Let’s unmask those hidden smiles! (How to help our kids succeed at e-learning) It might not be the education we planned for our kids!
Constant interruptions, erratic sleep schedules and a zoom burnout. Sound familiar? Wouldn’t we all like to set up our kids better for perhaps another year of online learning? The good news being that we as parents, care-givers, teachers and school leaders are now better prepared to support kids in their social, emotional, and academic growth during the pandemic.
Creating the right space- Create a special, personalized corner of a room dedicated to learning, creating, and reading. The right workspace makes a huge difference in students’ mindset and ability to focus. Having a direct conversation with your child about where and how he or she will be most comfortable completing online coursework. If your child thrives on quiet, make sure that he or she has a desk and comfortable chair in the room. If he or she needs a little more interaction, a desk or table in the living room or kitchen may be a better option. No matter what the workspace looks like, be sure that your child has easy access to the materials and supplies that he or she will need.
Setting up a routine- Younger kids need more structure than older ones. You can create a visual schedule they can follow. Older kids can use a calendar, planner, chalkboard, or digital organizer to keep track of what's happening each day. Have them follow a routine as if they're going to school (getting dressed, brushing teeth, etc.) instead of lying-in bed in their pyjamas, which could lead to less learning. Unscheduled breaks sometimes help, especially for kids with learning and attention issues, so make sure to build those in.
Encouraging focus and self-regulation- It is harder to kids on track if they're completely unsupervised. One can always have a partial glance, one word or non-verbal cues at regular time intervals to ensure focus. Talking to them about the connection between bodies and brains and what happens in their bodies when they feel frustrated, excited, or sad. This awareness helps kids recognize and manage their emotions. If you have other devices in your house, keep them out of your kid's workspace if possible.
Follow their interests and encourage ownership- We can fill up the rest of our kid’s day with whatever they are into. When deciding how to structure the day, ask kids what they prefer. Try to incorporate their choices into the plan. Let kids hang up their drawings, writing, or other projects in your home. It shows them you're proud of their work and helps them value their learning. Even older kids like it when you show pride in their work. (But always ask before you post anything!) Always, encourage a growth mindset, which means reminding kids that it's not about being good or bad at something, but working toward getting better at it.
Common Sense, Humour and Physical Movement- Physical activity can lift our spirits and get our minds refreshed for learning. A 5minute dance party to help everyone reset and bring new energy to the day. Finding the funny right now is helpful on every front, including learning and well-being. Be silly, make wacky connections, come up with crazy answers so your kids correct you -- whatever works! Also, kids may or may not talk much about the virus, distance learning, or how the pandemic has affected their social lives -- but they're feeling it. Parents and educators should try to lead with love, empathy and remember that strong relationships with kids make for positive educational experiences.
Would love to sign off with these four lines in Hindi, dedicated to our children.
कुछ देर की खामोशी है
फिर शोर आएगा
हमारा सिर्फ़ वक्त आया है
इनका दौर आएगा
- जिगर परमार
Image source-freepik
