Supporting Your Child in Online Classes

So many of us work and learn online in today’s world. The COVID-19 pandemic prompted this shift for many businesses and schools, including RocketHour. While some have returned to in-person settings, many have adopted a hybrid model or even remained fully online.

At RocketHour, we’ve found that running our classes online works exceptionally well for our purposes. Since we’re working on computers, it makes sense to learn in an online environment. The thoughtful way we’ve structured our classes ensures they remain interactive and engaging, while also leveraging the benefits of online learning.

Of course, as with anything, there are some challenges. One of these is that our tutors have no control over the physical environment of each student. This is where you, our parents, come in.

Here are some practical tips to help you create a positive and productive learning environment at home and ensure your child gets the most out of each lesson.

💻 Check your equipment

Just like if you arrived at a swimming class without your swimming costume, arriving at an online coding class without the right equipment can be rather frustrating.

Always make sure your laptop is charged, and you have your headphones and mouse ready. Check your mic, sound and internet before class starts. It is a good idea to restart your computer before the class too. Ensure any unnecessary applications are closed, and make sure that you have followed our instructions for setting up TeamViewer and Discord well ahead of your first class.

🤫 Ensure a Quiet Space

A quiet, comfortable space is essential for online learning. If possible, set up a designated area where your child can concentrate without interruptions. Let other family members know when the class is in session to minimize background noise.

Make sure your child’s workspace is also free from unnecessary items and distractions. Do a quick declutter of toys and other gadgets (unless they need a fidget toy to concentrate).

🍎 Refuel and refresh

Encourage your child to have a short break and a light snack before class begins. They’ve likely had a long day at school, and perhaps even other activities after school. If possible, get them outside for a little bit. Physical movement increases oxygen flow to the brain, boosting concentration.

If you’ve had to rush home to get to your lesson, remind your child to take a deep breath to help them settle into the class.

👀 Stay Involved

While it’s important to allow your child to work independently, popping in and out of the room can be beneficial, especially for younger children. A quick check ensures they’re comfortable, staying on task, and feeling supported.

If your child is new to using a computer, we recommend sitting with them for their first couple of lessons, particularly at the beginning of the lessons, to ensure they are settled. As soon as their confidence builds and they know how to join the lesson independently, you can step back.

💬 Encourage Participation

Online classes thrive on interaction. Motivate your child to ask questions and engage with their tutor and classmates. This builds confidence and helps them make the most of their learning experience.

☎️ Communicate with us

A member of our team is always available to assist during lessons. If you’re having a technical issue, simply pop us a WhatsApp and we’ll help as quickly as possible. We can also pass a message on to the tutor, so if your child is struggling to focus and you want their tutor to know, do let us know via WhatsApp.

Likewise, if there are other things that you want your child’s tutor to be aware of so that they can better support your child, please let us know. We are always happy to chat over the phone to understand your child’s specific needs.

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