According to the World Bank, the COVID-19 pandemic is causing close to 80 %of the world’s enrolled students to be out of school in 161 countries. In order to keep the academic schedule on track, schools have resorted to online learning.
For working parents, this shift to online learning poses an altogether different challenge. Just like in conventional learning, a parent’s role holds the key to a student’s success during online learning as well.
Few Things the Working Parents are Doing
Creating a space for the child’s learning; ideally a quiet, comfortable, and dedicated space that is strictly devoted to learning.
Acquainting themselves with the school’s online resources. Attending ‘Parents Orientation’ Programs offered by schools.
Signing up with online learning platforms. In response to significant demand, many online learning platforms are offering free access to their services, including platforms like Byju’s, a Bangalore-based educational technology and online tutoring firm.
Having a schedule. For a family that is quite likely working and studying from home. Having clearly demarcated schedule for work and child’s study. Ensuring children adhere to a schedule from their teachers. Having a clear expectation from the child in terms of study time.
Allowing time for relaxation. All work and no play make Jack a dull boy. Interspersing the day with breaks, snack times, entertainment, and play time. Chalking out a routine.
Understanding children miss their friends as much as they do. While it might not be safe to physically interact because of the pandemic, allowing them to interact with them online. Allowing them to interact with friends via video chats. Allowing video chats to interact with friends by coordinating with other parents.
Getting children off devices. Getting themselves off devices too. Practicing what they preach. Encourage book reading, writing and other conventional methods too. Spending time reading books with children.
Limiting distraction. Keeping the child’s attention focused on schoolwork. Limiting use of their devices, other than what is needed, until their schoolwork is done.
Keeping in touch with other parents and figuring out what works best.
Ensuring academic obligations such class assignments, tests, competitive exams are met.
Having fun while learning. Organizing family games, small picnics, watching movies at home, etc.
Inevitably, working parents understand how important it is for them to be a part of their child’s academic journey. Let us know what you, as working parents, are doing differently to help your child with online learning……
