This blog intends to empower parents to take control of their child’s education in an online environment by providing practical solutions to real problems.
The pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges and problems as well as unprecedented opportunities for educators, parents and children. However some parents are struggling with getting their children to excel. Everyone knows there is a problem but no one is providing a solution. This blog intends to provide solutions to parents that they can readily implement in their homes.
We have to accept that online learning will be a part of our lives. Therefore, we must evolve and adapt. There are new responsibilities, new burdens and new issues. This is a call for parents to be innovative and flexible while maintaining acceptable standards of behaviour in their home.
Solutions
Parents now have to play dual roles and their responsibilities have now increased. Parents now have to be an Educator, a caregiver, chief motivator, and Teacher’s aide. Therefore, it is important for us to underscore, underline and put in bold letters that, time and attention, be devoted and rostered towards assisting their children navigate the online environment. So that they can see schooling as important, so that they can see that learning is something that they can control and therefore become self-directed learners. So let me offer you some tips.
Routines: Develop a routine and stick to it as best as possible. Good routines saves time, money, and stress. This means that you need to get a copy of your child’s timetable. Look at the sessions where the child is free and use that time for bonding with your child. No screen-time should be allowed at this time. Plan family time around lessons. Let your child make the most of their free time in between classes. This is the time to use the restroom, grab water or a light snack, or simply engage in light movement actions. After classes, at the end of the day, encourage your child to step away from all screens, including phones and televisions, and engage in physical activity. This reduces stress and prevents obesity as well as other juvenile lifestyle diseases.
Space to work: Have a dedicated workspace for the child to attend classes and do homework. This space should be quiet, with minimal distractions and little to no background noise. However, you may need to provide additional supplies to the child. The phones, TV, Social media pages, the radio and favorite toys should all be turned off or removed while the child is in class. The child should also be taught to be responsible for that space by keeping it free from mess, clutter, chaos and confusion.
Get help when necessary : Your teachers, the school Counsellor, Student Support Services are all available at your school and many of them provide support services virtually. So use them. They can assist you with developing routines, accessing resources and even providing extra help for the challenging topics on the syllabus or curriculum.
Conclusion
The process of adapting is slow so give the child a grace period to adapt to the new environment. Remember they are young so they will make mistakes from time to time. Try to use those moments as teachable moments to reinforce the correct behavior. Every child is unique so try to find out what works best for your child by observing them at regular intervals. It is ok to give your child a break if they are feeling upset, discouraged frustrated, or very anxious. Sometimes it is good to slow the pace and be patient, give your child more time to think and process everything. Above all else, provide positive feedback to child so that they can remain motivated and encouraged.