Conquer the demands of virtual learning with these 6 parent-friendly tips!
Back To School in the New Normal: The Ultimate Guide For Moms
The COVID-19 pandemic initially brought the world to a standstill – but we cannot deny that the world will keep on turning and so should we. So, as adults transition back into rejoining the workforce and pushing the economy back up, the kids must also prepare to go back to school.
But in the new normal, what does a classroom look like? How can children adapt to these new learning techniques, especially the young ones? And as a parent, how do you help your child face this new type of education?
Here are some tips we have prepared for all back-to-school moms at the time of COVID-19.
- Prepare your child(ren) and yourself with all the essential facts.
Transitioning to a virtual classroom is something new for you and your child. If it is overwhelming for you, imagine how this news will sink in to your child’s young mind. They might have questions in their mind, just like you, and it is important that you approach this as a family and talk about this new set up. First of all, try to make your child understand the gravity of the COVID-19 pandemic, what they should do to protect themselves against this disease, and that their school will temporary be in a virtual set up.
In your decision to enroll your child this school year, you should check on the school’s website, set up meetings with your school admins, talk to your child’s teachers, and ask them for their guidelines and expectations from you and your child for this academic year.
- Practice open communication lines.
Because this is something fairly new, make sure that your child feels that you are someone they can run to on their concerns about the new normal. You can talk about what they are excited about for school, what they are curious about, as well as what they are worried about.
As the school year starts, continue regular check-ins on your child’s performance – and make sure to pay special attention to their mental health. If everything becomes too much for them, understand if they may need a break and find ways to show them support.
- Establish a routine for better time management.
One of the main problems with studying at home is that there might be blurred lines between home time to study time. Therefore, assigning a specific schedule for your child to study will help them get into a learning mindset and become more productive during their workday.
Just like how it would be if they were in face-to-face classes, the consistency and structure is a great help to simulate school set up at home. Consider meal times, breaks, class schedules, home work time, and extra-curricular activities in designing the daily routine.
Remember, base this schedule on your child’s learning behaviors, their skills, their weaknesses, and best qualities. Each child is unique so customize your approach to be tailor-fit to your child.
- Help your children assign a specific learning space.
For this school year, moms and dads must be ready to create a makeshift classroom for their child. Finding a conducive learning environment is crucial to help your child accomplish tasks much easier. The space must be quiet and organized, with all of the necessary learning equipment that your child might need. Of course, this starts with a good sturdy desk. Additionally, you can also assign a reading nook and a crafts area for projects. And yes, this includes gadgets like a laptop or a tablet, and school supplies, like notebooks, art materials, and pens.
- Reduce distractions.
One major disadvantage of today’s technology being widely available is all the distractions. In fact, according to a study done in 2016, students spend 20% of their time on their tablets, smartphones, and laptops even during class. The reason that they state for doing so is that they feel bored and they have this craving to stay connected to social media.
Now that children are in a virtual school set up, it might become harder to focus on class and have their attention drift into something unproductive instead. As a parent, it is important that you set specific ground rules that will eliminate distractions when it is time for class. It might also be good to check on them every once in a while.
- For better performance, practice brain breaks.
Sitting through an entire day of online classes without breaks can be bad for your child’s brain. Not only that, imagine the detrimental effects of extended screen time and having a sedentary lifestyle might also contribute to health concerns.
According to a study by John Hopkins University, children must be given a break every 25 minutes. A break can last from 2 to 5 minutes, and it will be more than enough to give the brain a breather and allow the child to stretch their bodies a little.
Parents should also find ways to squeeze in some physical activity and exercise in their day to day activities to reduce their stress, give them energy outlets, and help them become more focused.
Online class needs? Blend.ph can help you!
These tips are all very useful to keep in mind as we journey into a new beginning for this academic year. But, if you are feeling worried about the additional expenses that this new venture comes with, we are here to help you. Get the funds you need for that online class gadget for your child, enrollment costs, and other class expenses by becoming a Blend.ph borrower. Visit www.blend.ph/borrower/ to learn more.