Online Preschool Child’s Growth

The COVID-19 epidemic has caused tremendous changes in the way we live our lives, with one of the most notable impacts being the transition to online learning. For preschool preschoolers, this has meant adjusting to a new manner of learning at an early age. While online schools have created a wonderful chance for young preschoolers to learn, many parents question if their preschoolers are truly benefiting from these sessions.

In this article, we will explore whether preschool preschoolers can really learn from online classes. We will talk about the elements that influence preschool preschoolers’s growth, the obstacles of online learning for preschool preschoolers, and how parents may assist their preschoolers thrive in online learning.

Factors That Affect Preschool Child’s Growth

1. Age-Appropriate Content: Online classes for preschool preschoolers must provide content that is appropriate for their age and at the same time preschoolers gain cognitive, social, and emotional skills. The content must be designed to help them in their growth and development. For example, the lessons must use simple language, bright and colourful images, and audio-visual aids to keep the child interested. The content must be engaging, interactive, and educational. Lessons that use storytelling or interactive games, for instance, can help preschoolers retain information better.

2. Qualified Teachers: Teachers who lead online classes for preschool preschoolers must have the necessary qualifications and experience working with young preschoolers. They must be able to recognize the special requirements of preschool preschoolers and offer a secure, pleasant, and encouraging learning environment. A qualified teacher can identify the individual learning needs of each child and provide tailored teaching to cater to their needs. Such teachers can ensure that each child receives a good foundation for future learning.

3. Interactive Sessions: Preschool preschoolers need online classes that are interactive and engaging. Interactive sessions help preschoolers learn better as they are able to participate actively in the learning process. These sessions must allow preschoolers to ask questions, connect with their peers, and join in conversations. The lessons should include activities that help them apply what they have learned. For example, lessons that involve singing, dancing, or drawing can help preschoolers remember information better and improve their learning experience.

4. Availability of Resources: The availability of resources is essential in online classes for preschool preschoolers. Worksheets, films, and interactive games, for example, must be freely available to both parents and preschoolers. Such resources must be age-appropriate and designed to reinforce the lessons taught in online classes. For example, worksheets that involve colouring, tracing, or matching can help preschoolers learn better and reinforce their learning.

5. Positive Reviews: When choosing online classes for preschool preschoolers, parents must read reviews from other parents and educators. Positive reviews can indicate that the online classes are effective in helping preschool preschoolers learn. Reviews can shed light on the caliber of the classes, the credentials of the professors, and the efficacy of the tools made available. Positive reviews can also provide reassurance to parents that they are making the right choice for their child’s online learning experience.

Challenges of Online Learning for Preschool Preschoolers

1. Technology: Technology can be a double-edged sword when it comes to online classes for preschool preschoolers. Although, it allows young preschoolers to interact with technology and develop new abilities. It can be a major distraction, with notifications from phones, tablets, and computers disrupting their focus. Parents should take steps to minimise these distractions by turning off notifications on all devices and limiting access to other screens during online classes. It’s also important to ensure that the child’s device is set up in a quiet area that is free from other distractions, such as the TV or loud music.

2. Noise: Noise can be a significant distraction for young preschoolers, especially if they are trying to learn in a busy or noisy environment. Preschoolers can get easily distracted by noises in their environment, such as other people talking, dogs barking, or cars honking. It’s important to create a quiet space for online classes where the child can focus without interruption. Parents should choose a quiet area of the house, away from distractions, and consider using noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs to block out any background noise.

3. Lack of Structure: Without a clear schedule or routine, preschool preschoolers can become restless and easily distracted during online classes. It’s important for parents to establish a clear schedule and routine for online classes and stick to it as much as possible. This can help preschoolers know what to expect and what is expected of them, and can help them feel more secure and focused. Parents should also consider using visual aids, such as a chart or calendar, to help preschoolers understand their daily routine.

4. Environment: The environment in which the child is learning can also be a source of distraction. For example, a messy room or a cluttered workspace can be distracting for preschool preschoolers. Parents should designate a clean and tidy space for online classes that is free from other distractions. This can help the child feel more focused and less overwhelmed, and can create a positive learning environment.

5. Other Activities: Preschool preschoolers may be tempted to engage in other activities, such as playing with toys or watching TV, instead of paying attention to the lesson. Parents should encourage their child to focus on the online class and provide rewards or incentives for good behaviour during online learning. For example, parents could offer a small treat or privilege for completing a lesson or participating in a class discussion. It’s also important to take regular breaks and allow preschoolers to engage in physical activity, such as stretching or dancing, to help them stay focused and energised.

Tips for Parents to Help Their Child Succeed in Online Learning

1. Establish a Routine: Establishing a clear schedule and routine is important for young preschoolers’s success in online classes. A consistent routine can help preschoolers develop a sense of structure and predictability, which can improve their focus and attention during online classes. When creating a routine, parents should consider their child’s age, attention span, and learning style. A routine should include specific times for online classes, breaks, and other activities such as outdoor play, reading, and creative play. Parents should communicate the routine to their child and stick to it as much as possible, but also be flexible enough to make adjustments as needed. By establishing a routine, parents can help their child develop good study habits and a strong work ethic that will benefit them throughout their academic career.

2. Encourage Active Participation: Preschoolers learn best when they are actively engaged in the learning process. Parents can encourage active participation by asking their child questions about what they are learning, encouraging them to share their thoughts and ideas, and engaging them in hands-on activities that help reinforce what they’ve learned. Parents can also help their child connect the online lessons to real-life experiences, making learning more meaningful and memorable. Active participation can also help preschoolers develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. When preschoolers are engaged and active participants in their learning, they are more likely to retain the information and develop a love for learning that will serve them well in the future.

3. Use a Variety of Learning Materials: Online classes can provide access to a wide variety of learning materials such as videos, interactive games, and worksheets. To keep preschoolers engaged and interested, parents can use a variety of these materials and switch up the learning activities from time to time. Variety can help preschoolers avoid becoming bored or disinterested in the content. Additionally, using a variety of materials can help preschoolers learn in different ways and accommodate different learning styles. Parents can also look for opportunities to use real-life materials and experiences to supplement online learning. By using a variety of learning materials, parents can help their child stay engaged and interested in learning.

4. Provide Positive Reinforcement: Positive reinforcement can be a powerful motivator for young preschoolers. Parents can provide positive reinforcement by praising their child for good behaviour and academic achievements, setting achievable goals and rewarding them when they are met. Positive reinforcement can help preschoolers develop self-confidence, improve their self-esteem, and increase their motivation to learn. Parents should also acknowledge their child’s efforts, not just their accomplishments. By providing positive reinforcement, parents can help their child develop a positive attitude toward learning and a love of exploration.

5. Monitor Progress: Monitoring a child’s progress in online classes is important to ensure they are learning and achieving their academic goals. Parents can monitor their child’s progress by reviewing their assignments, speaking with their teachers, and reviewing their grades. Regular communication with the teacher is important to identify areas where the child may need extra support and provide an opportunity to address any concerns before they become major issues. Parents can also track their child’s progress by observing their behaviour and engagement during online classes. By monitoring their child’s progress, parents can identify areas where their child may need extra support and provide resources or additional instruction to help them succeed.

6. Encourage Social Interaction: Young preschoolers need opportunities to interact with their peers to develop their social skills. Parents can encourage social interaction by arranging virtual playdates or setting up online chat groups for their child and their classmates. Virtual playdates or online chat groups provide preschoolers with opportunities to socialize and interact with their peers, improving their social skills, and reducing feelings of isolation. Additionally, social interaction can help preschoolers develop empathy and emotional intelligence.

7. Provide Emotional Support: Online learning can be challenging for young preschoolers, who may feel isolated and disconnected from their peers and teachers. Parents can provide emotional support by being present and available to listen to their child’s concerns and feelings, and by providing positive reinforcement and encouragement. It’s important for parents to acknowledge the difficulties that their child may be experiencing and to offer reassurance and empathy. They can also help their child stay connected with their classmates and teacher by encouraging them to participate in virtual discussions, group projects, and other online activities.

8. Encourage Movement and Physical Activity: Preschoolers need physical activity and movement to support their overall health and well-being. Parents should encourage their child to take breaks between online classes to engage in physical activity, such as dancing, jumping jacks, or stretching. Outdoor play is also important for preschoolers’s physical and emotional development.

9. Provide Healthy Snacks and Meals: Good nutrition is important for young preschoolers’s growth and development, and can also impact their ability to learn and focus during online classes. Parents should provide healthy snacks and meals for their child during breaks between classes. Snacks such as fruit, vegetables, and nuts can help provide energy and nutrients without causing a sugar crash or interfering with focus.

10. Be Patient and Flexible: Online learning can be challenging for young preschoolers and their parents, and it’s important to approach it with patience and flexibility. Parents should understand that their child may need extra support and time to adjust to online classes. They should also be open to adjusting their approach as needed to ensure their child’s success in online learning.

11. Encourage Screen-Free Time: Young preschoolers need a balance of screen time and non-screen time activities to support their healthy development. Parents should encourage their child to engage in non-screen time activities, such as reading, imaginative play, and outdoor exploration. This can help prevent screen time from becoming the dominant activity in the child’s life.

12. Communicate with Teachers: Parents should communicate regularly with their child’s teachers to stay informed about their progress and any concerns or issues that arise. This can help ensure that the child is receiving the support they need to succeed in online learning, and can also help build a strong relationship between the parent and teacher.

13. Model Good Behaviour: Preschoolers often model their behaviour on the adults around them. Parents can model good behaviour by setting an example for their child in terms of their own screen time habits, their approach to learning and problem-solving, and their interactions with others. By modelling good behaviour, parents can help their child develop positive habits and attitudes towards learning and technology.

14. Make Learning Fun: Learning can and should be fun for young preschoolers. Parents can help make online learning more enjoyable for their child by incorporating play, humour, and creativity into the learning process. By making learning fun, parents can help their child develop a love of learning that will last a lifetime.

While online classes for preschool preschoolers can present unique challenges, they also offer many opportunities for growth and development. Parents can play a critical role in supporting their child’s learning by choosing age-appropriate online classes, providing a quiet and distraction-free learning environment, establishing a consistent routine, encouraging active participation, using a variety of learning materials, providing positive reinforcement, monitoring progress, encouraging social interaction, and providing emotional support. With the right support and guidance, young preschoolers can thrive in online learning environments and develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in school and beyond.