Parent Tips for At Home Learning
In recent years, at-home learning has become increasingly popular, particularly with the rise of online education options. And while the transition to at-home learning can be challenging for some, this approach to education has plenty of benefits too.
For one, virtual learning allows for greater flexibility in terms of scheduling and pace. Students can complete assignments at a time that suits them rather than being bound to a rigid schedule on a typical school day. This can be especially helpful for young kids who need extra time to complete their work or work best during non-traditional hours.
At-home learning also allows students to take greater control over their education. With more autonomy in terms of scheduling and pacing, students can tailor their coursework to their own needs and interests. They can spend more time on subjects they find challenging or move more quickly through material that comes easily to them.
Of course, at-home learning also comes with its own unique set of challenges. Without the structure and support of a traditional classroom, it can be easy to get distracted or feel isolated.
However, with the right tools and strategies, overcoming these obstacles and succeeding in an at-home learning environment is possible.
In this article, we will explore some tips you can utilize to help your child flourish and succeed with at-home learning.
What Is At-Home Learning?
At-home learning, or distance learning, refers to completing coursework and other educational activities from one's home rather than in a traditional classroom setting.
This can take various forms, from fully online classes to hybrid models that combine both online and in-person components.
At-home learning can be facilitated through various technological tools, such as online learning platforms, video conferencing software, and educational apps.
Benefits and Challenges of At-Home Learning
Benefits
One of the key benefits of at-home learning is flexibility. Students can often complete their coursework on their schedule rather than being tied to the traditional school day. This can be particularly helpful for students with other commitments, such as work or family obligations, or who work better at different times of the day.
Additionally, at-home learning can provide students with a more personalized learning experience, as they can work at their own pace and focus on topics that interest them.
At-home learning can also allow parents to connect with their children in new ways and cultivate a closer relationship. Parents can better understand their child's strengths, weaknesses, and interests by actively participating in their child's education. This can help parents provide better support and guidance.
Challenges
At-home learning has its challenges, however.
Students may struggle with motivation or feel isolated without the social interactions of traditional classroom settings.
Additionally, at-home learning requires a certain degree of self-discipline and time-management skills, as students are responsible for staying on top of their coursework and completing assignments independently.
Despite these challenges, at-home learning can be an effective way for students to pursue their education in the best way for them.
Here is a list of our top 10 tips you can follow with your kids to help them overcome these challenges they might face while doing at-home studies.
10 Tips For At-Home Learning For Parents
#1 - Routine, Routine, Routine
Establishing a routine is essential for success during at-home learning. A daily schedule can help children feel more engaged and in control of their education by providing structure and predictability.
With that being said, you want to establish a routine that meets your child's learning style. For example, if your child is most alert and productive in the morning, then that is when you should plan the bulk of their learning. If afternoons are your child's strongest time of the day, then set up a routine that incorporates that time as part of a regular study schedule.
With a bit of planning and effort, a routine can be an effective tool for success during at-home learning.
#2 - Eliminate Distractions
To help your child succeed, you should remove as many distractions as possible. Doing this can help your child maximize their learning time.
One way you can do that is by setting up their workspace where it's free from distractions such as TV, video games, and toys. Removing those distractions will help your child concentrate on the task at hand. Otherwise, their attention will be drawn to those things that call to them within the environment.
It's also important to consider that there are more than just tangible or physical distractions that might call their attention.
Placing a study area next to a window can be great if the light is needed for a good learning environment. However, if that window faces a sidewalk or is near the front door, then anything happening within view can be a significant distraction to a bored or tired mind.
The same can happen if we set up the study area in a high-traffic zone within the home. It is not only easy for the student to become interested in what the rest of the family is doing, but it is also quite tempting for family members to ask just a "quick" question as they wander in and out of the study area.
With all that being said, try to set up a dedicated workspace that is free from as many of these distractions as possible. You can even brainstorm together as a family what the best learning environment will be within your household.
By eliminating distractions, your child will be able to have better retention of information, less frustration and stress, and a more positive learning experience overall.
#3 - Have A Dedicated Workspace
Think about yourself for a moment. Do you do better work in bed or sitting on the couch than you do at a dedicated workspace with a comfy, ergonomic chair and desk?
Well, the same goes for your kids!
So, try to set up a workspace that encourages learning and study for your kids. This could be a desk in the living room or office or even a clean spot at the dining room table. Try to make the learning space as comfortable and inviting as possible, with good lighting and a comfy chair.
Encourage your kids to use the dedicated workspace for all school-related activities, including attending virtual classes, completing homework, and studying for exams. This will help them establish a routine and create a clear boundary between school time and leisure time.
#4 - Planned Breaks
Taking brain breaks during learning time may seem counterintuitive. However, studies have shown that taking breaks helps children recharge their brains, reduce stress and fatigue, stay focused and engaged, and improve overall performance.
Taking breaks also give students time to think about how to apply new information or to reflect upon it and reframe the knowledge in a way that makes sense to them.
Your planned breaks should factor into your child's learning style. For example, some kids thrive on the Pomodoro technique with ten to fifteen-minute breaks scheduled throughout the day. In comparison, other kids might do better with just a mid-morning break, a lunch break, and a mid-afternoon break.
During breaks, encourage your child to stretch, take a short walk, go on a bike ride, take deep breaths, etc.
#5 - Hand-Eye Coordination
Hand-eye coordination is an essential skill used in many learning aspects. It refers to the ability to coordinate the movements of your hands and eyes in a way that allows you to perform tasks accurately and efficiently.
Some ways you can practice this with at-home learning is through activities such as:
Drawing and painting.
Playing musical instruments.
Building puzzles.
Playing board games.
Catching a ball.
Physical activities such as sports or dance.
I cannot understate the value of purposeful play in promoting effective learning in children. So do yourself and your child a favor, and include some fun hand-eye coordination games and physical activity into your daily routine.
#6 - Encourage Physical Activity
One of the biggest challenges some students face in a traditional learning environment is the requirement to sit still at a desk for hours.
Many children have a lot of energy, and you will find that those kids actually learn better when they are able to engage in physical activity regularly throughout the day.
So, try to plan different kinds of physical activity into your daily routine or learning plan for the week. You can do this by getting them to do physical activities on their break. See tip # 3 for some ideas of what you can do during breaks.
Another way you can encourage physical activity is by incorporating movement into the learning itself. For example, you could write down some math problems on a beach ball. Then, when they catch the ball, whatever math problem their fingers are touching, they have to answer. While this may not get their blood pumping, it will get them out of their chair and moving around.
You can also encourage your child to engage in physical activities outside of schoolwork by joining sports teams, gymnastics, dance classes, etc.
By making physical activities a regular part of your child's day, you can help them stay energized, focused, and motivated.
#7 - Set Goals With Your Kids
One thing that is missing for many kids in a traditional education setting is a sense of empowerment. This is because everything in conventional education is pretty much decided for the kids already.
By setting goals with your kids in an at-home learning environment, you give that sense of empowerment back to your kids.
Doing this can help them feel excited to take control of their education, focus on the things they are passionate about, and motivate them to work towards certain milestones.
Start by identifying specific areas where they want to improve, such as reading comprehension, math skills, or writing ability. Then, work together to set achievable, measurable goals that will help them make progress in these areas.
Encourage your children to track their progress and celebrate small victories along the way. You could even consider offering rewards or incentives for reaching specific milestones, such as earning good grades or completing a challenging assignment.
By setting goals with your kids, you can help them stay focused and motivated, leading to a more positive and productive at-home learning experience.
#8 - Learn How To Identify & Overcome Challenges With Your Kids
Facing challenges is a normal part of life, even for kids. By teaching them this at a young age and giving them the tools to identify and overcome those challenges, you will be setting your child up for massive success in their future studies, careers, and everyday life.
To identify challenges, start by observing your child during learning activities and noting any behaviors or patterns that may be hindering their progress. Common challenges may include difficulty focusing, lack of motivation, or difficulty with specific subjects.
Also, take note of what your child is saying to you. If they are saying they are struggling with something, affirm that feeling and then create a path forward to help them overcome that struggle.
Once you and your child have identified the challenges, work together to develop strategies to address them. This may include breaking down complex tasks into smaller, more manageable steps or seeking additional support from teachers or tutors.
#9 - Celebrate The Wins
By celebrating the wins, parents can help their children build self-esteem, resilience, and a sense of accomplishment, all of which are essential for success during at-home learning. So, don't forget to acknowledge and celebrate your child's progress and achievements!
When they reach a milestone or accomplish a task, take the time to acknowledge and recognize their hard work and offer praise for their efforts. This can include verbal affirmations, special treats or activities, or even a simple high-five or fist bump.
Whatever the celebration may be, make sure to highlight the progress and positive changes that your child has made.
#10 - Get Help When You Need It
Don't be shy to reach out to your child's teacher or your peers who may be able to provide valuable guidance and support on teaching strategies, additional resources, or materials that work well, and answer any questions or concerns you may have.
Online resources, such as videos, tutorials, and interactive learning tools, can also be valuable sources of information and support.
By getting the help you need, you can overcome challenges and succeed in at-home learning.
At-home learning can be challenging, but with a positive attitude and the right strategies, it can be a rewarding experience.
Here is an overview of the tips we talked about in this article.
Create A Routine
Eliminate Distractions
Set Up A Dedicated Workspace
Set Planned Breaks
Encourage Hand-Eye Coordination
Do Regular Physical Activity
Set Goals With Your Kids
Learn How To Identify & Overcome Challenges
Celebrate The Wins
Get Help When You Need It
Don't be afraid to ask for help or try new strategies until you find what works best for your child. After all, there is no one best way to do at-home learning.
If you need any support, we are here to help you! Feel free to reach out….. at Infinite Learning Academy 502-822-6868
