JE Education Desk: Children should take advantage of this opportunity to explore new activities! Vacation programs give kids the opportunity to pursue experiences that they might not have otherwise had. The opportunities are endless, ranging from picking up new talents to learning about other cultures. These shows encourage kids to pursue new hobbies while also extending their horizons. Parents can enrol their children in online courses or take them on virtual tours of museums. It's never certain! They might discover a new interest that will influence their life!
Today, technology has become a part of our lives, but, at times, parents regret their children’s long screen hours. Many kids like to spend most of their time in front of either a computer or a mobile. This can become addictive after a while and can even affect a child’s basic social skills, such as communication and team bonding.
But technology is not always bad. There are lots of good things that can be done if harnessed in the right way. Many startups in India are trying to do exactly that. If you are a parent or a student looking to sign up for EdTech platforms, here are a few tips to help you…
You may not be aware, but learning can be so much fun! Educational board games are favourites, but not for those high-energy kids. So, why not alter it a bit and make it a nature scavenger hunt? They will love spotting items and getting their exercises done!
For those budding designers who love to build things, parents can use some ideas and set up a craft station for them to build a project as a solution to a problem. It can be like a Makerspace Program, where you encourage open project-based learning. Your little ones may surprise you with their creative solutions!
Mr. Deepak Subbarao, who is a Co-founder of Avidii shared some of his views on the same. Read his expert advise below.
How to engage kids in fun ways?
The trick here is not to make them feel that they are being enticed into carrying out the mundane chores of the household. Make them feel important in every bit of the job they handle. You can even assign points (scores) for each little task they complete. You could, for instance:
Teaching them the art of decoration: Help them explore their creative skills early on. Involve them in decorating their play areas or their rooms. This will allow them to express their feelings through art. It can simply mean putting up balloons and paper chains on the walls. You can also help them create paper flowers and decorative items from throwaway items, such as bottle caps, ice-cream spoons and so on. This will let their creative genius run wild and also give them a sense of belonging at home.
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Assign them turns to watch over pets: Engaging kids to watch over your pets can be a simple way of keeping them happily engaged. Looking after your pets will also teach your child to be responsible. It will help your kid to bond with your pet and teach them to love and value animals. If your kids are old enough, they can take the dog for a walk to the lawn in front, or even feed your bird on the balcony. This will allow you ample time to get things ready for the coming festival.
Engage your kids in board games that stimulate intelligence, such as chess, Scrabble and Monopoly. While the first one teaches them important life lessons, such as calculating ahead before making a move, the second and third teach them dexterity with language and finances, respectively.
Visuals are also an important aspect of learning. You can also engage your kids in such activities as drawing, painting and learning through visuals.
What to look out for?
Check Authenticity: Make sure the EdTech platform you subscribe to is authentic. Try to look at the number of downloads and reviews it has on the Android Play Store or Apple AppStore. You can also crosscheck the domain name of the website with reliable sources.
Matching Content: Make sure the content matches the school syllabus. If the material is not linked to your kid’s syllabus, it is best to avoid it.
Parental Control: Remember to activate parental controls and safety features on your device and the EdTech app/platform because it will provide students with limited access to content and disable/restrict any financial transactions via in-app purchases
The festive season offers a unique chance for parents to blend enjoyment with education, creating a balance crucial for children's development.