We acknowledge that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought forth a lot of challenges. One of them is the closure of many institutions of learning and the switching of education activities to online platforms like Zoom, among others.
The year 2020 was a first of its kind where almost all high school and other students had to take classes from home. This pace is likely to continue into the coming months depending on how the vaccine for the COVID-19 virus pans out among other critical issues. To this end therefore students need a foolproof plan to enable them study effectively and excel in their academics amid the challenges they are set to experience during these unprecedented times.
In view of the above therefore we created a few tips below to help you as you study at home.
- With the irregular opening and closing of schools in various locations- take advantage of the times you go to school and carry home as many textbooks as you can when you break from school. Carry along your notebooks as well, including notebooks from the previous grades as you may need them for study and revision.
- Take advantage of every opportunity to read. Please read and read some more. Regardless of whether the schools reopen in a few weeks or months, the knowledge you will have acquired during this time will not go to waste. By studying well, you will also be able to catch up on schoolwork easily when schools resume.
- As we all know work never stops even if we love our guardians and they love us back. They will always have some tasks for us. Therefore, plan meticulously on how you can study and still help a little with some of the chores at home. E.g.,:
- Waking up a little early to study. I know some homes do not have power but use whatever resources you have to light up your small room and study. Whether it is an oil lamp, or solar lamp etc. it will serve the same purpose as electricity does hence do not feel discouraged.
- Take advantage of the times when work at home is slow, and chores are few to study.
- Take breaks as well to rest and take a moment to process what you have learned.
- Keep good friends from the neighborhood who will encourage you to read and participate in activities like religious activities, group sports and cultural activities (if allowed and within social distancing rules) and other constructive activities.
- Try to limit screen time i.e., the time spent on your mobile phone, iPad etc., gaming, watching movies and videos, playing music, chatting on online platforms and the like. It is okay to have some entertainment occasionally. However, you must be careful not to get carried away. It will take some discipline for you to stay focused and perform important tasks.
- Take time to play outside enjoy the sun a little (or the fresh air and wind) with your siblings while keeping safe.
- Read storybooks as well occasionally- they are good entertainment and will also help you with your grammar/literature in school.
- If you love art or creative work, then draw, paint, take photographs of nearby sceneries, write poems, essays etc. Whatever you do keep busy at the right things.
- In all things, keep believing that things will get better and that the sun will always shine. For any troubles we have are just for a moment and when we press on, things ultimately get better.