Tips for Training Kids to Focus in Virtual Classrooms

A virtual classroom is a digital learning environment that allows for interaction between the teacher and learners without physical contact. It is teaching that is aided by the Internet. Teaching online is complex, and students try their best to learn, but it is possible to train kids to be more attentive and focused while learning online.

Virtual classrooms require a lot from the teachers, parents, and learners to achieve the intended outcomes. The situation is even more hectic and demanding when the learners are younger. As school teachers and parents, you need to carefully determine the strategies you can use to train kids to focus in virtual classrooms.

How Do Virtual Classrooms Operate?

To operate a successful virtual classroom, you need to have the following:

• A stable internet connection;
• A computer,
• A bright light source,
• A clean and organized background,
• Software tools for live streaming,
• Online websites to bolster lessons.

Once you have the necessary set up to teach students online, it is time to teach students how to be online learners. This change in teaching is new for you, and the shift in learning is unique for the student. By working together, you can create an environment where all students can learn. 

Tips for Training Kids to Focus in Virtual Classrooms

1. Set Ground Rules & Follow Through: As a teacher, you need to develop rules that your students have to agree to. These rules streamline the kids' behavior. Ground rules help your students know what is acceptable and unacceptable behavior during class. Kids easily forget; this requires you to be consistent with the rules and remind them frequently. Your kids will soon understand and follow the set expectations.

2. Create a Suitable Learning Environment: As a teacher, you need to create a classroom with no distractions. Ensure that the room is quiet, decongested, adequately organized, and has enough light. Combining these factors will be ideal in training kids to focus as there will be fewer or no distractors while you are teaching. Encourage students to do the same for their learning environment at home. 

3. Set Academic Goals: You and your students should set academic targets for each student. The goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timely. Goals provide something the kids are working for. The students become more focused as they know that failure to meet the expected standards will lead to consequences.

4. Create Interactive Content: You need to present content interactively. You may have to engage the students from the beginning of class to the end. You can ask the students to demonstrate the things being taught. As you do this, the student's attention will be tied to the lesson, making them more participative.

5. Play: Educative play is instrumental in training kids to focus. It makes them feel refreshed while learning. The kids' focus increases as they study through play. Many online platforms have kid-friendly games that also double as learning lessons. Check with your administration to obtain a list of school-approved websites.

6. Music: In addition to playing, you need to include music in your lessons. The music needs to be relevant to what you are teaching. Music is fun, so it easily gets the kid's attention, increasing their focus in a virtual class. Use music as a stretch break; getting the kids up and moving for a minute or two will help regain focus. 

7. Provide Feedback: As a teacher, you need to provide as much feedback as possible to the kids. Refer to them by name and provide praise. Teachers can give feedback on assignments and comments given in class. As you do this, you stimulate their brains to focus.

8. Give Breaks: Breaks are vital since they beat the monotony of sitting at the computer all day. You need to make sure that you give the kids enough breaks. Without breaks, students can get tired, and it is hard to get the kids back on track.

9. Use Visuals: Still and motion pictures have a special way of capturing kids' attention. Instead of focusing on oral information alone, use educative still and motion pictures to get the kid's attention and keep it for longer.

10. Use Color: Bright colors get kids' attention. You need to use bright colors during your presentations. Adding color gives the kids something to look at and makes their eyes focus on the content.

11. Form Small Groups: Divide kids into groups; it provides them with a greater sense of teamwork. Teamwork requires everyone to be active and participative. As they participate in groups, they get more interested in what they are learning.

12. Reward the Kids: Whenever the kids focus and participate, reward them. This is important because once you're rewarded, you will want to receive more. As teachers and parents continue doing this, the kids will become more attentive during lessons.

13. Enough Sleep: Parents need to ensure that kids get enough sleep. This enables them to start with great enthusiasm. When kids are not getting enough sleep, their bodies will be exhausted, and the kids will find it hard to focus.

14. Adjust the Schedule: You should regularly change the schedule and introduce new things while discarding old ones. Wherever monotony is maintained, kids will get bored. New schedules with great activities will make the students expectant and attentive.

15. Maintain Eye Contact: As a teacher, you need to create eye content with the kids. The kids will feel that you are watching over them. This awareness compels them to be attentive and encourages them to maintain eye contact with you.

16. Maintain Constant Checks: Teachers need to ask the kids to show their work. Parents may also have to check on the kids' work regularly. This creates awareness within the kids that someone is watching over them and expecting them to be diligent in their work.

Conclusion

During our current online teaching model, consistency with the above tips will provide teachers and parents with a basis for training kids to focus in virtual classrooms.

Written by Kayima Herman

Education World Contributor

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