Online Learning Tips for Parents and Students

The coronavirus effects have rippled through society on many levels, and schools are no exception. With a majority of schools remaining closed this fall, parents are finding themselves taking on an entirely new role as a teacher (on top of parent, caretaker, and remote worker).

If home-schooling and online-learning is unfamiliar, then understanding where to start can be quite the challenge. But do not fret! You are more than capable of nurturing your child's education at home, especially with these actionable online learning tips.

Create a learning space
First, you have to make a designated learning space in your home for your child. By identifying a specific area for learning, you are setting up a classroom-like environment where your child understands that they have to behave and focus in this space.

If possible, move the learning space out of your child's bedroom, so they have the feeling of going to class. This helps encourage a morning routine of tidying up and "getting ready" before school. Also, remove any type of distraction and clutter to enhance your child's focus.

Implement a schedule
School is not only a place of learning but is also an incredibly useful discipline tool. When attending school, kids develop a habit of schedule. They wake up, eat breakfast, go to class, eat lunch, do homework, and go to bed at specific times every day. This schedule must be upheld at home to create healthy habits for your kids!

Overall, time management greatly influences students' productivity, so try to mimic their school schedule as much as possible. While things aren't "normal" by any means, implementing a schedule can get your child into a familiar routine, which can help boost their focus and productivity.

Limit distractions
In a digital world that has now moved to online-learning, limiting distractions can be tough. Kids are now more connected than ever and are taking on school this year without their teacher's watchful eye. With more independence in education, it's crucial to limit your child's distractions as much as possible.

Whether it's TV, web surfing, or social media, all screens are harmful to the education process. So, while your child or your teenager may dislike you for it, you must be adamant in limiting unnecessary screen-use during school hours.

Take necessary breaks
While online learning may currently be your only option, it inevitably comes with its own set of problems— mainly that excessive screen exposure is bad for child well-being.

With this knowledge, it's essential to prioritize screen breaks. Between lessons, make sure your child has a snack outside without screens. Go on a morning walk or some kind of exercise with your child before school starts. Listen to them when they say they need a break or look incredibly antsy in front of their computer screen.

Curate the learning process
All kids are different and, therefore, learn in different ways. Understanding how your child learns is crucial in curating an at-home learning process that works best for them.

Be lenient with their schedule, find out which part of the day they tend to retain information better, listen to them if they grow anxious, and give them more time if they need to work through a lesson plan. Is your child goal orientated? Then, create a checklist of their tasks so they can cross them out when they're finished. Does your child value breaks? Then, reward them with one after they have completed a task.

We are charting in unprecedented territory with nation-wide online learning being a first of its kind. Be patient with your child, but also be patient with yourself. There will inevitably be a learning curve for both you and your child as you navigate online learning, but working together will drive better results.