Hello!

Hi ladies! I’m currently staying home with my brother during this pandemic. He is in the 1st grade and his classes moved online last week. He seems to having trouble paying attention during his zoom lessons along with laying his head down. I moved all distractions away from him. He does his zoom lessons everyday at the same place, the kitchen table. I’ve tried to talk to him and he says ok but continues to do it. What have you been doing to keep your kids focused? Any and all ideas welcome. Thank you in advance!(:


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  • Is he tired? Has he had a good breakfast? So m any variables but maybe spice it up and have him in different locations


  • Maybe the kitchen isn’t comfortable for him for long periods. Is it possible to buy him his own small desk he can be proud of and one he can decorate


  • Hopefully you’re not in VIC and need to go back to this! :(


  • Gosh it’s tough when they’re that young! Maybe try buy/ make slime or play dough and let him have something to fidget with during sessions. Some people do better when they have something to do with their hands (like knitting and watching TV for adults)
    Screens are not as engaging as a real person!


  • He might need more breaks? I know he has to be on the lesson but might need to run around a bit every 10 minutes or so. Let the teacher know he is having quick body and mind breaks and will be right back.


  • I don’t have any additional advice other than keep him fed, warm and hydrated. And – you’re doing an amazing job :)


  • Having observed my kids’ Zoom classes, your brother is FAR from alone! Offer a small treat – 15 minutes doing something he likes, say – as a reward if he tries to be engaged.


  • maybe a fidget toy while he is watching the screen


  • My child is in year one, too. She’s been diagnosed recently with ADHD. In a normal classroom situation she is overwhelmed with visual input and by the noise levels. So it may be he’s feeling overwhelmed too with sensory input from watching the screen. Talk to his teacher and let them know what’s going on. We’ve had a bit more success learning at home. I make sure I sit with my girl as she works. We make sure she’s sitting with her feet flat. She normally sits on a Stokke Tripp Trapp chair at the dining table, but you can get the same result with a small foot stool like the little folding ones from Kmart or Ikea. It helps stop little legs kicking around and little bottoms from sliding around on the chair. We also have a textured cushion for my child to sit on in class which provides sensory feedback without her wriggling around as much. We also make sure she has regular breaks. She has a few minutes bouncing on her trampoline or riding her scooter between tasks and she comes back more regulated and settled. Kids this age also don’t need to be sat learning all day. They should only need 2-3 hours of school work time. So don’t feel he must complete everything set out for the week in one hit.


  • Is he getting enough sleep? Could be tired.
    Is his eyesight ok – looking at a screen all day can be taxing for adults let alone kids – could be getting tension headaches.
    Is he understanding the material being presented? If not, he may be ‘switching off’. I would email his teacher and explain what is happening and ask if they have any advice or can offer any insights based on how he was doing at school last term – they may have noticed something similar and could give some tips.


  • Encouragement and perhaps a reward (Not a gift) for completing his work at the end of it? Like playing something new, story time, movie?


  • Maybe try sitting with him and talking about the lesson as it goes along. Show some interest yourself, include him and yourself in the lessons


  • Make sure they have regular breaks even if it’s to get up for 5 mins every half hour. I also find exercise before they start the day helps children to focus. We also make sure one of us is around to answer any questions that come up whilst they are doing schooling. Also if they finish the lesson early have something they can doin that time like colour in play outside etc.


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