This post: 6 things every teen needs to gear up for online learning
Considering most major school districts plan to start the fall semester online, what we do now to prepare our kids for the upcoming school year will play a big role in their success.
As parents, the idea of entering into a new school year of online learning is stressful. But with a little planning (and maybe a slight attitude adjustment), we can keep our stress (and our kids’ stress) at bay. Here are a few things every teen needs to gear up for online learning this fall.
#1 A Comfortable and Organized Learning & Study Space
Did you know that by simply transforming the space where our kids learn and study we can positively impact their mood, motivation, enthusiasm and even their emotional health? And, considering our kids will be spending a boatload of time at home, they need a space to call their own so they can buckle down and focus without distractions.
Having a dedicated learning and study space that’s comfortable, organized and quiet will not only impact our kids’ ability to excel academically, it can also impact their ability to adapt, stay focused and manage stress.
If your child doesn’t have space specifically allocated for online learning and studying, try creating one. Transform a corner of your child’s bedroom or a nook in the corner of the house. Add a desk, proper lighting, and a few great organizational items so everything has a place. You don’t have to spend a fortune to create a functional space. Look for items on sale or, if you’re a do-it-yourselfer, try creating your own!
For a few cool and clever study station ideas, check out: 25+ Study Stations that Take the Stress Out of Homework.
#2 A Desk Chair that Doesn’t Suck
Now that the bulk of our kids’ time will be spent at home as opposed to hopping from classroom to classroom, chances are they’ll be bouncing back and forth between various spots in the house – none of which are likely optimal for concentration or comfort.
Buying a comfortable chair for your teen – one that meets ergonomic standards – could be one of the best investments you make in your child’s education this school year. After all, a crummy chair is not only really uncomfortable (especially if you’re sitting in it for long periods of time), but it can also cause poor concentration and fatigue and put a lot of physical stress on the body including tense back and neck muscles. Look for a chair that’s designed to ergonomically adjust to your teen’s body and one that provides comfortable support.
#3 A Customized Schedule that Works for Them
Once our kids have a dedicated, comfortable and organized study space, they need to think about when they study best.
If they’re like most teenagers, they’re probably not a morning person, which means – unless they have an online class they need to be present for – they should set aside a couple of hours every evening to cozy up to their computer and get their homework and studying done.
If, on the other hand, they’re a morning person who thrives on getting a jump on the day, encourage them to grab a quick, healthy breakfast and hit their computer early to barrel through the lessons and studying.
Also, they need to take time to think about what type of learner they are. If they’re a visual learner, tap into some of the great learning apps available such as Quizlet which allows you to create flashcards. After generating a set of cards, users are able to electronically test themselves through quizzes and games.
Another app that’s great for social learners is GoConqr. The app allows users to connect and collaborate with friends and classmates and offers visual learning tools as well, including mind maps, quizzes, flashcards and more.
To help your teen stay focused, study smarter and keep track of all their assignments, check out this post: 20 Insanely Useful Apps for Students.
#4 Simple Time Management Techniques
One of the biggest benefits of online learning is that it gives our kids tremendous flexibility in their day. But too much flexibility can be a bad thing, especially for some teenagers who have difficulty with time management.
The most important thing our kids need to do this fall is to hold themselves accountable, find ways to structure and optimize their time during the day and establish a schedule that helps keep them on the right track.
Simple things like dedicating a certain number of hours per day to do homework and studying, using a time management app or student planner app, and minimizing distractions including turning off the tv, closing browser windows and turning their phone off, can make a huge difference in productivity and help your teen stay on task.
#5 To Take Advantage of Virtual Network and Study Groups
As soon as we hear the words “online learning” a vision automatically comes to mind of our kids sitting at their desk learning and studying completely isolated with little support or help. But the fact is, our kids aren’t alone. There is an entire virtual community available to our teens to help them navigate any challenges they may face this school year.
From learning forums and discussions with teachers to virtual networks designed to interact and connect with other students, there are plenty of ways our kids can dive into the virtual world to connect with classmates and seek help and support from teachers and instructors.
Encourage your teen to connect with other classmates by leveraging online study groups. A lot of students are using Zoom to connect, but another popular platform is Slack, a messaging tool that allows students to form smaller communities.
#6 Nix Negativity
As parents, most of us aren’t looking forward to the coming school year. We felt the trials and tribulations of last semester and the thought of having to gear up for more challenges is exhausting. But we have to remember, our kids feed off of our emotions. If we enter the school year with a defeated, negative attitude, so will they.
Instead, face the new year with a positive attitude. Teachers, schools, and colleges have had an entire summer to iron out some of the initial kinks they were faced with when the pandemic hit and, chances are they’re far better prepared this semester. Plus, now that our kids have had a chance to digest the fact that they’ll be learning online again this semester, they’ll also be better prepared to deal with any potential issues that may arise and they’ll find their stride a lot faster than they did last semester.
Tell us what you think! Share your thoughts on things every teen needs to gear up for online learning in the comments section below!
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20 Insanely Useful Apps for Teens
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