By Rania Dawud

Ever since Covid-19 decreed that we must remain indoors, many parents have found it quite the struggle to manage their children’s online school classes and work. It's been tricky enough to adapt to working online as adults, so how do we expect young children to manage the same technique? 

Though it is a challenge, with some effort and proper preparation, online learning can still be beneficial for kids.

But how can you grant your children the best learning experience from home?

Get them in the mood

The best way to study online is to recreate the environment of a physical school. Sitting at a desk or at the dining table is much better than resting their laptop/tablet on their laps on the sofa, or worse, in bed. 

Distractions should be eliminated as well, TVs should be off, phones must be swept aside, clutter should be managed while unrelated open browser windows should be closed. 

StayFocusd is a Google Chrome extension that blocks certain websites for a specific time window; this extension can help ensure that your kid’s mind doesn’t wander off to other sites when they’re supposed to be in class. 

Even the way they’re dressed could affect their learning; staying in pyjamas will keep them in a sleepy and lazy mood. Even if their school does not ask them to wear their uniform, changing into something more practical will make a difference to their mood. 

Make use of their breaks 

The breaks in between classes should be used to move around, use the bathroom, have a snack or otherwise socialize with other family members or friends. Being in front of a computer for hours on end is exhausting, both physically and mentally, so when given the chance to step away, it’s best to take advantage of it. 

Maintain physical work 

One downside of online schools is that if they don’t feel like “real” school, then that sense of commitment towards it is loosened. 

Young children best learn through interaction or where they can engage with their senses, therefore, make sure that their notebooks, textbooks and pencils are always nearby. Let them take notes as it helps ensure they are following along and they are more likely to remember what they’ve learned after they’ve written it down. 

Time management

Routine is essential to reap productivity. You can start this by maintaining a similar morning routine to the one they had pre-lockdown; i.e., waking up, having breakfast and getting changed at the same time as before. 

Most schools are following the same time schedules they had pre-online classes and it’s better to keep their routine the same after school too. Set a particular time for homework and revision, and check in with them daily to keep up with their progress while still trusting them to be independent. 

Help them keep in touch with their friends and classmates

Sometimes struggling with homework can be bearable when a kid knows that they are not alone. Find ways to keep them in touch with their friends from school to keep them motivated. Reach out to the parents of their classmates and be updated on how other students are doing in school. 

Collaborate with their teachers and other parents in finding ways to improve their online-school experience and update each other on their progress and understanding. 

Finally, it’s important to remember that not all kids are at the same intellectual level nor do they learn at the same pace. Allow for flexibility and try to understand your child’s learning style, and what system or schedule works best for them.