When the Covid 19 pandemic came, it caused many elementary schools, middle schools, high schools and universities to adopt the strategy of online education. Perhaps, many parents are having headaches because online learning really bores their kids. Not focusing on lessons, children are likely to do personal stuff or play games during class. Children can’t play with friends anymore, just like they used to; all of a sudden, they have to sit and look at their friends through the computer screen, which would certainly explain why they are so inattentive. Is there any way that helps the kids study online effectively? The following article will share with parents the secret to effective online learning.
1. Building self-discipline in learning for children
Whether children are studying in class or online, parents should teach them self-discipline so that they can be in control even without their parents’ presence. Everyday, parents can give their children practice by letting them choose the appropriate study time by themselves.
This will help children feel more comfortable and acquire the lessons better. In addition, parents can participate in the learning process, often talk to children to find out if they have any difficulties, give instructions and step-by-step support to solve problems as well as give compliments when they achieve something.
2. Preparing a good study space for your children
The most important part of successful online learning is that parents should ensure the Internet connection always remains stable. Besides, the children are supposed to have devices such as desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and phones as well as a quiet place to study.
The environment is crucial to children’s learning efficiency. Therefore, parents should let their children learn in the study room and sit nicely on the chair just as they are studying in class. Besides, parents also need to come up with ideas to decorate the study room with some interesting decorative items and objects to excite their children when studying.
Parents need to make sure that children’s study environment is quiet and remember to keep distracting objects, such as toys, stuffed animals, and tablets, out of their sight. This will help children feel more comfortable and focused on learning online on a computer or phone.
3. Building a clear study plan for children
Parents should give their children a clear plan with specific goals and maintain a strict studying schedule. This is one of the secrets to successful online learning. Parents should let children fully participate in classes and regularly update learning materials for children.
Parents need to form the children’s habit of waking up every day, doing schoolwork, and having lunch at specific times. This will help them manage time effectively and avoid awkward situations when they return to school after the pandemic.
4. Encouraging children to interact with their teachers and classmates
The biggest weakness of online learning is the lack of interaction between teachers and students in the classroom. Therefore, parents should encourage children to raise their voices and interact with their teachers and friends.
Children and their classmates can support each other in learning and therefore bring interest and enthusiasm in learning instead of having the microphone and the camera off all the time while just looking at the screen.
Actively interacting also helps children to be more psychologically stable through social interaction. Returning to school after a period of social distancing, the children will not feel disconnected from friends and teachers.
5. Encouraging children to practice the lesson regularly
Practice is such a good way to learn and review all the knowledge. Parents are advised to encourage their children to consolidate the lessons by reviewing what they have learned.
For example, after children have learned and studied about “living things”, parents can help children observe and learn about the creatures around them to help them remember better as well as to practice expressing their ideas many times before presenting them to their teachers and classmates.
This will enhance their long-term memory and bring them more motivation and confidence for the next learning session.
6. Asking children to take a short break and stay healthy
Children’s health is one of the most important factors that parents need to take care of. Children must be in good health with a relaxed mind in learning to get better results.
Parents should let their children take short breaks for about 5-10 minutes regularly and can give them a snack to get enough energy for their body. Relaxing will help children feel comfortable and acquire better in the next learning hours.
These are tips to help your children overcome boredom and have effective online learning hours. Give it a try and have classes with your children every day, whether online or offline, it will surely be a happy day!