1. Self-study at Home with Parental Guidance
In addition to learning through teachers and group study with peers, self-study at home with parental guidance is also one of the effective strategies for safe learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. With online lessons from teachers and the growth of the Internet, home study makes learning more accessible for students.
Indeed, studying at home allows for independence, enabling students to explore new knowledge on their own, which helps them retain information longer. It also sharpens their thinking skills. For challenging subjects, students can search for answers online and develop their own solutions, giving them a personal perspective and fostering a deeper passion for learning.
Moreover, if children need help during their studies and the teacher isn't available, parents can step in to support, creating a relaxed learning environment. During this pandemic, parents can gain a better understanding of their children's needs, ensuring their safety while studying. Additionally, self-study combined with parental guidance helps minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission and protects the community.


2. Provide Children with the Most Comfortable Learning Environment
Indeed, one of the safest strategies to help children study during the COVID-19 pandemic is to provide them with a comfortable learning environment. As the pandemic rapidly develops, ensuring a relaxed study space can prevent children from feeling pressured, which in turn encourages more creative thinking. Furthermore, it's important not to impose excessive demands on children during this time, as this could negatively impact their ability to learn.
By offering a comfortable environment, children can focus better on their studies, while also having the opportunity to think critically and acquire new knowledge that will benefit them in the future. Parents should avoid putting too much pressure on their children, fostering a positive and cheerful atmosphere so that learning naturally progresses.


3. Let Children Take Initiative in Planning Their Studies
Allow children to independently set their own learning goals on a weekly and daily basis. Parents should play a consultative role, offering suggestions to help improve the child’s study plan. For instance, if the child plans to spend too much time studying, encourage them to balance their time with rest, relaxation, and physical exercise.
Similarly, if the child hasn’t allocated enough time to watch lessons on TV or complete their homework, parents should guide them to adjust their schedule appropriately. Only when children feel that their goals and plans are their own will they truly take ownership and actively work towards them.


4. Clarify to Children that Social Distancing at Home Is Not a Vacation
Remind children that learning at home during the social distancing period is not a long vacation. Activities such as doing homework, reading textbooks, submitting essays, and even taking tests can still take place. Additionally, parents can try to incorporate the lessons into the child's hobbies to make studying more engaging.
Once the child has finished their studies for the day, parents can use the remaining time to relax, enjoy fun activities, and exercise together. There are always ways to balance family time and maintain mental and physical health.


5. Monitor Children's Use of Electronic Devices
Monitoring and staying with children while they use electronic devices for learning is crucial. Parents should pay attention to whether children are taking notes or getting distracted.
After each lesson, children can review the material by answering questions from parents. This observation also allows parents to identify any technical issues that may hinder the child's learning process. Furthermore, ensuring the child is actually absorbing the lesson is more effective when parents are present.


6. Limit the Time Spent on Internet-Connected Devices
Consider restricting children from using non-educational apps on electronic devices unless their learning for the day is complete. This helps prevent distractions from games, apps, or videos. Additionally, if possible, allow children to participate in online lessons with their teachers and peers.


7. Don't Hesitate to Seek Advice from Other Parents
Supporting your child during this period isn't something that only your family is doing. If you're struggling to create a study schedule for your child, you can always seek advice from other parents. Share your concerns or helpful tips with those who are in the same situation. Additionally, don't hesitate to reach out to teachers and schools when you need further assistance.


8. Learning through Teacher's Livestream
For many years, traditional offline teaching has been a widely used and effective method, where teachers can deliver knowledge in a clear and easy-to-understand manner. This approach also allows teachers to save time and streamline the lesson delivery. However, due to the outbreak of COVID-19, many schools had to close their doors.
As a result, offline teaching became less common, and online teaching took its place. Children now learn through software platforms suggested by their teachers, connecting with each other for lessons just like they would in a classroom. Additionally, the lessons are presented in an engaging and dynamic way, ensuring that children grasp the content as easily as possible. Through livestreams, children not only get their questions answered but also get the chance to explore their own learning journey using various apps.


9. Online Group Study with Friends
Based on our findings, Mytour suggests that children engage in online group study sessions for safe learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Group learning proves especially valuable in this context because it allows students to share their notes, discuss any questions, and support one another in keeping pace with their studies while staying on track with their school schedules.
Students can collaborate by reviewing lessons, exchanging notes, answering questions, and sharing resources. If one student struggles to grasp something, the group can help fill in the gaps. Additionally, children should set up dedicated chat groups to exchange materials, chat, and unwind after intense study sessions. This group study model not only reduces face-to-face interaction but also minimizes the spread of the virus, while fostering greater motivation as students work together with their peers.


10. Balance Study and Play Time
Allow children to choose whether they'd like to play before, during, or after study time. Play is an essential way for them to unwind, and it helps them concentrate better when it's time to focus. By giving kids a designated period for play, then gently guiding them back to their studies, their attention span can improve significantly.
Additionally, alternating between study and play helps children absorb lessons more effectively during the pandemic, keeping them engaged and preventing boredom. Introducing fun learning methods such as games can boost their enthusiasm, speed up their learning pace, and help them stay on track with their academic schedule once the pandemic is over. This balance between studying and playing not only prevents mental fatigue but also enhances their cognitive development and problem-solving skills.


