Socializing while distance learning more challenging compared to doing it the usual way in their classrooms. In physical classrooms, students may find it easier to interact with their teachers and their peers. This socialization is important, as it can lead to increased motivation, engagement, and performance in school. To help our children receive the same benefits in their new online environment, socialization needs to be encouraged. The following are ways you can promote student socialization in distance learning, and help them connect with their peers online.
Provide emotional support
During this time of uncertainty, your child may not be as ready to tackle additional new situations head-on. They may be feeling unsure of themselves, or hesitant to act where they normally wouldn’t falter. These things may be showing itself in their interactions in online classes as well. You might find that your child is less confident and struggling with online socialization, even if they’re doing fine with in-person interactions.
If you’re seeing this at home, it’s time to ramp up your emotional support. At this time, your kid might need some confidence boosters to help him feel better about speaking up in virtual spaces. Remind your child that it’s okay to feel unsure about themselves and that many other kids are also experiencing the same thing. Interact with them often and talk about their current interests, thoughts, and hobbies so that they’re encouraged to speak about what’s on their mind.
Provide lots of love and encouragement so that they feel confident when trying to speak to others. This support is especially critical for children who have gone through serious events since the pandemic started. A loss of a friend, family member, or other loved ones can greatly impact the mood and confidence of anyone — especially a young child.
Encourage group interactions
Knowing how to socialize with peers and work in groups is a key to success in modern careers and society. This means that promoting socialization in this new environment can greatly help your child in the long run. Peer-to-peer interaction is essential to their social development, so make sure you’re encouraging them to take these opportunities as they come.
If you can, encourage them to reach out to their classmates outside of class hours. You can also help them set up virtual playdates, game nights, or movie marathons with their new friends. Aside from these online bonding sessions, also make sure they can interact with other children their age in person, or perhaps with their siblings at home.
Let them join an online student club
In this time of online learning, many schools have created virtual clubs for their students. These clubs are centered around students sharing interests, developing their talents, and networking with each other. These clubs also exist outside of school and can be found on other online platforms.
If your child is looking for ways to socialize in their distance learning, encourage them to join one of these virtual clubs. Group interactions are a great way to jumpstart socialization — you meet plenty of people, and conversation flows better when there are more participants. With these clubs, your child will have the opportunity to meet other students with common hobbies, and have fun outside of the classroom.
Key Takeaway
Your child being a distance learner doesn’t mean giving up on the social aspects of school. There are many ways to promote socialization in distance learning, and using these tips can help your child thrive and continue growing in an online space.
