8 Ways to Keep Children Engaged with Distance Learning

While children continue to study from home in the UAE and in most parts of the world due to school closures, some may find it difficult to concentrate on their schoolwork due to many factors. The comfort of their own home may encourage them to be more laid-back than they would be in school and let’s not forget the numerous distractions! Here are some helpful tips on how you can help your children stay engaged while they take on distance learning.

1. Create a routine

Children may find it hard to focus now that they’re away from their schedules from school. By creating a schedule and routine for them, you’re helping them focus on their tasks and helping them ease into their new school setting at home. Make sure that they stick to their schedules – this is important in order to create and set a routine that will keep them engaged and focused on their schoolwork.

2. Set up a rewards system

Start a system that allows children to be rewarded for completing tasks. This keeps them interested and exciting since they’re gaining something in return. What you choose to reward your child will depend on what your child likes and what excites them.

Rewards could include more tv time or a sweet treat!

3. Keep them active

Since kids have started learning at home, they aren’t participating in as much physical activity as they were when they were still going to school. Keep them active and moving even at home. Find exercises online that you could do with your children and make sure to keep this up often.

4. Create a distraction-free environment

Try to set up an area at home that can be solely dedicated to your child’s learning. It should be well-lit and be free of all distractions. The area or corner should have all their learning materials ready as well so that they don’t need to move from the corner every now and then to get pens, books or any other stationery.

5. Allow them to take breaks

You can’t expect kids to cram work into a few hours. When kids are well-rested, they are inclined to stay focused. Giving the brain a rest is beneficial in getting kids ready to do schoolwork, allowing them to absorb information better.

6. Help them with tasks that they struggle with

When their schoolwork has them stumped, don’t force them to immediately solve the problem. You can encourage them to move onto a task that they can complete and have them come back to the more difficult ones at a later stage. Guide them in the right direction by breaking down difficult tasks into smaller, easier ones.

7. Communicate with teachers

Don’t hesitate to contact your child’s teacher if you need additional resources for your child. You can also ask them for guidance if your child is struggling with certain tasks and you are unable to help them figure them out.

8. Initiate a virtual study group

Encourage your child to work together with other students from their class virtually. This would allow them to have some form of socializing as well, now that they’re unable to meet each other in person. Students working together in groups helps them understand tasks and concepts better and may potentially enable them to complete assignments quicker.