Role of Parents in Online Learning

 

The COVID-19 outbreak has challenged the education industry and the way it functions, in India as well as several other countries around the world. The pandemic might fundamentally alter the course of our education system from this point in time onwards. It has forced us to rethink everything about the way we teach and learn. While we are grateful to have so many online communication tools at our disposal, the transition from regular on-campus schooling to online schooling is not without its own challenges.

It is important to note that, as preschool educators, the Tots approach still revolves around the child. We want children to become the best versions of themselves. We not only want to fully engage them during the online learning process, but also engage families even more meaningfully, because learning is now happening right in the confines of our homes.

The responsibilities of teachers and parents have not changed, but how we carry them out certainly has. We are being called to become more creative, flexible, organized, and open to learning than ever before. We have all been forced to learn how to use online collaboration tools, irrespective of whether we are comfortable with technology or not. Educational content creation and curation for preschoolers has become even more critical. We at Trio Tots, take care to craft our educational content in a way that the concept being taught is put across in an accurate and fun way, even via an online platform.

Learning does not happen during the sessions alone, but beyond them too. Being prepared adequately for the classes will enable the parent and child make the most of the classes. Here are some points that can help parents, help their children better with their online learning sessions.

 

Before the Live Class

Help your child create a daily schedule based on the online class timetable.

 Check the requirements of the online class with their teachers

 Familiarize yourself with the features of the online learning platform. Ensure that it is setup fully before the class, to avoid making changes during them.

          Set up a designated place for online classes with no background noise and minimal disturbance. A chair and a table of comfortable height would be ideal.

            Make sure your child is well fed and hydrated before the live class.

       Make sure that your child’s books and required materials are kept within the child’s designated learning space.    

       Get your child ready at least 10 mins before the start of the online class.

During Live Class

Help your child login to the online learning platform.

 Assist your child in unmuting the mic if required.

 Do not prompt your child when the teacher is asking questions. Let them take their time and answer independently.

 Minimize the practice of moving in and out of the room frequently to minimize distraction.

 Ensure that the child’s leaning space is not crowded

 Try not to move the laptop/tablet/phone or any other device that the class is running on

 

After Live Class 

 Encourage your child to complete the activities/homework on the same day as it is given. 

 Do not criticize or mock the online classes in front of children. Criticizing the online lectures may demotivate children from attending them.

 Speak positively about the school, teachers, and online classes to your child. 

 If you and your child are facing any challenges in online learning, avoid talking about it in front of your child. Instead, reach out to the concerned school authorities and resolve the issue.

Children generally tend to emulate and look up to parents. It is important for parents to stay enthusiastic about the online classes and set a good example, so that children approach them with positivity and excitement too. 

 

About the author – Ms. Greshma Momaya

Her education and career have been dedicated to developing young minds. A Bachelor Degree in Human Development followed by a post graduate Diploma in School Counselling from the University of Mumbai, and a Certification in Early Year Foundation Stage from UK empower her to create an eclectic curriculum for nurturing young minds. She has recently certified from Harvard University in School leadership.

She started her career as a Kindergarten teacher and taught at the primary level for 7 years, then, as Preschool Coordinator & Operations Head, and now as Head of Tots. She has been involved in designing of learning environments, scripting curriculum and training teachers in preschool. From 2007, she is set on a journey for creating stimulating Early Learning Environments.

 

How a morning ritual makes every day special at Trio Tots Preschool

        One of our most important duties as parents and teachers of preschool children is to let our little ones know how much we love them and care about them. Children must know that they are cherished for who they are, rather than their academic achievements. Our tots love coming to preschool every day and here is why.

Starting off the day right.

        One of the most wonderful practices ingrained in the Trio culture is that of greeting everyone, staff or visitors, whom we meet with joy and from a place of authenticity. We extend the same to our children. Every morning, the entrance of Tots has a team of about 6 to 7 of our amazing teachers, waiting to welcome our children.

         Tots offers the Best Playgroup in Bangalore, Nursery, Kindergarten I & II, apart from day-care. Once we welcome our tots into the school, it is time to welcome them into each of their classes! The morning greeting ritual happens in an age appropriate way, starting with nursery. Nursery teachers welcome our children with a puppet, making it fun and joyful for our young ones! KG I starts off the day with a peppy song for our kids, that teachers and children enjoy alike. KG II makes it more interesting by electing one child each day, who hi-fives her/his classmates as they enter their respective classrooms.

A community where we care about each other

        At the start of the day, our teachers and kids alike look out for those who were absent on the previous day(s). Together we ask a previously absent child why they could not make it to preschool, letting them know that we take notice and we care. Our children care about teachers too, making sure that they ask them why they were not present on a certain day.

       TRIO Tots’ welcoming ritual has become an indispensable part of our day, irrespective of how busy our days are. We will not miss it for anything! To find out what other special things Trio Tots does, visit us at https://www.trio-tots.com or drop into our preschool at Sahakarnagar, Bangalore.

Tips for successful Parent-teacher meeting

First Open day!!

Parent-teacher meeting plays a vital role in your child’s schooling life. At the start of each new school year, parents are invited to a parent teacher meeting. This is an opportunity for parents to meet the person their child is going to be spending a large portion of their time with, not to mention all the formative educational and social input this person will provide.

Aside from imparting pertinent information regarding the curriculum and classroom structure, the idea is for you and the teacher to form a team – a partnership that works together for the benefit of your child.

To make it easier, and to ensure you make the most of this first meeting, Ms. Greshma Momaya has outlined some important information that you need to know.

Before the meeting –

1.       Ask your child how he or she feels about the school?

2.       Prepare a list of questions like

·         Is my child settling in the new class?

·         Is he or she getting on with classmates?

·         Does my child seem to be happy in the school?

·         What homework workload can we expect?

·         What can I do at home to help more?

During the meeting-

1.       Always be on time for the meeting

2.       Do not create a false impression. Just relax and be yourself

3.       Prioritize your list of questions

4.       Ask most important questions first

5.       Do not hesitate to ask for explanation if you have not understood any point.

6.       Thank the teacher.

After the meeting –

1.       Please speak to your child about the meeting. Let them not feel that you met the teacher to complain rather let your child know that you & teacher will be working together as a team for their best.

2.       Teacher must have given some tips when you asked what you can do at home to help more, start working on those tips.

3.       Give a feedback to the teacher in the next meeting if the tips she shared helped you and your child.

Transition from home to Trio Tots preschool

Nursery children have started coming to school without the parents and Playgroup are yet to start. I am sure all parents are still worried about the settling of their child in the new environment.
Transition from home to preschool can be easy for some children and difficult for some. Every child is different and his or her ability to adjust in a new environment differs.

To make this transition easy, Ms. Greshma Momaya (Head of Tots) suggests some tips for parents.

1.Be well informed – Please make sure you are well informed about the routines and environment of the school. So please make sure you attend the Orientation and read the parent manual shared by the school.

2. Develop interest for school - Give an idea of what her preschool days will be like. Build an interest in them by talking about the activities and the play time that they are going to have. Assure them that it’s going to be a party all through; making new friends and new toys and plenty of activities.

3. Play teacher – teacher – Pretend plays are good to give an idea about the school. Take turns being the teacher, parent and child. Practice saying good-byes, eating snack from plate etc. Sing rhymes or read stories together as a part of this preschool pretend play.

4. Trust the school & teacher – Most children cry when they start schooling. When the child cries, you shouldn’t sho
w tension or stress. When you show tension, your child will also feel tensed. Instead give them an assurance that they are safe in preschool and you will be coming to pick them up soon. If you start trusting the school, your child will start trusting school and settle faster. Also avoid asking question to teachers about your child as your child is, listening and sensing it. Keep calm; teacher will share the necessary information with you.

5. Short goodbyes - The longer the goodbye, the longer the settling period. Keep it short and simple. Assure them that you will be back soon to pick them from school or he will be home soon to be with his parents. A good bye kiss or a hug is enough with a happy face is enough.

6. Eating & toileting – Most children do not use washroom or eat till they emotionally settle with the school. It is ideal to make them wear diapers initially till they start telling their need preferences to the teachers. It is perfectly fine if child is not eating in school, give them some time. Please make sure your child eats something before and after the school.

Actually if parents settle child will also settle. I hope these tips help all our parents and children in settling in the new environment.

Questions to ask your child when they get home from Trio Tots Preschool?

Are you asking your child the right questions when you pick them up from Trio Tots? 

“What did you do in school”& “How was your day at school?” are the common questions I hear parents asking children when they receive children after preschool, but there are definitely better questions to ask. 

Generally children respond to these questions in one or two words. As a parent you want to know everything about your child’s day at school. Did they make any new friends? Did they learn anything new and exciting?  In order to gather these answers you have to ask the right questions.

Here are some of the questions to ask your children when they get out of Trio Tots preschool?

            1.      Who did you play with today?

It helps you to get familiar with different friends your child associates with. You can then ask name of those friends.

2.      What did you play today?

After asking your child who they played with you could also ask what they played.

3.      If you could choose to sit by anyone in your class, who would it be?

This encourages your child to talk about whom they currently sit next to and whom they would like to sit next to, likely two different people. As a result you get to learn more about their classmates in general.

4.      What word did your teacher use most today?

This question is often answered with what your child learned that day in school. Depending on the answer, it could also clue you into the quality of the teacher and what’s really going on in the classroom.

5.      What was your favorite part of your whole day?

Children enjoy reliving their favorite parts of each and every day. You can also prompt your child to share their least favorite part of the day.

6.      What rules are different at school than at home?

This question makes your child to think as he or she gets a chance to contrast or compare different sets of rules in his or her life. Make sure to ask if your child thinks all of these rules are fair and how they might change them (at school or at home). Our preschoolers can be so much insightful than we give them credit for.

7.      Can you show me something you learned today?

If your child says they did not learn anything ask them to show you something they did today. Both of these questions prompt your child to act out something as opposed to explain it—therefore eliminating any one-word answers.

8.      What was the hardest thing you did all day?

There might be many answers to this question, but whatever the answer may it indicates something your child is struggling with. It could be writing or be finding friends to play or eating.  Once you know what your child struggles may be you can help the child at home.

15 questions to ask your child's preschool teacher or daycare administrator

Your child’s teachers want the best for your child and are a valuable source of knowledge about your child’s development. Once the preschool term begins, an opportunity to meet your child’s teachers at a parent-teacher meet or another setting, usually presents itself. At Trio Tots Preschool HSR Layout, Bangalore, meetings and one-on-ones are scheduled at regular intervals, to help parents stay up to date.

It helps to prepare for a meeting by deciding what you would like to learn about your child and her/his education. Your meetings will set the tone for your relationship with your child’s  preschool teacher. Even if your child goes to a daycare centre, the centre’s staff can give you useful information about your child’s behaviour, preferences and development.

Questions you can bring up at the preschool or daycare parent-teacher meeting

• What activities does my child enjoy doing the most?
• How does my child interact with other people?
• How is my child doing emotionally? Is she happy, playful, moody, angry or aloof?
• Is my child reaching age appropriate milestones?
• In what areas does my child need to improve?
• How can I help him/her achieve this?
• Does my child respond and obey class rules?
• How good is my child at self-care?
• Is my child able to focus on tasks?
• Does my child complete his/her tasks without too much difficulty?
• Please tell me more about your teaching methods.
• What metrics do you use to assess a child’s performance?
• Does my child need additional or special help with any task?
• Is there any other advice you would like to offer?
• Is there anything I can do to help you?

As a parent, you know your child best. However, keeping an open mind towards suggestions of experienced teachers, will help you partner better with them. You might discover a new perspective to your child’s behaviour or habits. Just like a child, being inquisitive paves a way for learning. However, It needs you to set aside your biases and preconceived notions.

Trio Tots preschool HSR Layout Bangalore, combines the best preschool education practices for a wholesome learning experience. 

International Schools in Bangalore |  IB Schools in Bangalore | ICSE Schools in Bangalore

The Parent Teacher Meeting - A Handy Checklist

Does the idea of a parent-teacher meeting worry you? It shouldn’t. This handy checklist will help you know exactly what to expect at the next one.

You and your child’s school have something in common: You both want your child to learn and do well. What better way to assess that than the periodic parent teacher meeting arranged by the school?
As the Dussera holidays are round the corner, every school will conduct parent teacher meetings (often referred to as the PTM). Being in this field for so many years now, I generally observe parents getting stressed and nervous about the PTM. If the focus remains on what is best for the child, then all should end well. Like all conversations, parent teacher meetings are best when both sides talk and listen. These meetings promote open discussion and keep parents informed of their child’s progress.
As a parent, you’ll likely find out how well your child adapts to social situations, to the class itself and how well he/she completes projects or assignments. Parent-teacher conferences are a valuable assessment tool for parents. As a parent, you are your child’s first and most important teacher.
When parents and teachers talk to each other, each person can share important information about your child’s talents and needs. Each person can also learn something new about how to help your child. This tip sheet suggests ways that you can make the most of parent-teacher conferences so that everyone wins, especially your child.

Here are some tips for Parents

1. Know about the PTM & be there

Most schools in India have their 1st term parent teacher meetings in the month of October or November. These dates are announced either at the beginning of the year or at least one month ahead. We know parents are busy, but it is important to carve out time to invest in your child’s education and ensure success at school. Please mark your calendar and be there for the PTM. Make sure both the parents attend the PTM.

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2. Talk with your child


Ask your child what his/her strongest and weakest subjects are, and which subjects he/she likes most and least. Ask your child if he/she would like you to speak about anything in particular with the teacher. Make sure that your child understands that you and the teacher are meeting to help him, so that he doesn’t worry about the conference.

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3. Prepare a list of notes

Make a list of topics that you want to discuss with the teacher and that you think the teacher should know, such as your concerns about the school, the child’s home life, any major changes in your family, habits, hobbies, part-time jobs, religious holidays, or anything that is worrying your child. Be sure to ask for input from your spouse or other adults that are caring for your child as well.

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4. Prepare a list of questions like below

How is my child doing socially? Do not stick just to academics. This one question actually asks a lot of questions. By asking the teacher this you can find out a lot of things. Knowing if your child is doing okay socially is so important. Social development helps form who we become and you want to make sure your child develops proper social behaviour.

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5. What do you feel are my child’s strengths and weaknesses?

This is another important question that asks more than one. You will find out where your child’s strengths are academically and what they enjoy to do. These are two very different things. The teacher may say your child excels in science and loves reading and art. This can help you encourage your child both academically and in creativity. By knowing what your child’s weaknesses are you can help at home to strengthen their abilities in that subject.

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6. How is My Child Doing Emotionally?

It’s also important to ask about your child’s emotional health at school. For example, is your child generally happy?

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Save this Checklist today!

7. In what Areas Does My Child Need Improvement?


Your child’s teacher sees him from a different perspective than you do. Ask the teacher what personal weaknesses your child needs to work on, and listen to the response with an open mind.

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8. Is My Child Doing His /Her Best?

No matter where your child ranks in relation to grade-level, one important analysis of his performance is whether he’s putting forth his best effort. Does the teacher get the sense that your child is slacking off or not focusing?

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9. Is my child participating in class discussions and activities?

This question will answer many questions about the child’s confidence, presence of mind and self esteem.

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10. Does My Child Need Extra Help in Any Areas?

Your child’s teacher can tell you if your child is falling behind in a skill or a subject. Armed with that information, you can create a plan with your child to work harder in that area, before it gets too late.

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11. What Can We Do to Provide That Extra Help?

Work with your child’s teacher to create a plan to help your child progress well in school. There may be specific things that you can do at home to help; the teacher might give you some ideas.
Stay calm during the conference. Respectful communication will be the most effective way to work together with your child’s teacher. Getting angry or upset during the conference will make it very difficult to have a positive conversation.
Ask for explanations of anything you don’t understand
. Listen carefully to what the teacher says. If you don’t understand something that the teacher talks about (such as an educational term or an explanation of a school policy), don’t be afraid to ask for clarification. It is important for you to understand what your child’s teacher is telling you.
Ask the most important questions early in the conference
,as you may run out of time, especially if other parents are waiting to have their conference after yours. You can always schedule another meeting with the teacher to cover any points you didn’t cover.
Respectfully discuss differences of opinion
. If you disagree with the teacher, respectfully explain why you disagree. If you don’t let the teacher know about your differences of opinion, the teacher may think that you agree and will move on to the next topic. Discussing your differences with the teacher may help both of you find a more effective way to help your child.
Create an action plan
. Ask your child’s teacher for specific suggestions of ways that you can help your child at home with homework, reading, organization, routines, behavioral issues, etc. Make sure you understand the teacher’s suggestions, and ask for clarification if you don’t.
This list of suggestions will become the action plan. Establish a way to keep track of the child’s progress, as well as the best way to stay in touch with your child’s teacher — through phone calls, emails, notes, or meetings. Review the action plan with the teacher as you end the conference to make sure that you both have the same expectations.
Stay in touch with the teacher.

I am also providing here a checklist that you can carry for the PTM based on the questions and tips mentioned here. Download PTM Checklist