The concept of online or virtual classrooms is not a new one. But then again, the biggest impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been on children’s education. The fact iswe just have to learn to live with these COVID-19 restrictions.
76% of parents are concerned that their child’s academic performance will be obstructed by the shift to remote learning.
For a preschool educator, managing an online classroom full of kids can be a challenging task.
Generally, nursery teachers promote play- or project-based learning approaches. Children develop initial social as well as emotive, executive functioning, and academic skills through play. But the good news is you can still set up an online learning environment that is engaging enough to help kids continue to learn and keep connections.
How to Manage Online Classes for Kids?
Following are some of the helpful tips to make virtual/online learning more engaging -
1. Use the Right Device
According to the released guidelines for digital education of the Ministry of Human Resource Development of the Government of India state that ‘schools can hold live online classes for a maximum of 1.5 hours per day for Classes 1-8, and three hours per day for Classes 9-12’. Also, it has been observed that larger screens like tablets and laptops or desktops are better than smartphones, for numerous reasons. It is really necessary to consider a stable and steady internet connection.
2. Shorter Sessions
Try to break it down into shorter sessions. Young kids cannot sit and be attentive for a long time. Hence, it is best to keep your sessions short and sweet. Add a few activities or a few quick songs before logging off. This will help kids to be much more engaged. Virtual or online activities need the same flexibility just like the in-class sessions.
3. Include Music and Songs
Try to use more and more music and songs in your sessions. Try to include songs that are familiar to kids, inviting them to sing-along is also a great way to boost engagement by making virtual meetings more collaborative. You can include parents as well if they can play an instrument or else you can also play an instrument (if you know how to).
4. Use Familiar Items and Classroom Favorites
Try to include favorite books or the same activities in your virtual classes. This will help children continue a connection with the classroom. If your students truly enjoyed playing a certain game, think about how it might be changed to virtually. This will help children tosustain a sense of monotonousness.
5. Ask Families To Join In
For younger pre-schoolers, having their parents, siblings, or other caregivers present will make the virtual or online learning experience run more efficiently.This also helps to preserve a sense of community in your online classroom.Parents will appreciate social contact just as much as their kids, so include them as well if you can.
Final Thoughts
It’s completely okay if your students are restless and cannot concentrate for a longer time. This is very normal and can be worked around with thoughtfulness. The Diploma in Nursery Teacher Training course prepares nursery teaching professionals to be more skilled and efficient to handle 21st-century classrooms.
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Written By : Aditi Rao
