How to Get Your Kids Ready for Online Education 

With so much of the world going virtual in this day and age, many children all over the country will be going back to school with virtual-hybrid schedules or will be learning online entirely. Many parents are at a loss on how to prepare their kids to learn in an entirely different setting; at home. While every child is different, here are a few tips and products that might help you and your kids have an easier time with this transition into a new learning experience. 

Set Up a Designated Learning Space

Setting up a special space that’s just for school-time can really help your kids focus and keep school and leisure time separate. Perhaps you can set up a desk space for them that has their computer, notebooks, school supplies, and textbooks all in one place. 

You can even get them things like this mesh desk organizer to neaten their space and give them a routine of taking out their supplies in the morning and cleaning them up in the afternoon. These types of activities set a routine and can really help bolster your kid’s mindset when it comes to learning from home. 

https://www.amazon.com/Mindspace-Office-Organizer-Compartments-Collection/dp/B01GVQB0J6/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=desk+organizer&qid=1596835559&sr=8-2

A desk shelf would also be a savvy investment. It can store textbooks, notebooks, calculators, school supplies, and more. 

https://www.amazon.com/PENGKE-Storage-Organizer-Adjustable-Supplies/dp/B07V72H4D1/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=desk+shelf&qid=1596835754&sr=8-3

Give Them Tools to Keep Track of Their Work

A student planner or agenda would also be a great tool to help your kids keep track of their due dates and homework assignments. Not only will this help them manage their school work from home, but will also teach them incredibly valuable time management skills and help deter them from procrastinating. 

This planner is very kid-friendly and is easy to use. 

https://www.amazon.com/Undated-Student-Planner-Elementary-Kids/dp/B01LX0BY02

For your older kids, something like this planner would be helpful and appropriate.

https://www.amazon.com/Middle-Student-Planner-Academic-2020-2021/dp/B084T4TRSS/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=student+planner&qid=1596836002&s=office-products&sr=1-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyN0xTQ1pXN1BHWVZRJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMTgwNTAzMkxPVDFJSVhYUUVaOSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwOTkyMzc1M1ZESEJFTVo5V1RFWCZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

If you feel like your youngster might need a more prevalent visual aid that they’ll see as soon as they sit down, a wall calendar like this one might be the way to go. 

https://www.amazon.com/2020-2021-Calendar-Twin-Wire-Planning-Organizing/dp/B083HYMF3F/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=big+wall+calendar+kids&qid=1596836052&s=office-products&sr=1-2

It may take them some time to get used to managing their time on their own without the classroom setting or teacher’s presence, but if you take the time to teach them these skills, they can thrive in an online school environment. 

Make Sure They Take Breaks and Have Leisure Time

Breaks and free time are just as important as school time. Make sure your kids are taking ample breaks throughout the day just like they would at school. Have them step away from their desks and stretch between virtual classes. Also, make sure they’re taking an hour or so for lunch each day and are eating nutritiously. 

Another part of school that your kids will definitely miss is the social aspect. Many children won’t be able to see their friends or classmates beyond sharing a virtual class together. Try to correspond with other parents to set up video calls or online activities that the kids can do together from home. There are tons of virtual board games on online stores like Steam that offer kid-friendly fun that they can do together from the comfort of home. 

Make sure your kids have time to put into their hobbies and interests, too. If they’d normally attend a club or team sport during the week, try to find alternatives that still cater to that interest. If your son or daughter normally has soccer practice with their team, have them practice solo drills at the park or in your backyard. This can help them keep up with their skills in the sport for when they can have practices and games again in the future, while also encouraging them to get outside and be active. 

Talk to Them

Times are a little tough and the potential transition to online learning is daunting for millions of families across the nation. Sit down and talk with your kids, no matter how old they are, and make sure they know that you support them. They may not say a lot in response, but knowing you’ve got their back can make a world of difference. 

Communication is critical, especially in times like this, so always try to keep that door open for them. If they’re struggling with the new learning style, sit down with them and see what you can do to help. If they need a tutor or counselor, there are online tutoring or therapy options that are fully remote and incredibly effective. 

The world we live in right now is all about adaptability. Team up with your kids to roll with the punches and problem-solve as the new school year starts and they’ll be sure to do great things.