The COVID-19 crisis has turned the daily lives of families all around the world upside down. Up to 60 percent of all students across the world have been affected by pandemic related school closures, according to the UNESCO.

For parents who have no experience teaching their children at home, it is an enormous challenge to suddenly take on the role of primary teacher or overseers of their academic progress. The same can be said with kids who have never received education outside of a formal setting or institution.

While online learning has its challenges, it also has plenty of good opportunities. School days don’t have to be as strict and as structured as they were before, and the internet is a superb source of learning materials on top of schoolbooks and textbooks.

Here, we look at some tips to help parents facilitate online learning at home.

Photo by Julia M Cameron from Pexels CC0 License

Organize your technology and resources

Computers and internet connection are the basis of online learning. You may have to start from scratch, buying a laptop or tablet, and getting an internet plan. Or you may need to upgrade to a faster device and a more reliable connection. Either of these situations requires you to fork out for those things to ensure your kids can have a comfortable and productive home-learning environment. Check with your school or district to see if there are any grants or bursaries or other ways of funding if you are on a low-income or your child has additional needs.

Familiarise yourself with the guidelines around online safety

Your children will be spending even more time than usual online and may be doing it without supervision if you are working or looking after other members of the family.  LanSchool partnered with Bark for student safety so children should know what they should and shouldn’t be doing when they are online, but it is a good idea to go over the rules so both you and they know what is acceptable and what is not.

Create a learning environment

If possible - and it isn’t for every family - create a dedicated learning space. It can be a nook in your study, their playroom, or somewhere conducive to taking their online classes. Equip this classroom with boards, pens and papers, books, and other essential equipment and resources. As much as possible, make this classroom an educational and fun space for schoolwork and related activities - somewhere that they will enjoy spending time and learning in. Get them comfortable tables and chairs too.  

Implement a schedule, but be flexible

Having a daily schedule, as they do in school, gives the kids a sense of normalcy and routine Structure the school day around your child’s needs and yours too, given that you too will have responsibilities at home and work. This school day can mix indoor learning with outdoor activities to reduce screen time and to give them time to play and relax.

Learn to set reasonable goals for the kids. They also have to adjust and cope with the changes brought by these unprecedented times. Your goal, for now, is to get them on board and help them with their education at home.