How to Support Your Child’s Virtual Education
The world is changing, and so are the modalities in which we learn. Virtual education is becoming increasingly popular because it offers a safe and engaging educational environment for children of all ages. Virtual education has been around for some time, and it encompasses more than just online schools and homeschooling. It also includes academic instruction and activities that students bring home from school, including lessons on the internet.
Whether your child prefers to learn online or in person, there are many benefits that virtual schooling has to offer. Read on to find out how you can support your child’s virtual education today!
Create a dedicated learning space in your home
Virtual education has introduced a whole new way of learning. For any academic tasks, it’s beneficial to create a dedicated space in your home for your child’s lessons and assignments. If your child does not have a specific place dedicated to schoolwork, now is the time to set up a cozy and clutter-free space your child can utilize for studying and completing assignments.
Your child’s study nook doesn't have to be huge. It can be as simple as a small corner in the living area in which you can put a desk, a chair, and other supplies your child will need. Also, be sure this spot is quiet enough and free of distractions so that your child can stay focused.
Make a schedule and stick to it
One aspect of virtual education that makes it different from a traditional classroom setting is that there isn’t always a specific schedule that dictates when your child is required to attend or complete assignments. When there is no established schedule, your child may be tempted to procrastinate and put off academic tasks. This is where the importance of creating a schedule comes in.
Ensure that your child follows a consistent schedule each day for learning and completing assignments. Carefully consider which times of the day are most conducive for effective and efficient learning. If your little one learns best in the morning, consider scheduling his or her online education in the mornings after breakfast.
By sticking to an agreed-upon and carefully constructed schedule every day, it will become easier for your child to concentrate and focus and make the most of at-home learning.
Set aside time for your child
As a parent, striking a healthy balance between the demands of home and work can be one of your biggest challenges. However, it's vital that you dedicate adequate time to helping and guiding your child with their online learning activities. Be sure to carve out time every day to assist your child with any questions or areas of difficulty. Be readily available in case your little one has questions or if they face a challenging task. Also, be sure to listen if your child expresses certain areas of concerns or problems that may impact his or her ability to learn.
Eliminate distractions
Virtual learning can come with a few drawbacks for some children. One of these is that your child can be surrounded by all sorts of distractions that wouldn’t usually be present in an in-person classroom. Children may be drawn to various home distractions like video games, television, pets, and toys. Our homes have more than enough things to distract our kids from learning remotely.
As a parent, your job is to ensure that these types of distractions are not accessible or detracting from your child's learning time. If video games are a source of distraction for your little one, you can temporarily keep the video consoles in a place where your child can’t access them during online learning time. Likewise, if your child’s academic activities do not require the internet, you can turn it off during school time.
Allow breaks in-between academic tasks
Allowing your child to take breaks in between assignments and tasks is healthy. It can also help reduce stress and anxiety and help them stay productive. Give your child a chance to take a 10-15-minute brain break every two hours. Give children snacks or a chance to get a breath of fresh air outside. This can help make your child feel refreshed and ready to go back and focus on learning.
Technology has changed the way we do many things, including education. Help children achieve academic success and support them on their journey through virtual education by following these tips.
Here at Mrs. Myers’ Reading Room, our virtual classes offer the same benefits and play-based, multi-sensory approach as our traditional programming. Explore our website to learn more.
