How To Encourage Children To Learn At Home?
As The COVID-19 pandemic shows no signs of stopping, we are seeing schools and colleges closing down their campuses. Many educational systems have already started with online learning. Especially for young kids, long hours of staring at screens, and no contact with friends can be extremely overwhelming. This is even more stressful for parents who have to teach kids everything from video conferencing to downloading learning materials.
Of course, teachers are the people who will have to put in double the efforts and time. Creating online classrooms, lessons, and activities can be pretty daunting. Teachers and parents need to work hand in hand for online learning to be fruitful for kids. Parents will have to make clear plans and strategies to guide their kids, as well as balance their professional life. They can use online tools to their aid such as kindergarten worksheets. Navigating this new frontier of online education can be stressful for both parents and kids. So, here are a few tips for parents to encourage children to learn at home.
1) Create a designated learning space for your kids
Just like you have designated workspaces in your house to focus on your careers, it is very crucial that your kids have a learning space for themselves. This doesn’t have to be a separate room. You can arrange a writing desk in a corner of your drawing room or even use your kitchen table. The only thing to make sure is that this space is distraction-free and interruption-free. This place should also be away from their playing area. Make sure that they are comfortable and devoted to learning in this space.
2) Limit distraction
With all their games, mobile phones, iPad around them, it can be difficult for kids to focus on their schoolwork. Your kids may need a digital cleanse to keep your child’s attention focused on their learning. It is essential that you limit their use of their devices until their schoolwork is done. But also remember to allow them to use their devices for a small amount of time, maybe as a reward. You can encourage them to enjoy videos or kids-centric movies for their development.
3) Have proper schedules and designated breaks
In regular schools, kids need to follow strict schedules and routines for their own development. It shouldn’t be any different at their home learning. To give children a sense of normalcy, it is ideal if you create a schedule for their daily activities. Keep fixed timing for waking up and tucking them in. You can recreate their school bells by setting alarms. When kids are given a schedule to follow, it also helps develop responsibility in children. Encourage your kids to have healthy snacks and meals during their breaks, or to take a short walk around the house.
4) Allow them to engage with their friends and classmates
The biggest aspect of their lives that your kids are missing right now is their friend circle. Your children are used to lots of social interactions with their peers, so it is obvious that your children will show the effects of this lack of contact. This may even affect their learning and productivity. Of course, it is not safe for your kids to meet their friends physically in this dangerous environment. But parents should allow kids to interact with their classmates online, beyond social media or plain texts. Video chats are the best way to recreate some of their connections and are a great way to have fun without endangering them or others. Talk with other parents and arrange online playdates or digital games.
5) Be in contact with other parents
It is a very difficult time for parents, and it can be pretty isolating to do everything without help. It is very important for the mental peace of parents to stay in contact with other parents. You can arrange parent-teacher meetings to stay in the loop with current developments. You can also reach out to other parents; in case you need support or help regarding your child’s learning. There are also many parent communities that you can join to meet new people and share concerns.
6) Time to grow closer to your kids
For children and parents who don’t get time to bond as a family due to their busy lives, learning at home can be a blessing. Of course, you shouldn’t let your kids treat online learning as a vacation, but it is important to have some fun with your children while they are at home. This is a rare opportunity for parents to spend time with their children and enjoy movies or shows together. You can also arrange home picnics, game nights, etc. to grow closer to each other. Good relationships with parents often positively affect a child’s learning.
Above all this, always make sure to tell your child that you believe in his or her ability to do things. In this way, they won’t hesitate when they want to learn new things.
Edurific tries to make everyday a learning day at home. It may sound much but it really isn’t if done the right way. We ask questions and make connections with the kids, helping them think critically of what they’re seeing and experiencing through online AI classes etc.
