five essential pointers for parents who may be uncertain about yet another year of online schooling for their children:

May 26, 2021

In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, parents may find themselves grappling with the idea of homeschooling, which differs significantly from the traditional concept of schooling at home. Instead, it's an opportunity for conscious parenting. Here are five essential pointers for parents who may be uncertain about yet another year of online schooling for their children:  

1.   Consider Open Schooling Syllabus:   For those seeking a structured approach to homeschooling, free online Open schooling syllabuses are available. Some schools facilitate home learning from Kindergarten to Grade 12, offering a flexible structure that is also cost-effective. The National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) provides a credible and recognized option from Grade 1 to Grade 12. Parents can explore NIOS for a year and return to their previous board if they find it suitable.

 

2.   Know Your Rights:   Schools cannot threaten to withhold Transfer Certificates (TC) or demand full fees if you decide to homeschool. Consulting a lawyer can help you understand your rights. Similarly, no school can deny admission if your child has spent a year with NIOS and wishes to return to another board. Transferring to NIOS does not require a TC.

 

3.   Utilize Individualized Teaching:   Numerous teachers can offer one-on-one or small group support for specific academic subjects your child may need help with. It's crucial to let go of the idea that children need to be engaged all day; even in traditional schools, there's always unsupervised time. Academic learning can often be sustained for about half an hour, similar to the attention span of most adults in a webinar.

 

4.   Teach Life Skills:   Now is the ideal time to empower children with responsibility. Start with teaching them essential life skills and household chores. Education encompasses more than academics; it includes life skills such as planning, organizing, initiating tasks, and executing them. These skills are the foundation of learning.

 

5.   Improve Parenting Skills:   If you feel that your children don't listen to you, consider acquiring or unlearning specific parenting techniques. Seek help tailored to your child's needs. Excessive screen time and online activities can have detrimental effects. Children need physical activities and hands-on experiences. If addiction or other issues arise, seek help promptly.

  In addition, invest in effective communication with your child by listening more and offering non-judgmental support. Strengthening your relationship with your child is essential, especially since they have limited social interactions. Emotional health is a vital component of learning for both you and your child. While this approach may be challenging, it is undoubtedly worthwhile.   Thank you to Steni Simon for addressing these concerns at the right time. It is our hope that schools will invest more resources in personalized support, rather than overloading with online activities, and educate parents on family support and individualized needs. Although it may be challenging, the effort is indeed worth it.   [Read the full article here](https://epaper.newindianexpress.com/c/60707312)