sickness. If you arrange a meeting with the teacher & set things up at a different time, it will be easy for teachers to manage their students’ progress easily.
Method 8: Children who need special care.
Finally, some children need special care from their teachers. Those are called the Individualized Education Program (IEP). It could be difficult for you to handle it by yourself. Best to contact the school & learn how to deal with it properly, as it is hard for teachers to maintain proper regulation through an online class.
Sometimes, the IEP team will give some manuals or short courses to handle your child’s education from home properly. You have to be patient and do extra care for your child. Follow the instruction from the IEP team & do your best to help him out.
Conclusion.
This pandemic forced us to stay at home and encouraged us to stay connected with our family. Build a close relationship with your child if it was not possible before. Perhaps your immediate attention is the only thing they need all this time. Try to find out & do your best as a parent to guide your child toward success.