Although there are a lot of uncertainties that come with virtual learning, making sure your child stays on track educationally is the top most priority right now. Along with keeping your toddler on a consistent schedule and ensuring they’re spending the right amount of time on their work, keeping little ones focused is certainly the key.
With preschool being conducted entirely online, it can be especially tough to stay focused and motivated. It’s important (and sometimes challenging) for toddlers to stay on task let alone motivated. Here are some tips to keep your toddler motivated during virtual learning.
- Have an Open and Positive Mindset
It is very important for all of us, the parent – teacher – and the child to accept the new learning environment with an open and positive mind. Just like a physical school scenario, you will have to take some time off to settle your child, the sample applies in virtual classes as well. Give some time for the teacher, the student and yourself. You may have to sit next to the child for a few days and slowly wean them off. Try to motivate your little one and kindly avoid giving this responsibility to anyone else.
- Having a physical space without distracting elements
The space that your kid sits in to study is significant and relevant. A study space that encourages learning behavior is very important for virtual learning.
When getting your kid to learn online, make sure the space they are sitting is clean and has a comfortable seating arrangement. You can transform a room or even a small space into an online learning environment by removing all the potential distractions from it and keeping their books and materials close by to facilitate the learning process.
- Establish structure and routine
Sticking to a schedule is very important as it provides the stability children need to keep plugging away. It also reduces their instincts to go rogue. When expectations are set, it’s more likely they’ll be met. Moreover, routines can help children lower their stress, form good habits, be more productive, and feel more focused.
- Give your toddler (and yourself) a break.
Your teacher does not want your toddler to be frustrated or annoyed about learning. In fact, teachers spend most of their time trying to make the classes interesting. If something is challenging, and you feel your child is getting frustrated, it’s perfectly fine to stop the activity and give them a break. It’s also okay to slow down the pace, which means giving your toddler time to think and process information. It also means the lessons can be cut short in small chunks rather than trying to teach the whole lesson in one go..
- Encourage movement
Toddlers need to move their bodies frequently throughout the day. Start the class with a small exercise or an energiser before your child is expected to focus on virtual learning. Few children are able to better focus on tasks while standing. Consider a few changes like having your computer or tablet to be placed on a raised surface to enable your child to stand and learn.
- Remember that we’re all in this together
Depending on the age of your child, children are likely to have some understanding of the pandemic and the public health risks. Remind your child that they are doing their part and taking responsibility to stop the spread of the virus by learning virtually from home instead of big groups at school. Kids all over the world are facing disturbances to their typical school experience. They need to understand the importance and their contribution that virtual learning is one of the ways to help take care of others and themselves as well.
