Keeping children’s interest in Online Kids Classes and ensuring learning can be a major hurdle for schools and families during times of social distancing. Find out in the following three tips why it is essential to balance the use of digital platforms, off-screen activities and the kids’ creative free time.
Classes must go beyond the expository format
Good teachers plan their lessons considering children’s ability to maintain attention, types of activities, and the importance of playing. Researchers have shown that traditional lectures are less effective than active methodologies, which put the child at the center of learning.
The teacher, instead of explaining the content, offers children access to the best content and activities for them to study, research, develop and learn. Teachers become the mentors in the Online Preschool Program.
Diversify is the key
Breaks are essential when it comes to learning online for children. These breaks are essential for two reasons. First, it is important to remember that the child cannot maintain concentration on the same activity for very long. Several researches have shown that when the school offers breaks between activities, the child learns more effectively.
The second reason why breaks exist is both teaching and learning moments and play breaks are important. It is because children also learn by playing and interacting with other children. In play, they can also exercise creativity, which strengthens learning.
Multiple types of stimuli
One of the ways to strengthen children’s engagement and motivation is using different types of stimuli. Different short duration stimuli together will give a result far superior to that of a traditional long class. It is why Footprints Online Preschool Program mixes pre-recorded video lessons, book activities, digital games and live meetings between teacher students.
This approach, in line with the best online education practices, serves to enhance the child’s learning, strengthening interest and motivation. Other approaches, which connect children for several hours in front of the screen, are not effective in terms of learning and can harm children’s physical and mental health.
Conclusion
As the little ones are very active and full of energy, the screens are used as great allies when it comes to educating them. Children under one and a half years should not have access to digital platforms. After two years, they can start accessing online educational programs.
In the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, social isolation poses great challenges. It is not always possible to reconcile distance work and children’s education. Many schools have been following the best pedagogical practices that include interspersing live meetings.