Baaang!!!! Mrs Aishat jumped out of her chair in fear! The loud noise that had startled her from her Online Work Meeting came from the living room where her kids had been playing peacefully just a couple of minutes earlier. She felt so embarrassed that her colleagues had seen her reaction which she considered very unprofessional. She quietly wondered what her kids were up to this time.
The past weeks had been rather challenging for her. From doing her best to meet up with her work demands which had surprisingly increased during the lockdown to getting the never-ending house chores done while also taking care of her three kids who had now been at home for the past three months,no thanks to the closure of schools due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Mrs Aishat wondered for the umpteenth time when her kids’ schools would be open again so she could have some peace! She said a silent prayer for all her kids’ teachers whom she had not appreciated much in the past. She now fully understood how much burden they had helped lift off her shoulders and quietly promised herself to do better once schools resume.
Initially, when the Federal Government had announced a total lockdown in her state due to the COVID-19 pandemic, she was very elated! Prior to the lockdown, she always had a really busy schedule with work and family demands coupled with other personal projects that she was working on. She had thought that the lockdown period would be a perfect time for her to get some rest from all the numerous tasks and activities. Little did she know that her kids had other plans for her.
She really wished there was a way the lockdown could go on while the schools were still open. Only then would the compulsory Covid-19 vacation make any sense to her. She stepped into the living room as soon as her work meeting ended and noticed that her kids had broken yet another expensive flower vase. Too tired to scream or spank them, she got the maid to clean up the mess and told her kids to go to their rooms to take a mandatory afternoon nap. She sighed deeply and hoped to find a solution really fast!
Just then, her very good friend, Mrs Monica called her to catch up on old times. During their conversation, Mrs Aishat narrated her ordeal. Her friend laughed and told her that she had the perfect solution for her. Mrs Aishat was surprised to hear that her friend had been having an amazing time during the “Coronavacation” as she playfully called it. Mrs Monica had signed up her four kids for Smartify Tutors Online Classes. The tutors were keeping her kids engaged while she had all the “me-time” that she needed in the world. Her children also enjoyed the classes a lot and they could continue learning despite the closure of schools. It was a “WIN-WIN”for everyone!
Mrs Aishat made the decision there and then to sign up her kids for Smartify Tutors Online Classes. Just like Mrs Aishat and Mrs Monica , you should sign up your kids for our Online Classes today!
We have decided to share with you five(5) tips to help your kids get the best from online learning during this period.
TIP 1: Create a quiet and comfortable space in your home where your kids can learn.
Chances are that, just like Mrs Aishat, you have also had to work at home for a period of time during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many adults have a specific area of the home in which they work, and it’s important that you create a similar space for your kids.
Your children will achieve their best work in a quiet, comfortable, and dedicated space that is strictly devoted to learning.
Clear out a space in your home for them to take their online classes and complete their homework tasks away from all forms of distractions like games or T.V.
TIP 2: Limit Distractions.
Even though your kids now have to stay at home all through the day, you must help them understand that they must still keep their attention focused on learning. While you should give them time to play and relax, they must know that they can not spend the whole day doing this.
A “digital quarantine” might be necessary to keep your children’s attention focused on their schoolwork. You should limit their use of their devices and time spent watching T.V until they complete their work.
TIP 3: Create Routines and Schedules for them to follow.
Routines and schedules are extremely important for children at school and thesame applies to online learning. Children will function best if they maintain a routine. Ensure the routine you set is similar to what they are used to.
Wake them around the same time you would if they still had to go to school and have them take their meals as they normally would too. Let them know the things you want them to do at specific times during the day. If possible, write out the schedule so they can see it too.
Having a clear vision of what is expected of your child will help them see that just because they are home does not mean they don’t have work to do.
TIP 4: Help your kids understand that they are not on vacation.
Being at home for such a long period of time at home might feel like a vacation for your kids, but it is important to remind them that their education still comes first. You must help them realize that their online classes should be taken as seriously as they would take their regular school lessons. This might be a daunting task but you must do your best to get it done. Help them understand that things like classes, homework tasks, tests and exams aren’t going away just because classes have moved online.
TIP 5: Make out time for fun!
It is important to have some fun with your children while they are at home. If you don’t regularly work from home, there is a high possibility that you have never been able to spend so much time with your children. Ensure you use this as an opportunity to bond and strengthen your relationship with your kids. Create fun memories with them. Read books with them during the day or at bedtime, take a walk with them, watch a movie together. Help them see that they mean a whole lot to you! This will in turn help them boost their confidence and make them learn better.