August 10, 2023
How parents can continue to help their child learn virtually post-COVID19
Although schools are likely to reopen this September, online learning may continue to be commonplace. COVID19 forced schools to shift online, and now, despite a difficult start, many teachers are finding the online platform an effective supplementary tool for learning. As a result, there is a strong possibility that educators will opt to teach through “hybrid learning” in the upcoming school year.
While this may become the preference for schools, some studies show that in online learning, parents are often the ones who take on the role of a teacher. Assuming virtual learning continues, parents must be prepared to provide the support that their child needs when learning online.
Here are 5 simple tips to help your child learn effectively online:
- Help your child maintain their social circle
School is more than a place to learn. School is a place for kids to expand their network, socialize and meet like-minded individuals to push them towards their goals.
Continuing to allow and influence your child to interact with their friends online will help mitigate the effects of feeling socially distanced. An easy way to implement this is through a daily video chat with a friend discussing anything they would like or playing an online game together.
- Reduce distractions and take brain breaks
The Derek Bok Center for teaching and learning released a study showing how students who spend time on devices for non-educational purposes have harmed their grades. In virtual learning, however, the usage of technology devices for non-class purposes has increased greatly and must be taken into consideration to help your child learn effectively.
Some suggestions can include limiting smartphone usage during class time or using website blocking sites on laptops to help your child stay focused during class. Some students may need an adult to keep them focused with distractions limited at first, but soon enough, your child will become accustomed to paying attention in class despite it being online.
Taking short breaks in between learning sessions is also an effective way to keep your child focused. Many studies have developed productivity techniques that encompass the reliance on taking short breaks between study sessions to help improve children’s ability to stay attentive during class.
These breaks can include allowing time for your child to exercise and play sports, however, it is best to avoid smartphone usage during these short breaks because it may cause your child to be eager to return to your smartphone during class. It is best to allow breaks away from the screen to relax the mind and allow your child to use their devices once the class is over.
- Help build their time management skills through creating a schedule
Creating a consistent schedule involving schoolwork for your child is beneficial. Research has shown that students perform better in school when they stick to a schedule and manage their time effectively.
With more learning moving online, the need for proper time management skills becomes increasingly crucial and it is important that you help your child build a schedule that works and fits best with their learning style. Observe how your child works best, if they enjoy spending their evenings outside and having fun help them create a schedule earlier in the morning that gets their school work done sooner.
As a parent, it is essential that you identify the unique learning style that your child has and how you can leverage that to their best abilities.
- Flexible and Positive outlook towards their learning style
As the school year progresses, some subjects in school may appear more difficult than others and your child may have a tough time grasping certain concepts over others. Instead of sticking to a time-restricted schedule, try to shift to a learning objective schedule. This includes setting learning objectives for your child every day or week and your child can work through problems and concepts daily to meet the objective. Oftentimes when schedules are restricted to time, children consider learning as a chore rather than an opportunity to grow.
Make sure as a parent you always remain positive towards your child’s learning. It is tough enough for your child to have to learn through a screen that they often associate with games and videos, so it is important that you continue to encourage their hard work and effort they put towards learning online. A positive outlook will translate into your child’s increase in willingness to do schoolwork.
- Consider online tutoring help
Many students continue to have a tough time grasping concepts when learning online, this is where it is important as a parent to provide the help and support that your child needs. When looking for a tutor, make sure it is an educated individual who has had experience teaching students your child’s age. A great platform to trust is TUEX, with over 1300+ tutors and 3000 students, many parents continue to be satisfied with the help TUEX tutors provide for their students.
