With our recent HBL and WFH situation, both children and adults had to quickly grasp how to communicate and work effectively with one another via screens.
There is no doubt that with the advancement of technology, new avenues of communication are now easily available. It is amazing how #1 could still continue with her UK internship in the comfort of her own room. Of course, there are limitations with the practical modules, but virtual classrooms will allow all sorts of learning opportunities for our children.
For adults, we are getting comfortable with remote meetings with our colleagues, bosses and customers. These are skills we take for granted but our children may not have them yet.
I remember listening in on Kate’s live lessons and her teacher could hardly be heard over the din! Some students will keep unmuting themselves and chat about random topics instead of paying attention.
These are 8 skills children need to develop for the Virtual Classroom:
1. Screen confidence
Being able to speak clearly and present themselves confidently, not mumbling or hesitant to speak up.
2. Focus
It is not easy to maintain focus during an online class because you can’t see or hear everyone clearly. Are they able to pay attention even when it is not their turn and to listen attentively to what their classmates are sharing? Or are they distracted with others in their own environment or fiddling with their toys?
3. Following instructions
Being able to listen to what the teacher is saying, remembering the steps and doing what they are supposed to be doing.
4. Communication
Being able to join in the conversation appropriately, listening respectfully to the views of others and participating fully.
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| Virtual Classroom |
5. Independence
Being able to handle the activities themselves, without needing the help of their parents.
6. Social etiquette
To be properly dressed for lessons, sitting up at a table and not snacking while their teacher is teaching.
7. Resilience
Having a growth mindset and persevering when faced with difficult questions or other challenges and not giving up.
8. Being mindful
Even though they can’t see their teacher or friends they have to be mindful of what they are saying, and not veer into inappropriate language or topics.
Our children are suddenly thrust into the virtual space, and they need to be guided along. Once they learn how to be a good learner, they can learn almost anything, from any programme in the world!
This May school holidays, we are running 4 exciting Virtual Camps to equip your child with these skills the fun way!
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| Virtual Holiday Camps |
Stomp along with Dinosaurs, Make ice cream with your favourite Frozen characters, Go on a virtual vacation with your new friends or Brush up on your Reading and Writing with movement and craft.
With our small group setting, our energetic educators are able to provide a safe and nurturing environment to guide your child along as they navigate and become proficient with remote learning, all while having a blast!
In our Virtual Classrooms, students will be interacting with their educators in real-time, via laptops or tablets, enjoying activitie such as Scavanger Hunts, Exciting Games and Puzzles, Interactive Story-telling, Movement activites and Art & Craft.
Click on TLE’s Virtual Holiday Programmes for more details!
About MummyWee
Michelle is an Occupational Therapist by day and mum of 6 by night. Besides the already very demanding job of managing 5 teenagers and one 6-turning-16 tween, she is also Founder of The Little Executive, a nurturing centre to develop children in areas like resilience and adaptability, to survive today’s volatile world. She also makes time to volunteer with children and the elderly in her community.