With the global pandemic affecting every aspect of our lives, we’re clearly having to adjust. Before the pandemic, most of us would not have thought that learning Spanish, History, Science, Reading, etc…. on a Zoom call at home could be effective, and we’ve learned that oftentimes, it is not.
Right?
It truly depends on how the teacher is conducting the class, the material being learned and the activities, not to mention, the length of the class. The education of our children is just one of many hurdles we’re facing as a world.
As parents, we are now rushing to organize and schedule our lives around this change to online only: having to be your kid’s tutor, teacher, nanny, babysitter, and so much more, all while you’re trying to do Zoom calls with the CFO, or, even more sadly, you’ve had to leave your job altogether so that you can stay home with the kids and take care of them properly, helping them learn at home.
Honestly, it’s hard. We understand that.
We feel this heaviness in our bones on a day to day basis.
That is why we have created this post to help you adapt to these changes for the sake of your kids’ education… and your sanity. These are our best tips for helping kids who are learning at home.
1. Make and Keep A Schedule
Now that your kids are home, there will be no school bells ringing or bus honking. Therefore, it may be harder to get your kids into the frame of mind for learning, especially when there are so many distractions at home (TV, computers, your work meetings, a new caregiver, their phones, and so on!)
This is why we recommend that you create a learning or study schedule to keep them on track. Because let’s face it, kids do need a little structure in their lives or they will take over!
So how can we do this?
Creating a fixed schedule for your kids is a piece of cake. All you have to factor in are:
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Their class schedule
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Their sleep and meal schedule and
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Their free time
Once you have created a fitting study schedule that can help them focus on their studies, while also having enough breaks for downtime.
2. Fun & Exciting Activities
We know you’re trying to be serious about school, but you might just have to let go of control and make things fun as much as possible, so that you don’t all go nuts. Whether it is Math, Spanish or the Sciences, children need fun and fascinating ways to learn. Countless studies have shown there are many benefits of making learning fun for kids include:
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It helps with long-term memory retention
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Kids will more likely take risks and participate more in classes
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There is an increase in school performance
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And a sharp improvement in executive learning functions
As a parent, you may be looking for the best ways to help your kid’s learning process by making the lessons fun and interactive. Here are a few ways that you can do that:
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Try Hands-on Learning Activities
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Use colorful and bright tools and toys
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Play and learn with them!
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Never forget to give them breaks
Here are just a few more creative ideas that you can try!
3. Find An Online Tutor
Having a professional tutor who is able to make fun and interactive lessons for your kids is a golden idea, not to mention everyone will be a safe distance away from each other! They are trained to facilitate learning in an entertaining yet effective way. Regardless of the topic, having an extra pair of hands will not only allow your kids to grasp new ideas and info quickly but also give you more free time on your hands.
4. Create A Productive Learning Space
Having a dedicated learning space will let your child’s productivity skyrocket. And the best part is that it won’t take much time or money to create their workstation. First, you will need to understand what equipment and learning tools that they will need for each class. These can include:
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Computer
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Pencils, pens, crayons
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Headset
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Exercise books and textbooks
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Printer
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Scissors, glue, ruler and other tools
Then all you have to do next is to find the best place in your home to create your kid’s workstation. Just make sure that it is in place that they will not be easily distracted.
5. But… Don’t Be Afraid To Have A Change Of Scenery
This may seem to contradict the first point. But as we all know, sitting in one location, day in and day out is not helpful for proper learning. So, we recommend that you have different areas that your kids can learn in throughout your home. For example, you can allow them to have their lessons on the patio while they soak up the sun from 1pm – 2pm, or even take their lunches to the backyard. Or maybe you can take them into the backyard when it’s time for interactive games and fun between 3pm and 4pm. What’s more, you can give them time to play outside when they are on their breaks.
Learning At Home Can Be Easy And Fun
With these tips, your kids will make the best out of learning at home. Plus, it won’t be an added stress to you.
If you need a language tutor who will help guide your kids when it comes to mastering any language, then give us a call. We have a vast team of online language tutors ready to help you and your kids gain complete fluency.
