It can be hard to get children interested in an activity for long periods of time. The process only becomes harder when the activity is learning. To top that, if the learning is virtual, getting a child to genuinely engage may seem impossible at times.
However, this post is here to help!
With the right encouragement and in the right setting, all children can flourish in a virtual learning environment. We’ve listed six tips for keeping your children excited and engaged in virtual learning.
- Focus On Quality Over Quantity
Little children have a short attention span, which is why you should focus on letting them have quality learning time in short bursts. Instead of aiming at keeping them occupied for a long time, you should try to let them enjoy an activity for a brief period. This way, they won’t get bored or distracted and will want to return to the activity later.
- Be Relatable and Fun
It is important that you establish a sense of relatability during your virtual sessions. Planning your activities around the child’s recent experiences can help you capture their interest and excite them for each lesson. It is also important for you to learn through trial and error. Trying a bunch of new things and taking notes on what got the most positive response can help you form a connection with the child. With many Virtual Preschools, you have the option to pick and choose which content and activities you do day-to-day, so be sure to choose a subject that engages your child.
- Establish a Safe Space
Create a safe space for kids to talk freely in their virtual classroom/learning environment. Encouraging children to speak up about their personal experiences and learning in front of their peers can do wonders for their confidence and communication skills. It will also increase their mental presence and commitment to the class. You can help to create a safe space by encouraging your child to raise their hand and participate during their Zoom classes, or by asking them questions about the things they’ve learned during their video lessons.
- Get the Family Involved
Getting a child’s family or primary caregivers involved in different activities will not only allow them to bond, but will also put the child at ease, making them more receptive to learning new things. You can also help by engaging with your child after the class by sharing some follow-up activities you will do later. Education can be a great way to build a connection with your child!
- Have Well-Defined Goals
Pre-schoolers are at a very crucial developmental age. After all, they are growing each and every day! Keeping a track of their various developments can help you plan activities for the future in a way that focuses on their weaker areas. Some areas to keep an eye out for are cognitive development, physical development, language and literacy development, and social-emotional development. That said, you can keep track of these developmental milestones without judging too harshly; all children learn differently, and your child might just need some additional time in certain areas.
- Patience is Key
Always remember that virtual preschool is as new an idea to you as it is for your child. Therefore, it is very important for you to be patient with both yourself as well as your child. Know that it is okay for both of you to make mistakes. What’s most important is that you both learn from them.
Find A Quality Virtual Preschool
The virtual preschool you choose must be well equipped with the knowledge, skills, and programs required to nurture a child’s development. The final decision on which online preschool a child should attend should only be taken after extensive research and deliberation.
