How to keep children prepared when school reopens after COVID?

By Tushar On August 29, 2020 In olympiad exams

The year 2020 has affected all sectors globally. The worst hit among these is the education sector. Schools being shut for more than 6 months; online learning has replaced classroom environment. All measures have been taken into consideration to ensure safety. The life during the pandemic has been a roller-coaster ride for both parents as well as children. With the start of the new academic year, students have adapted to the new normal situation pretty well. All thanks to information and technology, there are a lot of things children can learn sitting at home. Internet has proved to be the most useful tool during this lockdown.

Students returning to school may be a hopeful step only after there is a vaccine available. Majority of parents fear the idea of sending students to school even if the Covid 19 positive numbers go down. Children are very vulnerable to catch flu. Also social distancing, healthy hygiene are some measures which not all schools may be able to follow. Decisions on re-opening schools have been postponed across the globe. The final decision will be made by the national or the state government after discussion with local authorities. While deciding when to re-open schools, the authorities will surely consider the risks associated with regards to public health.

Many parents find different ways to keep children busy. After all, students must be in touch with regular studies instead of wasting an entire academic year. Consider the lockdown period to be a boon and invest in productive activities at home. During such a disruptive time, it is best to involve children in self-learning activities. One of the best activity is to enroll for Olympiad exams. These exams are open for students to class 1 to class 10. Students can attempt for Olympiad exams in Science, Mathematics, English, General Knowledge, Computers, Drawing, Essay and Social Studies.

Similar to online learning imparted by schools, Olympiad exams can also be attempted online. There are several Olympiad organizations that offer weekly test series. Students can participate in these exams by registering oneself with the organization. The subjects can be selected as per one’s choice and interest. After the completion of registration process, the weekly tests can be given using any smart phone or tablet. The results of weekly winners are announced where students get to know their individual score. It helps them to practice not only for school exams, but also for the final Olympiad scheduled in December 2020 and February 2021.

Children are reassured when they understand what plans are in place and what to expect. A break of 6 months from classroom teaching may hinder academic growth. Children must be able to adapt to new technology, at the same time, they must be in touch with regular studies. The lockdown period must not be considered to be an extended vacation. The idea of putting an extra effort during this time must be instilled in young minds. It is best to keep communication channels open between parents and children. This helps to get an insight into child psychology. Many parents talk to their children about how classrooms may look like after the pandemic.

Practicing a different scenario much ahead of time is the best way to give children a sense of self-control. Students must be taught their responsibilities with regards to exams. They are the ones who play an active-role in shaping their own career. Olympiad exams give students something tangible that can be done during such times of uncertainty. When school re-opens after the end of Covid 19, children must feel confident of their academic learning. Although, students will be promoted to the next level, they must be able to cope-up with higher syllabus. This can be done only when they are in touch with regular studies.

How to keep children academically ready when school reopens after COVID?

Practice questions from Olympiad workbooks – Apart from enrolling students in Olympiad exams, students must be given Olympiad workbooks to prepare themselves well in advance. The content of these books is designed keeping in mind existing school syllabus. It gives a thorough understanding of concepts and makes students ready for school exams as well.
Solve previous year’s Olympiad papers – Many organizations provide previous year sample question papers for practice. This gives an idea of the type of questions asked, format of the paper, and marks allotted for each question. It gives them the confidence to attempt Olympiad exams.
Enroll in mock tests – Some organizations provide mock test to check students’ existing knowledge. It helps to recognize children’s proficiency and real strength on the subject. It makes them realize their weaknesses, thus enables to work on the same.
Recover loss of learning – If for any reason children have missed out on online classes, the best way is to build on concepts. Prioritize chapters from existing classes. Engage in revision sessions, make your own notes and start everything afresh.
Open communication channels – When there is an open communication between teachers, students and parents, there are no doubts in between. Students must be encouraged to share their feelings with all those close to them.
Be flexible and forgiving – This year is going to be tough for everyone. Children are new to the things they are experiencing. Most children may require additional support to help them structure time, involve in assignments and cope up with their peers. Teachers and parents must forgive them for errors and help them realize their mistakes.
Speak up for help – Do not shy if you want help from academic counsellors, teachers or other parents. Times have been difficult for all of us. We need to understand that all of us are sailing in the same boat. Offering a helping hand during such crisis situation gets connected to each other emotionally.
Focus on positivity – Teach children some life skills. Focus on things that have turned to be positive. Covid 19 has been a time for us to develop on life skills practiced at large. Figure out how to keep oneself safe, at the same time ensure how learning does not stop.

Learning does not revolve around remembering content. It is not about completing a particular course. Instead it is about making fundamentals clear. The covid 19 pandemic may have brought the world to its knees, it’s our turn to rise above the present situation. Children are the most vulnerable to changes. Introducing them to Olympiads highlights the areas that demand attention, recognizes topics that require improvement and identifies the true potential of students. This lockdown ensure that we invest a little more in our children by giving the best of our time.