4.Should parents be present during online lessons?

Having online classes in this pandemic has not only been a challenge for students, but also their families. Parents usually help to make careful preparation for the online course: setting up the computer, adjusting the microphone and headphones, and waiting for online classes to start. Here comes a very practical question: Should a parent keep the kid's company during an online class? We suggest that students of different ages take different measures.

(1) Elementary school students: Without the supervision and guidance of their teachers or the company of their classmates, kids at such a young age likely require parental guidance to get ready for online classes. Parents can also help them interact and communicate with their teachers, thus, accomplishing the tasks and achieving the learning goals. Parents can also monitor their reading and writing habits. If parents keep reminding and correcting them, the kids will form a scientific habit of using their eyes.

(2) Middle school students: Generally, they can complete online learning independently. They tend to require some private space and wish to be trusted and respected. Therefore, they usually want their parents to appear only when necessary. The important job of their parents is to provide logistics and mental support, to guide them to use their eyes appropriately, and to ensure they are learning effectively.

(3) High school students: They can complete on their own tasks and make arrangements for online learning. It is also an excellent opportunity to train them to schedule their studies independently and develop good study habits. Since the study time of high school students is relatively long, parents should supervise the length of time they study online and remind them to relax their eyes by looking at distant objects, closing their eyes, or doing eye care exercises.

(4) Parents: Parents should try their best to create a pleasant learning environment for their kids to have online classes at home. A private learning space would be best without snacks or other things to distract kids' attention. Parents should keep the room quiet. Don't talk to their children. Don't make loud noises.