Every parent is concerned about their child’s future and to give it a good shape, it is important to teach your child to read and learn online. And, with education slowly moving online, it is even more important.
Almost all of us attended offline classes. Learning online is not the same as learning in a four-walled classroom setting. There are many software, tools and online classes app that has come up to make the learning process less intimidating, but for a child to operate and understand its features of it is not at all easy. As a parent, it is your responsibility to teach your child to use these tools to a certain extent so that they can learn things online.
Here are a few tips to guide you in making your child’s online learning experience easy:
- Basic Computer Skills
Teach your child basic computer skills. This will give them confidence when they start online classes for the first time. What we mean by basic computer skills is:
- Teach them to operate the mouse
- Teach them how to cut, copy and paste
- How to use the keyboard to type
- How to navigate to a website and switch between tabs
- How to turn the microphone and camera on/off
- How to login to the platforms or mobile teacher app
- How to use a few basic computer programs necessary for typing or drawing
Kids are quick learners so you just need to show them how to navigate the app used for their learning purpose and they would not ask for help anymore!
- Limit Distractions
We all get distracted and when it comes to kids, even a pen falling down from the table will distract them and then it might be a tough job for them to be able to focus and concentrate on the computer or the mobile screen again. Additionally, if the teacher or the lesson is not interesting to the kids, they will get distracted and might not want to learn it anymore.
To support their learning process, you can simply create a quiet space for them in your home. Allow your child to engage in the class without having to think about muting or unmuting the microphone. Encourage your child to ask questions in the class because it is not always possible for a teacher to focus on every child at each moment in an online classroom. This will also boost their confidence and they will be less public-shy.
- Get Involved
It is always a good idea to sit beside your child when they begin a new class for the initial 10-15 minutes. It helps you to understand the format of the class and understand what your child will be learning in the class.
Kids like to spend time with their parents. So when you sit beside them you can motivate them and push them to engage in the class. This will benefit you as well as your child.
- Track your Child’s Progress
It is necessary for you to track your child’s progress. E-learning usually involves more self-study, so it is always recommended to check if your child is actually learning. Ask your child about what they learnt in the class. If the teacher does not provide a progress report, ask them to do so every once in a while.
- Encourage your Child to Build Connections Online
In a group class, there are many students who learn together. It is a good idea to encourage your child to befriend their classmates and also be friendly with their online teacher. Encourage them to connect beyond the classroom by arranging video calls or playdates.
Parents are a child’s first teacher. Do the necessary beforehand to mould your child’s future in the right direction.
