Getting the best out of online kid’s classes

By Gabrielle Nash

As parents, we’ve got used to the idea that we should minimise ‘screen time’ for our children.

However, the arrival of a global pandemic and enforced lockdown has drastically changed the way we do everything. We go online for our meetings and reunions, and joining classes and clubs online has become the only way many of our children can involve themselves regularly in extra-curricular activities.

For a large part of this year, our children have experienced activities as diverse as playball in the living room, Spanish on the sofa and cooking in your kitchen. This has become commonplace, as we try to find our ‘new normal.’

Ideally, it means our children do not miss out on life-enhancing skills and fun. For parents, it can also provide us with different ways of interacting with our children during these difficult times. Fran and her 8 year old daughter have been trying lots of online classes: “I love the flexibility they offer. It’s hard to begin with but we’ve got used to it, and now we look forward to them like any normal class!”

In turn, offering kids’ classes online has been a life line for class and club providers and a means to stay afloat. Ettie Bettie Baby Signs is a baby signing business running classes through YouTube. Founder Charly Lewis found ways to adapt her classes to reach as many people as possible. “We use a lot of props and fancy dress in our classes. Of course I couldn’t share these physically but I was really impressed with the inventiveness of parents who came up with amazing ideas of their own.”

Ensuring your child gets the best out of an online class

If your child is old enough to understand, make sure they know about the class and what is expected of them during it

Remind them before, it’s about having fun, a chance to try or learn something

Make sure your technology is working and that you are ready for the Zoom a couple of minutes in advance in case of any difficulties

Have a phone number on hand for the class provider in case for some reason you have tech issues

Establish with the teacher, whether your involvement is necessary (dependent on your child’s age) in case you prove a distraction

Make the class about your child. It’s their time to do something

they enjoy. Don’t pressure them but if their interest starts to wane, there may be ways you can get involved

Make sure the classes are not too long. A young child has a limited attention span and you can’t force them to engage for longer than 45 minutes to 1 hour

After the class, talk to your child about it and praise them for something they achieved. Try to find out what they enjoyed about it.

Whilst not every extra-curricular activity works online (anyone up for a virtual swimming lesson?), there are plenty that work well. The key is engagement. Find a class with a teacher that is confident with the online medium and knows how to use it to motivate kids. Theatre, dance or music-based activities can be easily transferred online, with the right teacher and parental interaction. Children will get the same benefits to their emotional and cognitive development with any performance-based activity, whether it’s in person or on a computer.

Follow Gaby on Instagram @thelondonishmum

What to Try?

If you’re keen to start trying out some new activities, but conscious that a normal class might be unachievable, here are some great online ones to try:

Baby Signing

If you would like something to share with baby, then signing is a lovely option for online classes. Check out Ettie Bettie Baby Sign on YouTube

Languages

If you’ve got a budding linguist at home, check out: Lingotot who have franchises around the UK www.lingotot.com/online-classes

Cooking

Maybe you want a hand in the kitchen? Cooking is a lovely activity to enjoy with your child. Try The Kids’ Kitchen www.thekidskitchen.net

Science

Keep those little brain cells ticking with something science! Head to Little House of Science www.littlehouseofscience.com

Performing Arts

If your child has more of a spring in their step, a theatrical class might be for them. Try Anna Fiorentini Theatre & Film School www.annafiorentini.com/fiorentini-live