Let’s take a look at what will help your child have a frustration-free online learning experience. Nowadays, most children are fairly comfortable interacting with devices that use touch as the primary mode of feedback. These devices include phones, tablets and computers with touchscreens. This touch sensory feedback is crucial for multi-sensory learning, a cornerstone of the Orton-Gillingham approach. However, children are, well, children! So, we have to remember the forgetfulness that can come with that age group. Children may find it hard to remember where their devices are. They may forget to charge them. And of course, they need to not lose expensive electronics and accessories.
As they start learning more and enjoying knowing more, children tend to be excited and look forward to the online sessions. It is a perfect opportunity for them to be independent and responsible for all items they will need to make the online session fruitful. With that said, here is what they need to have before each lesson.
Yes! Super important! Lessons require children to focus and exercise their brains. They are creating new neural pathways. It’s a lot of work. And a well-rested mind and body are extremely important to a successful lesson.
A typical session is 50-55 minutes and usually starts with a bit of a conversation. This helps to get them ready, focused and settled into the lesson. If a child is late, they may feel stressed or rushed and we may end up completing less than what we had planned for. Being on time for their lesson reinforces a valuable life skill!
All online lessons require the student to be in a shared whiteboard session with the instructor. During the session, they will draw, write, point and page-turn as needed. The entire whiteboard is online and our interaction is real-time.
We use FaceTime or Skype during the online session. Being on video during the session is essential. Aside from hearing the word, the student needs to be able to read the teacher’s lips when going through visual drills. You do not need to buy the latest tablet devices. Slightly older used affordable iPads are fine. We have found iPads as the most prevalent tablet used by parents and children but that doesn’t mean others won’t work. Kindle Fire tablets use a proprietary operating system We cannot comment on their compatibility or use for online tutoring..
Note – if you are buying an iPad Pro, it typically works only with an Apple Pencil. In general, you need a stylus that is compatible with whatever tablet you buy. Here is an example of one. Please check compatibility before making this purchase.
And that’s it! Five things that will greatly improve the chances of each lesson being the best learning experience it can be for your child. Happy learning!