Help children adapting to Remote Learning

Our lifestyles have been abruptly altered with the presence of Covid-19. Like it or not, we were forced to accept  online; adults working from home and children studying remotely using online platforms.

After having 2 months of online classes  with my students, I have observed some of the norms and below are the ways to make remote learning more interesting and easier to adapt for your child.

1) Tired eyes

We encountered tired eyes after spending a good deal of time staring at screen from laptops, smartphones or even television. The strain of  looking at the screen constitute to eyes fatigue.

Therefore, apply the 20-20-20 rule. After 20 minutes staring at the screen, look away for 20 seconds and be looking at something 20 feet away. (This is applicable for adults as well). For me being  confined in a room, I usually look out from the door or windows to relax the eye muscles.


2) Disruption Online
Do prepare the children that there will be disruption online and this is okay. Do not get panic but do login again. I'm pretty sure teachers will understand and will not penalized the child.


3) Different learning method

Remote or online learning is a new trend and the children may fumble with the technology. Teach the children at least how to login in order to cease their worries of disconnecting from the class. Believe me, I have students in Year 1 who are now very familiar with Zoom and some even help to remind their classmates to mute while I'm talking or to use emoji to give me signals!

Children learn fast and digital is their era!


4) Be on time
Like our classes in school, we have to be on time so that we will not disrupt other classmates. Not only that, sometimes teachers may lock the meeting for privacy purpose and that may restraint late comers from joining.


5) Explore, explore, explore

As for now, remote learning is our best option to keep the children learning. So, use this opportunity to explore different education platform such as quizzes, puzzles or even online arts. Besides, this we can boost the child's confidence in using education platforms.

Beating the back to school blues

Credit from Photo by VisionPic .net from Pexels

Short breaks  helps students to rejuvenate and relax from school’s hectic schedule. It has no harm to enjoy the holidays to the max but should be balance up by getting ready for school after term break. Below are some tips.

HOW TO KICK OFF THE BACK TO SCHOOL BLUES

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1. Finish your school homework before school break
It’s important to complete your homework to avoid going back to school stress, as you might   forgotten about it until school reopen.

2.  Pack your bag and uniforms
Before bringing the kids for vacation or day trip, I usually get the kids to ensure their uniforms were washed and hang neatly in the wardrobe. They have to ensure they have complete uniforms with their neck tie to their socks and shoes.

3.  Return from vacation at least a day earlier
It is advisable to at least return from vacation a day earlier. The children need time to adjust their emotions (mindset) and physically (especially sleeping pattern) before school starts.

4.  Check your packed bag before sleep
To have a good night sleep, children should check their bags again, preferable before dinner, so parents still have ample to rush for stuff that children forgotten to include. These are usually materials for art or design subjects.

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5.  Sufficient sleep
During school holidays, children were given the flexibility to sleep and wake up later than school days. Therefore, give the kids at least a day to adjust their sleeping pattern and  they need at least 8 hours sleep.

6.  Avoid exciting activities
A day before school reopen, get the kids to do some mild activities such as reading their favourite book or playing some bored games like monopoly but avoid playing with smart phones that may trigger insomnia.

So kids with this, welcome back to school!