How to make the best out of online learning

With the Covid-19 pandemic paralyzing the entire globe, we now have a new norm when it comes to our children’s education: online learning! This has all the aspects; the good, the bad and the ugly. But whether we like it or not, we must make the best of it. Here are a few tips to make the best out of online learning.

Related Articles: 

• 5 Distance Learning Tips for Parents at Home
• 10 Creative Websites for Kids to Write Books
• 15 Books to Teach Kids About the Environment

1. Talk it out

The situation is new to your child as it is to you, so you need to talk about it daily and as much as possible. Listen to your child’s complaints and concerns. Don’t dismiss their feelings, it is okay that they are frustrated because they are not going to school. Emphasize that this is one of those situations in life in which we don’t have power and encourage them to see the positive side. Explain that this is temporary and encourage them to make the best out of this unique experience.

2. Rise and shine

Even if online learning is sparing you and your children the morning commute, get up early at the same time you used to before, and allocate the extra time for having a family breakfast; squeeze in 10 minutes of meditation, do some stretches and take a minute to be grateful you are together and healthy. Starting the day with positivity will help your child realize that being out of school isn’t that horrible after all.

3. Organization is Key

Whether it is organizing the child’s study space or schedule, being organized releases a lot of the pressure this situation builds. Make sure your child has everything they need from gadgets to stationary in one place that is easily accessible. And make sure the daily class schedule is visible so that they can attend all classes on time. Don’t forget to schedule breaks where they can have healthy snacks and hydrate.

4. Be flexible

Flexibility should be every mother’s mantra during online learning. Allow your child some space if they want to attend class on the dining table or even on the balcony or the back yard – remember that when they were in school, they used to roam from class to class, and were able to go outside. Giving your child some of the mobility they had in school will help them focus more and be less bitter about the experience.

5. Appreciate teachers

Learning from home has made everybody realize how valuable teachers are, and made moms know what a difficult job those heroes have, educating and inspiring our children. Take a moment every day and talk about one of your child’s teachers with them and remind them of the amazing job they are doing during this difficult time.

6. Have realistic expectations

Whether your expectations are about your child’s grades or about his level of enthusiasm about school, you need to adjust them immediately. Although the teachers are doing the best they can, and most schools went to extreme measures to ensure the teaching and learning process are not affected, online learning is not the same as face-to-face learning. Once you and your child realize it’s different and so are its outcomes, you will be able to better navigate the situation.

7. Extracurricular activities

Don’t forget that school is not just classes, it involves friends and activities. So make sure you have these covered as well. Try to have your child attend playdates whether online or face-to-face while respecting physical distancing. And don’t forget about sports and the other extracurricular activities – make sure your child has enough alternatives so that they can feel as though things are the closest to normal as possible.