Are you a new age parent who has decided to go with online (or hybrid) schooling for your child? So after a lot of careful deliberation, you decided to move your child to an online (or hybrid) school. Congratulations! You probably got it right! As the saying goes – “a parent knows best” – and only you truly understand your child’s needs.
Advantages of online schooling have been discussed in our previous blogs at length. Today’s blog is for parents who have already taken the plunge and need inputs on how to support their child in this new phase of schooling.
To help your child transition smoothly into their new learning environment, you should be mindful of the following:
- A routine – Although there is no pressure of catching the school bus, online classes (just like physical classes) are scheduled as per a fixed time table. Therefore, it is important to consistently adhere to timings for waking up, meals, self-study and relaxation. This brings a structure to the day which ensures that your child is focussed and motivated.
- A Learning Space: Designate a space in your home exclusively for your child’s online classes that is free of distractions. This space should be quiet, well-lit, and well-equipped with – a computer with internet access, books, and stationery.
- Technical Support: It is of utmost important to have a reliable internet connection. Set up your child’s device with the necessary software. Every school has its own learning platform and tools. Ensure that these are correctly configured. Familiarize yourself with these tools; you should be able to troubleshoot any technical issues that may arise.
- Do not meddle: Make your child independent by helping your child develop the necessary skills such as time management, staying organized and asking for help only when needed. Encourage them to take ownership of their learning and seek the guidance of teachers if they encounter difficulties. Parents who take on their child’s school tasks, just because they are close at hand, are doing a disservice to the child’s growth and progress.
- Connect with Teachers: Stay connected with your child’s teachers for feedback on their progress and problems they may be facing. Virtual parent-teacher conferences are the best platform to discuss your concerns or questions about your child’s academic performance.
- Emotional Support and Healthy Habits: Moving to online school classes can be stressful for some children, so be patient and understanding as they adjust to the new format. Validate their feelings and offer reassurance that it’s normal to feel uncertain or anxious during times of change. Emphasis should be placed on regular breaks from screen time to engage in physical as is eating nutritious meals. Instil other healthy habits such adequate sleep, personal hygiene and spending time with friends and family.
- Getting the best from online education:
– Make sure that your child stays connected with their peers. Encourage them to participate in class discussions and collaborate with classmates on group projects to build a sense of community. Peer bonding is possible even in online classes with the aid of virtual hangouts, online study groups or extracurricular activities
– Keep track of your child’s academic progress. Talk to them regularly to understand how they’re coping with online learning. Celebrate their achievements and offer support if they’re struggling with certain subjects or assignments.
– Online learning may require adjustments along the way, so be prepared to adapt your approach based on your child’s needs and feedback. Stay flexible and open-minded, and be willing to make changes as necessary to ensure your child’s success in their online school classes.
The above tips are all it takes to help your child thrive in their online learning environment and achieve academic success. Remember to stay patient, flexible, and supportive throughout the transition process, and don’t hesitate to reach out to the school for help.
GoSchool is India’s first hyflex, new age international school which combines best of both worlds – Traditional on-campus learning with Online learning. To know more about our unique approach, fill in this form.