Naveed Anjum, IDA

These are the testing times for all of us. We are now living in a world of social distancing which we had never imagined. Whole world is under lockdown as Covid-19 pandemic has left us wondering what has happened to the world order! As the economies are crashing, education sector has seen a new emerging trend of online learning and homeschooling has become a new norm. Parents across the world have been told to become instant homeschoolers.

What is homeschooling?

Homeschooling has been getting traction day by day but the Covid-19 pandemic has made it more relevant in the present times. Homeschooling is a progressive movement around the world in which parents choose to educate their children at home instead of sending them to a traditional school be it public or private school. However, homeschooling isn’t simply like a school. Kids accustomed to the school environment won’t be as focused as they are in schools. Lessons learnt at schools won’t be as professional as they are taught at homes. But as we are in the middle of such a grave situation, online learning has picked up pace and has become of a potential substitute for traditional school learning.

So, if you’re one of the tens of millions of parents who are now essentially homeschooling your kids, here are some of the tips that will help you to keep your kids engaged:

Know your kid

Kids with strong learning traits can do even better when they study independently. But there are children who learn best when in groups. So parents should understand this fact and let their children decide what form learning environments they require.

If your child learns better in groups, try a Zoom study session with a fellow classmate. Older kids are capable of learning on their own with all the available resources.

Do projects of their liking

Since, students don’t get enough time to pursue their interests when they are in school. This is the right time for kids to go for such interests. It could be cooking, dancing or even drawing. If they are truly interested you don’t have to push them for doing such projects.

This is also the perfect time to prepare them for the future where you won’t be available for doing their chores like cooking food for them, doing their laundry and so on. Let them get their self-ready for their higher studies where they will be living a hostel life away from home without a mom and dad. Utilize this time in making them self-reliant and self-motivated.

Go old school

As your child is accessing online school content, make sure that this a perfect moment to
make space for some low-tech activities. Encourage them to pull out the art supplies and get
their hands dirty.

Try to make them familiar with writing an old fashioned letter to friends or family. This will
not only make them feel connected but also supports communication and fine motor skills.
It’s the time that helps us remember to wash our hands, stay clean and to follow the other
public health guidelines. Our kids are going to remember this moment forever. Teaching
them how to weather a crisis just may be the most important lesson they ever learn.