Here’s the scene: I’m working from home, trying to edit a document while spying on my kid, who’s in his third Zoom online learning class of the day. Every time it goes silent on his side of the table, I give him side-eye.
“Why is it quiet? Aren’t you supposed to be ‘in class’?”
“I’m in a breakout room, but we’re all done,” he might answer. Or, “We were dismissed early, to work on homework.”
What’s he doing instead of remote learning? Getting a snack from the kitchen, or picking up his phone to scroll through memes, or taking his (fifth) bathroom break. And I have to interrupt my own worth for the dozenth time that day to try to get him back on task during distance learning.
Sound familiar? Please tell me it does! I can’t be alone in this!
Luckily, we parents have tools at our disposal. We can help our kids keep that fanny in that chair during online school…and actually learn something in the process.
10 (quick!) tips for increasing attention during online learning:
1. Set up the environment for success.
Choose a place that is reserved for learning in your home. Put away all distractions. Choose materials that are specifically for learning time and keep them organized so they are easy to access.
2. Set the expectations for online learning.
Talk about what’s expected in terms of behavior and staying on task. Learn how to create clear expectations, whether your child is in virtual school or doing online courses through a private school.
3. Give visual reminders about expectations.
For younger learners, make a sign showing pictures of what’s expected during online classes and post it next to your child’s workspace.
4. Prepare ahead of time to make the learning time successful.
Make sure your child is well-fed, encourage your child to spend some time being active prior to class, and set up their workspace so they have all materials that they need within reach.
5. Help them understand what time is required of them.
A visual timer that shows how much time is remaining in the class or a prompt telling them when they have ten more minutes before a break will help to make the time on task more manageable.
6. Praise them early and often.
You can give words of encouragement when a class or an assignment is finished, but give praise at other times too, especially when you catch your child doing the right thing. Even just a pat on the back, sticker on their hand, or a cute little note can remind them that they are doing great doing hard work.
7. Create a written schedule or checklist.
Everyone loves lists, even kids! Having a checklist or a schedule to follow will help them to stay on track, stay encouraged, and understand what’s coming next.
8. Use first/then statements.
Example: first you need to finish your math class, then we can get some lunch and go outside.
9. Create a self-monitoring system.
Self-monitoring takes advantage of a simple behavioral principle: that checking in on your behavior to see if it matches an expectation has a lasting impact on behavior. See how to set up a self-monitoring system (link)
10. Motivate your child with a token system.
A token system helps bridge the gap between what your child is doing right now and what they want to do, and increases motivation to stay on task. Learn how to set up your unique token system.
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