Virtual Learning: Helping Children Focus During Classes
The pandemic is still widespread; children are now faced with the challenge of going back to school but through the Internet. Parents like you won’t have any shortage of questions and issues either. One of them would be, “How am I going to keep my child focused in class?” After all, the familiar setting of the home presents many possible distractions. Here are some measures that you can take to help your kids stay on track during their virtual learning sessions.
Re-Establish Some Structure
If classes haven’t started for your child, then you can treat this time as if they’re going back to regular school. They’re going to go back to a regular schedule, more or less, so it’s best to re-establish structure by setting a routine. Have them wake up and sleep at set hours, and meals should also be eaten at consistent times. Help them prepare for online schoolby getting them used to structure beforehand rather than forcing them to adjust quickly. Establishing good time management habits now will be useful when they grow up.
Set a Place for Them
Having to go to school in a familiar place such as home can easily become distracting, as it’s usually the venue for activities such as family fun and rest. It’s still a challenge for adults, so you can imagine how much your children have to deal with. Another way that you can help them is to set a dedicated space for their studies. It can be a simple table and chair with their computer setup along with any other materials that they need. As much as possible, remove distractions such as mobile devices.
Attend to Needs Beforehand
Getting hungry or having to go to the toilet can throw someone off from what they’re supposed to be doing online, and that includes studying. That is why if you can, make sure that basic needs like these are met before the session starts. If they tend to become sleepy while class is ongoing, then you can try to have them nap for a few hours before the session. You could also try to do some wake-up exercises together before the class starts.
Think Small and Short
Generally, the younger your children are, the shorter their attention span. That time can also be affected if your kid is suffering from an attention disorder. But no matter their age, they have a limit as to how much time they can put their full focus on the class. If you have a say on how long the lessons can be, as well as how many people will be participating in a session, you might as well use the opportunity to propose having shorter segments, frequent breaks, and smaller size.
Your child’s focus may be the problem for you instead of the lack of resources, but it’s nothing that the two of you can’t face and solve together. In a way, this situation is a learning experience for both of you. It is an opportunity for you to strengthen the bond and trust between you.
