IN A PANDEMIC HOW CAN GRANDPARENTS HELP WITH ONLINE LEARNING?

 

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

So what’s happening in the world of grandchildren right now? It is online learning and the struggles are monumental for the children, teachers, parents, and grandparents. First of all, grandparents need to be in prayer for all these people. Grandparents, parents, and teachers pray early in the morning to get your day started on the right track.

Speaking as a former first grade teacher, I would give instruction and an assignment, then move on to walking around the room to see if the students were on task or needed help. Youngsters who needed to move might get up to get a drink of water, tissue, or something else. It might even get to the point that I might have to say to the younger students, let’s stand up and shake out the wiggles. Yes, I could do that in the classroom. Homeschool parents can do that. You go with the flow and do what is necessary. Also, we could keep our lessons short.

But when it’s online, and instruction time is by the hour, and the classes are continuous, every student must stay focused. This proves difficult for those with ADHD (attention deficit, hyperactivity disorder) or just the fidgets, which covers a large percent of our kids today. Mom, dad, grandparent, or nanny, must be close by to see that their child is paying attention. If the classes continue for several hours with only ten minute breaks between, it can be a very taxing morning or afternoon. There can be little activity involved.

Older students have their moments too. We have to be motivated to stay on task—some of us more than others. How can we do that? At the end of each class, have something the child can move to show that they made it through the class. For example if they have five classes, start with five marbles or coins in a jar and remove one for each class when it is completed. You can also use stickers on a chart, or coloring a section of a five-part picture. This way, they can see they are accomplishing something. 

As adult workers, we always look forward to the end of the work day and getting to do something we want to do.  It’s the same with children at the conclusion of their school day. Reward them at the end of their daily classes by giving them extra time to do what they truly enjoy.

Thus, grandparents and parents unite as prayer warriors for all these online classroom scenes happening around our nation. Pray for the teachers, pray for technical difficulties, and pray for patience for everyone. Come up with some ways to motivate those who are attention deficit or just have the wiggles. Hey, it’s the beginning of the school year; it takes a bit to get into a new routine. Parents don’t be so hard on yourselves; it will get easier. The Covid will get under control and students will return to school at some point. This too shall pass. Really.