When schools moved to online learning, we quickly learnt that parents and teachers must work together as one team. Keeping children engaged with online learning can be challenging, but here are seven ways to help:
- Maintain home-to-school communication: regular communication and feedback can establish trust and a feeling of support between students, families, and teachers. Information regarding school operations changes rapidly, so communication is essential. It will assist students in understanding and adjusting to a rapidly evolving learning environment.
- Manage and understand expectations: it is important to understand your family’s expectations as well as the school’s. Go over what the school expects regarding online learning and set expectations of your own. Schedule some quality child-parent time. If siblings are sharing a device, make sure they know how and when to use it.
- Create a designated learning space: creating a space for learning reduces distractions, stress, and conflict. With younger children, you want their study space to be in a central location as they get distracted easily. Older children enjoy more privacy, especially if they’re frequently in video classes. Try to also limit any distractions during lessons.
- Develop consistent routines and schedules: a daily routine provides children with clear boundaries, expectations, and consistency. Younger children need more structure, so let them know what to expect. Have them follow a routine as if they’re going to school.
- Keep Moving: allow time for exercise as children need to move their bodies frequently throughout the day. Also, remember that some children can focus better on activities while they are standing. So, consider having your computer or tablet placed on a raised surface to allow this.
- Take a break: taking short breaks can increase productivity, reduce stress, increase focus, and keep students motivated.
- Provide immediate positive feedback: positive feedback can improve a child’s enthusiasm, confidence, and self-awareness for learning.
Sincerely,
Reinette Evert
School Counsellor / Educational Psychologist
International School of London Qatar