Covid-19 has been a real test for students and parents alike because what was previously routine and fixed is now subject to change and there is a need for greater flexibility and improvisation. For some, classes have been shut down in person or may partially be online, and the adjustment has not been an easy one for children everywhere with many parents reporting lower than expected grades and general demotivation from studies.
Here are a few tips to teach your kids better at home and keep them motivated:
Planning And Will Is Everything
Depending on the age of your children you need to establish a routine they can stick to. Setting routines and fixed timings is a great technique for dealing with uncertainty and confusion in one’s life. Test and exam dates may be getting shifted and there might be conflicting notifications from your child’s school so by establishing a routine you are able to cultivate a studying mindset with a singular focus.
After establishing a routine you need to set aside a specific space in your home for studying (it could even be in the garden!) This is regardless of whether you are teaching your kids yourself or have opted for home tuition. Furthermore, use the concept of laying out productivity blocks so your kids stay on track with their learning and employ effective time management.
Lastly when you are planning out lessons and a studying routine, always check-in and communicate with your child’s teacher beforehand. They can share valuable advice, lesson materials as well as suggestions for extra reading or credit. By having a good flow of communication with the school teachers you can utilize time better as well as get support for your child’s progress.
Long Walks And Long Talks
A child cannot keep sitting for a long period of time so make sure you incorporate some breaks and recreational activities in between and taking a walk is always a great way to stave off mental fatigue. Using a Pomodoro method with short bursts of learning and writing and regular breaks can also be good for consistent concentration.
Communication with children can sometimes be tricky but always try to have a conversation with them about their likes and dislikes because while academic achievement might be important you need to cultivate a healthy learning environment in which the child actually wants to acquire knowledge for its own sake. The content of your talks with your children should also encourage hygiene, regular sanitization as well as the fact that Covid is something to be taken seriously so they are getting the bulk of important information from you and not from the Internet.
Curb Access To Devices
While this might seem like a misnomer it is essential to protect children of all ages online. If your child is accessing the Internet on a laptop or tablet to log on to and keep track of their lessons, they could easily get sidetracked as well. Make sure to have regular sessions with your children to explain cybersecurity, scams, protecting privacy online, rules about communicating with strangers as well as clicking inappropriate ads. Wherever possible install parental controls on all devices including the televisions if it connects to the internet.
It might seem like a lot of work to curate the shows, websites and even online study resources your child has access to but you will see dividends in the long run. If you have a very young child, make room for reasonable assistance to be given in homework as you don’t want to pressurize children to be too independent before they are mentally ready. Within reason allow them to search for answers and research online but keep tabs on the websites they are visiting and teach them not to share personal information or pictures online with anyone.
Flexibility Works
Regular school worked because it was a fixed routine with fixed rules, timings as well as lots of other kids following along. Don’t expect the same level of discipline or concentration at home and instead be flexible and manage your expectations. There might be days your kid needs time off or cannot complete designated tasks. For their mental health as well as long-term productivity you need to allow them time to unwind.
If you feel there is too much pressure from your child’s school and they are relaying way too much material per day, you need to voice your concerns to the relevant authority. You can also make suggestions as a parent to the school if you think your kid and other people’s kids are having trouble with a certain subject because it needs a different approach.
Author Bio
Medison Evy of SmileTutor, a company specializing in home-based tutoring solutions, outlines seven tips to become successful in online tutoring.
