Help Your Child Study At Home Better
Just as parents had to work from home because of the quarantine, students also had to study from home. Living room spaces had to be adjusted to accommodate the new set-up, and everyone's juggling noise levels around the house as both parents and children might be teleconferencing. No one was prepared for this, but we're all thrust into it anyway, and even children are forced to adjust.
What used to be a social and educational experience is now mixed with virtual navigation and digital burnout. As parents, we wonder what we can do to help our kids out- unlike school, we see them, and they're here with us. The feelings of wanting to do better for our children has never been stronger, and luckily there are a lot of ways to make virtual learning for your child easier.
Designate and Personalize a Learning Space
Much like our offices were designed to help us focus and reduce distractions, a personalized learning space can do the same thing for your child. A corner with a table and chair isn't enough, no- learning isn't a pick-up and go kind of activity, it takes some time to zone in. Designate a room for learning, it should be a space where they keep supplies like books and notebooks. It should also have the ergonomics for prolonged sitting: a good chair, a sturdy table, and an elevation for the laptop or computer screen.
All of these might sound too much, but consider this: your child won't be able to focus if they're studying on the kitchen table or living room, and the sitting for long periods of time while staring on a computer screen can lead to posture issues.
Make a Routine- and Stick to It
Working or studying from home brings flexibility to the table. Suddenly we have a lot more time in our hands that we can pour on other things. But this freedom can also lead to complacency and decay. Not having a structure or schedule can lead everyone to be distracted, and then performance suffers.
People flourish when we have a sense of order and system in place. Think of using a routine or a daily schedule. Of course, in the beginning, you should adjust and adapt to obstacles that you encounter, but ultimately, making a schedule that everyone follows should help. And by everyone, that means you as well. You don't have to abide by your children's schedule, but it's best to set your own and stick to it. If children see their parents get up early, then prepare breakfast, and then make it to their virtual training for leadership or online meeting, they'll develop the sense that this efficiency and discipline is normal, something that they'll hopefully copy.
Help Your Child Learn
There's a common misconception that online learning is a lot less stringent than traditional, face-to-face schooling. However, this could not be farther from the truth, as online learning brings along its own set of challenges for both students and teachers and parents too.
There's a lot more independence on the student's part, as they're expected to go through materials and modules on their own. Online classes are mostly for support and clarification. The curriculum remains the same, it's the method of teaching that has changed. But with the parents being there, it's easier to assist your child where they find things confusing or difficult. Following the teacher's lead, however, should remain central. Education professionals are there for the benefit of your child, and you can provide a better experience for your child by following and supporting their teacher. Keep in touch with your child's teacher, so they can let you know what to expect and how your child is doing.
Take Breaks
With no school bells or alarms, it's easy to work yourself to absolute tiredness. However, we function best when we're refreshed and not tired. Thus, taking a break is as important as studying is. What should you do during study breaks?
Walk Around
This is the best opportunity to get those joints and muscles working, especially after sitting for hours on end. This also helps with blood flow, sending the brain the oxygen and blood it needs.
Stretch
Much like walking, stretching alleviates the joint and muscle pain you get from sitting for too long. It helps improve blood flow as well. The best part about walking is that you can stay inside your house without having to go out.
Take a Shower
Everyone likes a good refreshing shower, and it might just be what you need to go back to studying feeling energized.
It's hard to watch our children struggle with this sudden shift in learning methods. The regular school was difficult as it was, but then they're forced to readjust and recalibrate how they learn.