Keeping kids and teens motivated through online learning can be challenging — as many of us learned last year. With the world constantly changing at the moment, here are a few tips that can make the process a little easier.

Provide structure and routine

Sticking to a schedule helps everyone (that means children AND adults) stay focused. When expectations are set, they’re more likely to be met.

Establish accountability

Having accountability, whether it’s to you, teachers or friends, helps kids realise they’re not alone and gives them a valid reason to work hard. Daily check-ins face to face, or via text or social media can help increase motivation.

Break up the day

It’s easy to stay glued to the computer when there’s work to be done, but frequent breaks are essential. Make sure lunch is eaten away from the screen and learning space, and encourage stretching and moving throughout the day.

Make it a party

We all love having something to look forward to. With limitations on visitors in Greater Sydney, an online celebration — like a virtual class party or Zoom disco — can help build excitement and anticipation during the week.

Show progress

Using a calendar, taking photos each day, or drawing on another visual aid to mark time can help kids see how much they’ve accomplished and how much there’s left to go.

When it comes to online learning, staying organised, maintaining routines and setting expectations are vital. But it’s important to remember that everyone learns differently. To stay motivated, keep having open conversations, find what works, and do more of that.

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”

Will Durant