Keep your child learning during the Covid-19 Pandemic

Ways to help keep your child learning during the Covid-19 Pandemic.

We are currently living amidst what is possibly one of the greatest threats in our lifetime to education. As of 18 March 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic has caused schools in South Africa to close and has left parents concerned for their children’s education. Learning from home or home schooling and online tutoring has become the “New Normal”

Fortunately, most of the public and independent schools in South Africa kept on working through online learning and this enabled the parents to educate their children at home. The transition from face-to-face to online learning presented parents with new challenges on how to best prepare and support their children for a different schooling experience, which left a lot of parents frustrated and feeling overwhelmed.

Learning from home has many challenges that parents need to consider.

Here is a list of strategies to help keep your child learning during the Covid-19 Pandemic for all the parents who feel overwhelmed and stressed by balancing work, family and school.

       1. Plan and maintain a daily routine with your child.

It is important for parents to educate their children during this pandemic. Try and establish a routine with your child that factors in work time, screen time and playtime. It is important to establish this routine with your child so that they know what’s allowed and what type of behavior is off-limits. You can also establish a reward system, which rewards your child for good work which will motivate them to work harder and smarter.

       2. Identify a quiet workspace for your child.

This space should be as distraction-free as possible. Thus, it should be away from the television or music or even a busy street. Also ask your family members to be considerate and mindful of your child and not to make too much noise during the day as this might distract your child from learning. You can also take some learning outside if you can for a change in scenery.

       3. Have open and honest conversations with your child about their well-being.

Keep in mind that social distancing and self-isolation can be very stressful for your child. Therefore, as a parent you should communicate with your child and ensure that you know the struggles that they are facing so that you can help them through this stressful time. As a parent you can limit your child’s time on Social Media and you can encourage them to play outside. And, because children are great imitators, limit your own media use and play outside with your children.  This will help your child get much needed sunlight, exercise and social interaction.

       4. Protect your child Online.

As a parent you should schedule screen time limits for your child and devices. It is also important to monitor what your child is doing online to ensure that they do not run into inappropriate sites. If need be, you can also set up restrictions on websites and the types of downloads you deem inappropriate to keep your child safe from harmful content.

       5. Stay in touch with your children’s education facility.

It is important to maintain a strong and positive relationship with your child’s teacher to help ensure your child’s academic success and healthy development during this pandemic. The teacher can advise you on how to use learning platforms and on your child’s development during the pandemic to ensure that they do not fall behind. If need be, you can even hire a tutor from AAA Tutoring | Africa to help learn your child during this difficult time.

In conclusion, I believe that if these strategies are implemented, your child will be empowered to learn and achieve their goals during a very anxious and stressful time.

Learning from home can be fun, I hope my blog has been of assistance.

So, are you willing to take the time out of your busy day to have the conversation with your child about Covid-19 Pandemic and the impact that it might have on their well-being and education?