Quarantine Learning during COVID-19. The new normal way of living is quite confining and restrictive, especially for kids. Since they are vulnerable targets of the virus, they have no choice but to stay within the confines of their homes for the entire duration of the pandemic.
There are several worthwhile and educational activities that you can introduce to your child. Early online learning is one. The internet continues to keep people connected, and it also brings new and useful information to users of all ages. As such, it is no surprise that digital learning modules are also easily accessible at present.
Quarantine Learning – an early learning program online
To start, you need to make sure that the learning materials you choose are appropriate for your child’s age and stage of development. For instance, children aged 18 months to two years old should be introduced to learning materials that will help them refine their fine motor skills, enhance their memory, and get started with numbers and language.
On the other hand, toddlers aged 2-3 years old must first be taught about numbers and the alphabet. Kids in this age range are also more likely to retain information when it is introduced repeatedly, as in nursery rhymes and songs. Naturally, suppose your little one is three years old or older, you can start focusing on word pronunciation, reading, and other more complex tasks and information such as identifying animals, and objects, mental math, and differentiating patterns.
Most online modules today highlight the reality that each child has a different learning style. It is not enough to focus on a single type of learning material when educating your kid. Use a combination of writing materials, video presentations, workbooks, and picture books. In this manner, you can keep your child engaged and invested in the learning session as long as possible.
Don’t forget the importance of play. Playtime is still essential in the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral development of young children. It is how they can express their imagination and emotions the best. When introducing different kinds of animals, why not use stuffed toys or puppets and re-enact the sounds of each animal with your child? The first-hand experience associated with the information presented to them makes it easier for them to connect the dots and retain what they learn better.
Don’t stress out if it takes time for your child to focus and settle down during their early study time.
Kids will be kids. You also need to make the learning experience enjoyable for them. Give your little one the time and space that they need to adjust. Make learning something that your child will always look forward to. Parents won’t want to see their child having a hard time understanding a problem or lesson. Don’t intervene right away. Step back and let them figure out things on their own. In this manner, you are not only showing them the importance of critical thinking, but you are also making room for them to become more independent. Moreover, you are providing them with the opportunity to explore their skills through trial and error.
The advantage of early online learning is it lets parents create a closer bond with their children while showing them that exploring the world around them is tons of fun.