Online Camps & Edu-Activities

How should gymnastics grip fit?

We have seen many accidents encountered by sportspeople on various grounds. Some are very serious while others are moderate. Whatever it is, sports involving physical activities must be performed with extra care. After all, it is a matter of one’s life. Gymnasts are often seen wearing grips while performing gymnastics to resist an unfortunate fall.

Today we will be talking about gymnastics grip and how should gymnastics grips fit.

Do you know when gymnasts need grips?

Artistic gymnasts wear grips while performing on different apparatus. Grips are very helpful during the performance on uneven bars, high bars, still rings, etc. The gymnasts’ grip on the specific apparatus is enhanced. Moreover, good quality grips reduce friction that is the reason behind the rips and blisters of the athletes.

Not all gymnasts use grips. Some substitute grips with gauze or sports tape. Almost all gymnasts apply magnesium carbonate, a kind of powdered chalk to their grips for a tight hold.

How to put on gymnastics grips?

The grips used by gymnasts consist of a horizontal dowel. It is the place where the hand meets the fingers. You can call them dowel grips. Beginners’ grips do not have dowels.

Process of putting on grips:

If you are a gymnast or have started doing gymnastics and want to wear grips, then pull on your wrist neoprene or wristbands for staying away from grips’ friction.
Now, align the wristband’s edge with the exact meeting point of the wrist and hand. Check that the wristbands are smooth enough.
It’s time to lay the grip flat. The palm side and buckle (now open) must be facing up. Read further to know how to put on buckle gymnastics grips.
Place your hand on the grip’s top. Do it in such a way that two sides of the buckle remain open on both sides of the wrist.
In the case of beginner’s grips, the finger holes must be even with the fingers’ base. Again, for dowel grips, the finger holes should stay even with the hand’s first knuckle.
Make the grip tight and fasten it with your other hand. You can ask your coach or fellow gymnast to help you. If you are doing it on your own, follow these steps:

In the case of Velcro grips

First, insert the strap through the grip’s buckle or ring.
Then, fold it around the buckle (top part).
Now, pull it to make it tight.
Finally, press the strap against your wrist for locking the Velcro and putting it in place.

In the case of leather buckle grips

First, insert the grip’s strap through the buckle.
Pull it tight (check the comfort level).
Now, insert the prong in the hole (closest one).
Fasten it properly.

Now, it is time to insert the middle and the ring finger through the grip’s hole. If the grip contains a rubber band connected to the dowel, you have to pull the band back in between your middle and ring finger.
You have to twist the particular rubber band in half and wrap it around the grip’s front part, below both your fingers and twist it once again.
Next, bring the rubber band to your hand’s back one more time and wrap it under the grip’s top lip. It helps in securing the dowel and keeping it in place. Also, your fingers won’t slide out of the holes of the grip.

Suggesting you some of the best gymnastics grips for bars:

PUSH Athletic Gymnastics Youth Hand Grips

LEVIERO Gymnastics Buckle Grips

ZHEZHERA Authentic Dowel Gymnastics Grips

Gibson Athletic Single Buckle Just Right Uneven Bar Grips

Care for your grips and hands in the following ways: A must for your safety and durability of the grips

If you are wearing gymnastics grips for the very first time, do not make any attempt to get on any bar without the supervision of your coach.

If you put your grip on the correct hand, the Velcro straps must pull towards your body. You have to pull the specific strap towards the inside, and then wrap it counter-clockwise around your wrist. Do it until the Velcro strap is fastened properly.

In case you don’t need a rubber band, you can buy gymnastics grips without a rubber band.

Suggesting some best gymnastics grips without rubber band:

Ninja Sports Gymnastics Grips Wristbands for Girls Kids Youth

PUSH Athletic Gymnastics Youth Hand Grips

WOD Nation Barbell Gymnastics Grips Perfect for Pull-up Training, Kettlebells, Gymnastic Rings

Gymnastics grips are not only about wearing it and doing your performance holding the bar. You have to know about the right usage of finger holes and how to take the best care of leather grips.

Let’s check it out.

About finger holes:

If you are going to start using beginner grips for gymnastics, you must begin with using sandpaper. A small piece is sufficient.
Now, wrap the sandpaper around a pencil. Be careful while working around the finger holes. It will gradually open the hole perfectly without tearing the surroundings of the finger hole.

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Source: https://amzn.to/3egc249

Do not do these things:

Do not stretch the holes’ openings by hooking them to something and then pulling it stupidly.
Again, never ever think of cutting the holes with a sharp object like a knife or scissor or blade. It will cause damage to the leather which can’t be repaired.
Never ever use water for softening leather grips as water will stretch the leather and deteriorate it.

A must for gymnasts for optimum hygiene and protection of hands:

Never ever borrow grips from your teammate.
Always keep a back-up pair of grips ready.
Sanitize your gymnastics grips after every use.

After the above discussion, it is necessary to know about the appropriate size of gymnastics grips.
The mandatory question that is asked by every gymnast whether he/she is a beginner or a pro:

What is the ideal size of my gymnastics grip?

You must make a decision along with your coach. Only he/she can guide you on the accurate size and grip. The size of the grips usually comes in between 0-3. Every company has different gymnastics grips sizing charts. Usually, it is advised to take measurement from the tip of your middle finger straight to the bottom of your palm. In general, the finger holes remain relatively small in most of the grips. You have to widen the holes for getting a perfect and clean fit. Sandpaper can help in widening the finger holes which is described above.

Note: Never make the finger holes very big as the leather tends to stretch automatically over time and usage.

An overall gymnastics grips sizing chart

(G301, G302, G902, G902PG, and G903 grips: You have to take measurement from the base of your palm to the base of your middle finger.

how should gymnastics grips fit — https://www.ten-o.com/Grips.dlp https://www.ten-o.com/Grips.dlp

(This overall size chart may not work perfectly for all gymnasts as everybody’s hands are different and have various dimensions. Also, there are multiple ways to wear a grip that can’t be counted in the chart)

A guide exclusively for you on how to approach to deciding the sizing of your gymnastics grips:

Step 1: You have to decide whether you require Dowel Grips or Palm Grips.

Step 2: Take a measuring tape or a ruler. Take measurement of your hand in inches.

2a: In case of Palm Grips for beginners

Take the measurement from the base of your palm to the base of your fingers. You have to wear the palm grips on your fingers’ base. Hence, you have to measure your hand’s palm that is supposed to be covered by the grips.

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2b: In case of Dowel Gymnastics Grips

Take the measurement from the base of your palm to the tip of your middle finger. You have to wear Dowel grips between the last two knuckles on the fingers.

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Recommendation for gymnasts:

If the measurement results right in between the two sizes, choose the smaller size because leather grips will stretch and become thin over time. It will create difficulty for you as you won’t be able to hang on bars or rings properly. Immediately replace over-stretched or worn grips with a new pair.

Conclusion:

No matter, which brand you buy or how often you use your gymnastics grips, you have to take care of them. Store your grips in a grip bag. Avoid excessive use of chalk and water on them. Use a grip brush on the leather if it becomes smooth. Take care of your hand too. Apply pumice stone, antiseptic, and moisturizer to heal after an unfortunate rip or your practice.

What do karate students wear?

By Kavi Ranjan

Karate is one of the finest forms of martial art practiced all over the world. The game became more popular with time and now will be performed as an Olympic game in 2020 in Tokyo.

Along with a self-defense training tool, the game offers several mental and physical health benefits and also improves balance and muscle coordination in kids. Maybe this is the reason why many parents and schools are interested in teaching their students with Karate.

Before you make your kid start with karate make sure you equip him/her well with the required accessories and guards that not only protect them from injuries but also keep them safe while performing several kicks and chops. Additionally, martial art games like Karate have some specific uniforms and patterns.

These accessories are compulsory to wear during competitions and practice and somehow, are the same for boys and girls but differ at some points. To know more you have to go through every single detail provided in the article.

What Do Karate Students Wear:

1. Uniform:

Whether you are an old student training from many past years or a brand new trainee ready to begin your karate journey and get your first gi or someone in between, you need to be very particular about your training equipment and uniform. And to help you with this we have mentioned a checklist that you should not forget to mark while going for a competition or training.

Unlike other sports, martial art games like karate have a specific uniform pattern that is compulsory to follow for both boys and girls. This apparel may vary depending upon the demands and discipline techniques being followed during the training and competitions.

Karate is performed in variable types of gi whose weave and weight depends upon the techniques used by the player. This gi is plain white in color however Kobudo competitors have a choice to wear black or brown karate gi. The Hakama i.e. a divided skirt is not allowed to wear in karate.

Other Specifications:

Boys are not allowed to wear other t-shirts or shirts under the gi in the competition whereas girls can wear a plain white t-shirt while practicing or during competition.
The jacket worn by the competitor should be tightened around his/her waist with a karate belt and should not be longer than the mid-length of the thigh.
The length of the jacket should not be longer than the wrist bend and should not be shorter than the half forearm. Rolling up sleeves or having short jacket sleeves is totally prohibited.
The trousers of the uniform should be two-third of the shin and rolling them is prohibited while training or playing competitions.
Girls are not allowed to wear fancy bands, metallic hairpins, or hair clips.

2. The Belt:

The graded martial arts sports like karate have a special belt as a compulsory uniform accessory. The belt represents the rank of the player earned by winning and playing different competitions. In case the kid is a newbie he/she has to start with the most fundamental color of belt i.e. the white belt.

Colors and Meanings of different belts:

White belt: The white belt is for beginners who have just started their karate journey.

Yellow Belt: Yellow belt is for the new player who has learned some new methods and techniques.

Orange Belt: Orange belt is for the players who are ready to expand their techniques and methods.

Green Belt: Green belt denotes that the player is mastering his techniques and methods.

Blue Belt: it denotes that the player is trying hard to learn new techniques and is gaining knowledge so that he/she can equally differentiate between different techniques.

Purple Belt: this means that the student is pretty serious to achieve a new level.

Brown Belt: It shows that now the student has gained enough knowledge and is now ready to fight competition.

Red Belt: It signifies that the person has gained an ample amount of information and is now ready to teach it to other people.

Black Belt: it is the last stage of karate belts which shows that the person has mastered all the methods and techniques and is well known to teach it to other people and guide them well.

Once you start playing it in the hands of the coach or sensei to offer you the color of the belt according to your capabilities. The belt is the same for both boys and girls. It not only symbolizes the skills of the player but also symbolizes your dedication, hard work, and skills.

3. Protective Gears:

Karate has certain methods and techniques that can cause injury and therefore to protect yourself from injuries the students need protective gear. These protective gears are not only important but a compulsory part of the karate uniform.

Some of the important protective gear required during practice and tournaments are chest protectors for both boys and girls, hand mitts, helmet mouthpiece are essential for amateur levels, foot protection, shin pads along with instep pads. Groin cup is essential for the boys to wear while practicing and tournaments.

4. Training Accessories: weapons, gloves, etc:

Different types of martial art techniques require specially designed training equipment. Like karate can be performed in gi and requires a specialized weapon I.e. bo. It is a traditional weapon made up of a wooden stick that is around 1.8 m in length.

5. Good quality gear bag:

A good quality gear bag is not at all a compulsory thing but a serious necessity that has several benefits. Unlike the heavy and rough gear bags, a comfortable bag helps to keep all your gears and equipment neat, clean, and safe. Instead of going for a low-quality bag prefer selecting a high-quality bag with solid and sturdy material to keep everything easy to carry and to keep in one place.

No doubt hard work and determination are key to learn a sport perfectly but at the same time, a comfortable uniform and essential gear and equipment make it a little easy for you to acquire those skills.

In karate uniform plays a major role and wearing a proper and tidy uniform with all required gear and equipment is a part of its discipline and rules. So before you enter the practicing ground make sure you have checked this checklist.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of online education?

By Kavi Ranjan

The COVID19 pandemic has changed education forever.

The pandemic has shut the schools shifting their classrooms online.
The education has changed dramatically, whereby teachers are now undertaking classes remotely using digital platforms
Research survey suggests that online education learning has shown a rise, meaning the changes that COVID19 have caused is here to stay for long

Even before COVID19, there has been a steady growth in adopting online learning. The easy access to the “Information and Communication Technology” has facilitated access to the various platforms and areas of online studies. Whether it is virtual tutoring, taking the class through “Zoom”, using video conferencing tools there has been a significant surge in adopting online educational technologies.

You no longer must physically present in the class to learn. The environment of online education is different from the traditional classroom setup but that does not mean it is less effective.

No doubt, traditional classroom learning will always remain an effective and preferred choice but with the changing scenarios today, universities and schools worldwide are offering course programs so that students and professionals can still earn their degrees, get their certification – perhaps the best way to keep the career on track.

Online education has its share of challenges both for students and teachers but willingness and adaptability to experiment can go a long way toward meeting them.

One should realize that online education might not be a feasible choice and may not work for everyone. Below we have listed what are the advantages and disadvantages of online education and understanding them will help you figure out if online learning is suitable or not.

Advantages of online education:

It provides flexibility

For many of us, the primary benefit of online education is about having flexibility. Some course programs are flexible if students want to accelerate the course and finish it ahead of time. Additionally, it makes it easier to fit learning into your day especially if you are a student and doing a job. Because the student does not require classes at a specific time, it gives you total freedom to acquire a degree at your own pace.

It is easier to focus

The studies have shown that studying in a noisy and loud environment makes it difficult to concentrate. Online classes are easier to focus, by sitting in a comfortable environment wearing headphones you are less distracted. Your entire interaction happens online which means you will not wander off the topic.

Easy access to the teachers

In an online class, you get direct access to the teachers for answering your queries. This makes it easier and quicker to get your questions resolved rather than just waiting for your turn to come which happens in a traditional classroom setting.

100% attendance

You no longer have to worry about attending your class irrespective it is heavy rainfall, snowing, or lockdown. When you take classes online, not only are you saving your time but attending it digitally is way easier in letting you have 100% attendance. Additionally, it gives you the flexibility to get your work done in case something comes up.

Low costs

Studying online means that you only will be paying online application fees and your tuition fees which is way less than what you pay for your on-campus degree. Moreover, colleges offering online programs are now proposing merit-based scholarships which overall makes a huge difference to your course program fees. Students also save time and money by eliminating a commute.

Disadvantages of online education:

Lack of practice-based learning

There are specific courses that require several practical sessions such as studying medicine, surgeries, getting practical knowledge learning in a construction field. Such experiences online programs are not able to offer.

Requires self-discipline and time management skills

Self-discipline and time management are always crucial when it comes to online learning. It involves less guidance from an instructor compared to traditional classroom learning.

Diminishes social interaction

Ideally in a traditional classroom, there is interaction happening between other students and teachers. Also, some course programs require doing group activities, these moments do not arise in an online class. It is important to have social interaction between peers and teachers to bring liveliness to boring lectures.

Not suitable for every kind of learnings

For example, learning how to fly an airplane or how to dispose of chemicals under a specific environment needs practical learning. Operative techniques that have complex topics require the physical environment to learn and get practical knowledge. Think, is it safe where you think you will board a plane where the pilot only has theoretical knowledge and never flown a plane?

Stressful for those who are not disciplined

Online education learning is not for the lazy type. If you are never punctual and love postponing your sessions, online classes are a waste of money. Especially in professional courses, there are no tutors to give you a follow-up or make-up session.

It requires good grasping of the tech skills

Learning from an online class running on Zoom and Skype kind of app requires you to understand about online technology. It is not only about knowing how to start the computer and getting to the online class. You need to know how to navigate the screen. This is very easy for people who have good technical understanding, they can figure out how to maneuver around a video, do online assignments or interact using that platform

If Internet connectivity is a huge problem

When there is a problem with your internet, taking an online class will be a hassle. You will need a decent speed internet connection to run those applications.

After all the students have to analyze both what are the advantages and disadvantages of online education. Their decision greatly contributes to the direction of his/her career path. Students have to decide how they are going to accomplish their goals whether it is online, in the classroom, or a combination of both.

What does it take to become a successful online student?

If you want to know how to study online from home, you only have to carry out a few searches over the Internet. Whether you are a student studying in a school or obtaining a professional degree from a university or any other institute all you need is an internet connection, a computer/laptop, and a desire to study online.

Online education is increasing demand. The pace of our daily lives has made it possible to earn a degree without sacrificing our work. With less time on hand, online course programs have made it possible to study in the most affordable ways.

Now that you have known what are the advantages and disadvantages of online education, the primary thing is to establish a schedule to successfully carry the online education. Having the necessary resources in hand, all you need is to put determination.

FAQs

1. How much time does the student spend in one class every week?

The time students spend on an online class can vary. No two teachers will have the same teaching format and class schedule. Depending on the course program/school time-table the classes will vary.

2. How is the study material available online?

Once a student gets the username – password, they are able to access the online classrooms, the study material is uploaded, assignments, video links related to the chapter/topics, etc.

3. How to interact with the teachers online?

Teachers are accessible and responsive to the students. Students and teachers ideally communicate primarily through the website or connect through Zoom, Skype, etc.

4. Are the tests available online?

Yes. Teachers do assign tests depending on the course curriculum which can be weekly or unit test or quarterly. Students are supposed to give the test ensuring they will not copy or share their exam, and that the person taking the test is the person itself registered as the student will take the test. Tests may be timed, and do not typically allow for open-book responses.

5. Are online classes self-paced or scheduled?

Well, if you are in school/college the online classes will be scheduled. There will be a set time-table for every class. And for those who are earning specific certification, they are mostly self-paced.

6. What if there is a technology difficulty?

Ideally, the educational institute provides the technical support which is available till the classes are cleared for the day. You can easily contact them for any technology struggle.

Online education is totally worth the effort – Closing Thoughts

We just explored what are the advantages and disadvantages of online education. For some students are comfortable with traditional teaching sessions, while others may prefer online educational training. Online education is no doubt a game-changer in today’s scenario but, it also depends on the individual’s choice. It is nowadays easy to earn certification, as online education offers complete flexibility in terms of time and cost.

How to make your child smart in math | Best Math Enriching Activities

By Kavi Ranjan

Young kids are naturally curious to learn new skills, introducing maths in their brain developing stage enhances their critical thinking and reasoning skills. How to make your child smart in math?

Through play, children can sense their world around them. Maths skills can be introduced through their daily activities, routines, favorite games and experience to recreate, investigate, and explore new skills.

Early math skills have predictive power with reading, listening, and attention skills. Math skills make your children smart and confident to face problems in their success path. Engaging more math-oriented activities before preschool builds a strong foundation of mathematics basics and stimulates their IQ level.

Parents need to allow kids to direct their activities to solve meaningful problems and develop their thinking ability.

Why are children scared of maths?

Kids struggle to understand concepts, theorems, and difficulty in remembering formulas, which results in fear, stress, and anxiety.

Many factors contribute to the rise of nervousness and anxiety when children deal with maths subject includes:

Lack of understanding about symbols and signs
Lack of practice
Not getting good maths teacher
Lack of strong basics knowledge
Lack of valuing mistakes
Lack of a positive attitude towards the subject
Low IQ and inappropriate teaching methods

To develop kids’ analytical skills, give appropriate guidance, use different methods and approaches to make maths exciting and creative. Encourage kids to do more exercise at the early stages to strengthen the basic skills and find reasons to learn maths in interactive ways.

Why are maths important in life?

The Laws of mathematics govern everything around us, engineers and scientists need maths to do analyzing data, evidence seeking, solving complex information, and pattern recognition.

Parents have to involve children in interactive mathematical programs and fun activities in the early stages of life to develop innovative and analytical skills. Strong basic mathematics knowledge makes kids’ lives simple and easy in every walk of their life.

Some day-to-day activities where maths involved:

Banking and balancing checkbook
Gardening and landscaping
Composing & Playing music
Cooking
Home decorating and sewing
Understanding sports, Team statistics and player analytics
Understanding about vehicles and their working
Managing family budget
Shopping within limits by calculating discounts and offers
Figuring about distance, speed, and time in real life

How to make maths less difficult?

With constant practice and an effective teaching curriculum including fun puzzles and riddles, fun activities and games encourage children to get along with maths, develop clarity in their decision making and be smart in maths.

With proper teaching method and time can make maths less difficult
Teach theorem and concepts with realtime examples
Regularly solve critical mathematical concepts and problems
Involve in mathematical activities to build a strong basic knowledge from preschool
Finding ways to retaining difficult formulas through picturization & stories, etc.

Why do kids should learn mathematics from the early stages?

The brain starts to develop at early stages, it’s important to expose a three-year-old toddler to touch, feel, and interact with math concepts using fun physical objects and games.

Maths plays an important role in children’s development and helps them to sense the environment around them. Children between the age of two to five-year-old start to explore shapes, patterns, sizes, and differences.

By introducing maths at an early stage, children get curiosity and natural brilliance to learn problem-solving and logical thinking skills that help them at each step for a better future.

Tricks to make your child smart in maths

Mathematics is a creative and interesting subject that helps children to become great problem solvers and develop their logical and analytical thinking.

Mathematics is a foundation for all careers in tech, science, and engineering. Engage your children in playing maths, incorporate games, and talk about maths doing daily duties.

Some tips to stimulate your children interest in mathematics for better performance include:

Use number sense to make sure they understand the concepts well. If kids do memorization and tricks without any logical sense, it will be invaluable and will result in difficulties while solving problems.

Use colorful and moving educational math toys to make kids more attentive and interested in concepts.

Building blocks
Try origami
Involve them with music
Incorporate board games and spatial games with children to improve their numerical calculation abilities

Incorporate maths in their day-to-day life

Count numbers with your kids through counting plates, stairs, toys, vegetables, and so on.
Work on number recognition by trying puzzle or hopscotch
Work on shapes by cooking different shaped cookies, play with dough and blocks
Try measuring equations like comparing heights of family members

Encourage them to solve more problems than their assigned homework. ( Naturally out of interest without forcing them )

For toddlers, make your child write neatly on a graph sheet, to trace the numbers for memorizing.

Start your teaching at early ages for strong foundation with basic mathematics skills

Use technologies including computers, calculators, and other maths types of equipment which attract kids’ attention and improve their maths knowledge.

Always focus on logic reasoning behind concepts. It will build a strong foundation on the ability to rationally solve problems

Don’t push your child too hard to learn maths. Pressure and stress make kids lose their interest in maths.

Engage your children in math enrichment classes and activities to hone their ability and interest in analytical problems.

Math activities at different stages of child

For budding engineers or scientists on your hand, you have to engross them into enchanting maths activities which grabs attention and fun to hone their analytical skills. It’s good to nurture and cultivate your kids’ logical and analytical skills through fun enrichment activities and toys.

Preschool enrichment maths activities

Shell memory math game – It’s a classic memory concentration game and makes your preschooler have a fulfilling time.

Outdoor activities

Sidewalk dinosaur feet – To learn and write numbers
Rock hunt, sort, and count – Hit your garden to collect piles of stones in different sizes to sort in ascending or descending.

Indoor activities

Sorting games – Display physical objects to learn shapes and sizes.
Making favorite charts – Make impressive and super fun shapes with charts and papers to make preschoolers understand differences and similarities.
DreamBox learning maths

Elementary kids activities

Needle counting – It’s a simple way to review and repeat math concepts and operations.
Water balloon game- it’s an easy way to calculate the simple calculations and throw the balloon to the correct target. It can be applied to any kids ages whether kids are toddlers to teach numbers or teens to remember formulas.
Cheese ball game – on shaving cream or cheese with cherries on top, you can make your kids learn calculations in a fun way. This activity helps kids to learn addition, subtraction, and multiples through play.
Make muffins and cookies – This activity helps kids to learn units of measurements for baking cakes and biscuits.
Sequence numbers board games
Dino math tracks place value game
Pizza fraction fun game

Benefits of introducing maths at early stages

Mathematics during early childhood forms a strong foundation to help children in achieving academic performance. Children get opportunities to:

Develops their confidence in their ability to make decisions and participate in activities
Improve their analytical, logic, and problem-solving skills
Develop their decision making and reasoning skills
Discover and create
Get fun and enjoyment through the subject
Improve their self-esteem
Learn to estimate things
Analyze and make sense of information
Make choices in their life
Perseverance to solve a task
Explore the world around them through shapes and patterns
Know the awareness of others and objects
Create relationships through connections and co-operation

Is online learning the future of education?

By Kavi Ranjan

The concept of education has been drastically changing across the globe since the advent of breakthrough technologies. We are entering into a new era of education that completely revolves around the Internet and computer devices without any requirement to be physically present in the traditional classrooms. This is what we term as online education that enables users to acquire knowledge anywhere and anytime as long as we have the requisite resources. Is online learning the future of education?

What are the different types of online learning?

There are different kinds of online learning models based on the type of platform, mode of teaching, and types of resources used. All these types are well featured and suite the varied requirements of learners. Given below are the 3 commonly used types of online learning:

1. Synchronous Online Learning:

The live online learning sessions are termed as synchronous online learning. In this, virtual classes/conferences/webinars are held where there is an instant interaction between the students and the teacher.

This type of teaching method ensures better learning of the subject as students can clarify their doubts and share their feedback right away. A sense of discipline is maintained, as they are held at fixed times.

One of the biggest disadvantages of synchronous learning is that it becomes inconvenient for students residing in different time zones. Further, if there is a power cut or Internet failure, the student would end up missing the entire class.

2. Asynchronous Online Learning:

As opposed to the synchronous learning method, this type of learning does not take place as live sessions. This instead depends on recorded videos and other forms of online study material. The student gets to study the same and appear for an online exam within a flexible time frame.

While it offers flexibility, a sense of discipline is less. Also, due to a lack of direct communication between teachers and students, learning might not be up to the mark. No personal interaction between teachers and students often leads to a lack of encouragement in learning.

3. Blended Online Learning:

This is a combination of traditional learning and online learning. There will be regular up close and personal interactions between teachers and students combined with online, learning online through messaging, tests, quizzes, and more.

These types of learning modes speed up the learning process at the same time providing flexibility to both students and teachers to manage their time well. The cost of such a technique is a little on the higher side.

Why the demand for online learning is on the rise?

The demand for online education has constantly been on the rise since the last couple of years. However, due to the unavailability of resources at remotest areas, it was not fully accepted at many places across the globe. The outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic and worldwide lockdown compelled educational institutions as well as professional bodies to resort to online learning methods.

With every school, college, and institution compulsorily switching to online educational tools, a question that often lingers in the minds of many is “Is online learning the future of education”?

There is no definite answer to this question. However, given the promising advantages and features of online learning, it will be right to say that online learning is surely becoming the future of education gradually replacing the traditional classroom teaching method.

What are the advantages of online learning?

1. Flexibility:

Online learning provides flexibility in terms of time and place. You can learn anything sitting at your home or office or anywhere without having to commute daily for your classes.

This way, both students and teachers can have better management of their time. For working professionals, it helps in continuing their studies and maintaining a proper work-study balance.

2. Cost-effective:

Online courses are priced lower than offline university courses as not many resources are used like textbooks, accommodation, equipment, etc. The student is only paying for the teacher’s time, experience, and online resources. More students can enroll in the courses as the cost is considerably reduced.

3. No limit on enrolment

Traditional courses set a limit on the number of enrolments due to a lack of availability of unlimited resources. But with online learning, this is not an issue. As they mainly depend on recorded videos, live online videos, online test series, any number of students can attend the same at the same time.

4. Better student-teacher interaction:

It promotes better student-teacher interaction than traditional learning. Teachers can put a cap on the number of students as per their discretion and focus more on individual students to ensure adequate attention.

5. Customized learning experience:

There are various online teaching resources like eBooks, videos, graphics, photos, etc that provide a customized experience to the learners and make it more fun to even learn a boring subject. Students who are not very fond of textbooks can learn a lot through these methods.

6. No disruptions:

As long as you have an uninterrupted internet connection and power connection, online learning faces no disruptions. Even during times like Covid-19 when the entire nation went into a lockdown mode, students continued with their education through online learning methods and still doing.

Does online learning have any limitations?

Everything comes with pros and cons. Online learning has its share of disadvantages. Given below are of the biggest disadvantages of online education:

1. Social isolation:

As there is a lack of face-to-face interaction amongst teachers and students, it leads to social isolation. Social isolation is a breeding ground for mental illnesses, anxieties, and loneliness.

Humans are social beings, which depend on interpersonal relationships for leading a happy life.

2. Higher chances of cheating:

Students have various modes of cheating while appearing in online examinations. Without a proper identity verification system, they can even let third parties take exams on their behalf. Hence, the integrity of the examination is compromised to a great level.

3. Not convenient for subjects demanding practical experience:

For subjects requiring practical knowledge, online learning does not deliver the required expertise. No matter how much you learn theoretically, practical experience is a must for gaining expertise in certain fields such as medical, research, science, vocations, etc.

4. Kids get over exposed to technologies:

Children are getting exposed to technologies at an early age for online learning to become habituated with the same. They are easy targets of online children abusers and prohibited content.

5. Lack of discipline:

Since online learning provides the flexibility of time and place to students, it results in a lack of discipline. There is no fixed schedule for studying. This is often misused by students and taken for granted.

6. Health issues:

Excess dependence on technologies has negative impacts on our health. Diseases like obesity, spondylitis, eye diseases, headaches are on the rise among people.

However, most institutions resorting to online teaching are trying their best to have appropriate systems in place to maintain the quality of education. In the years to come, we can expect to see a tremendous transformation in the online learning sector.

FAQs

What technical skills are required for online learning?

Institutions providing online courses clearly specify the required technical skills in their curriculum. Though most institutions try to make their online learning platform as intuitive as they can, there are some basic computer skills, which are a must for online learning. One needs to have the knowledge of using a keyboard, mouse, running computer programs, internet, word processing programs, email, and other collaborative tools.

What kind of online materials are used?

Online materials can be in various forms like images, pdf files, videos, GIFs, blogs, and many more.

How do teachers and students connect?

There are various online learning platforms in the market in the form of websites or mobile applications that are specially designed for teaching purposes. They are designed in a way that teachers can use them to create surveys, questionnaires, hold lectures, and more.

Are online learning courses expensive?

The cost of online learning courses varies from course to course as well as from institute to institute. However, comparatively, the cost is lower than in conventional courses. Although there is an initial investment of computer devices and internet connection.

Most Loved indoor physical activity for 3 to 5-year-olds

By Kavi Ranjan

Children of the age group from 3 to 5 years are known for being an active bunch. They enjoy their time spent in the backyard, park, or pool irrespective of the season. But physical activities for toddlers and preschoolers are not always suitable for their health to play outdoor and indoor activities; Especially indoor physical activity for 3 to 5-year-olds

Playing for long hours in the cold breeze of winter or lava-like hot summers might affect their health. In times like this, you should introduce them to some fun indoor physical activities. This can also be an exciting way to spend some family time and some time away from screens.

Why is Physical Activity important for kids?

Helps to build strength, endurance, and flexibility
Makes bone stronger
Improve concentration
Fewer behavior problems
Helps achieving and maintaining balance weight
Reduce stress level
Improves over health and wellness
Keeps body fit
Improves social skills
Helps develop gross and fine motor skills
Improves in sleep

Physical activity of any kind helps improve our overall health and wellness. It is essential for your kid’s health that they must have some physical activity in their daily routine. They have high levels of energy that should be invested in beneficial activities like indoor games. They are critical in mental and physical growth.

Physically active children have longer attention span, perform better in school, have stronger bones and muscles. Indoor physical activities for kids are essential, and parents should be educated on incorporating daily physical activity on their kids.

How much physical time do children need?

For preschoolers (ages 3 through 5 years), it is recommended to be physically active throughout the day. They should accommodate a minimum of 60 minutes of physical activity.

Children are not more inclined towards the virtual world and have left an interest in actual physical activity. They usually spend most of their time glued to screen- mobile, TV, tab, and other gadgets. There are a plethora of options for these gadgets out in the market.

What are the ways to keep your kids active indoors?

Playing games and family bonding exercises are a great way to keep your kids active indoors.

There are virtual versions of almost every game (including card games!). How can you make your kid get up and play some physical games? Fun games are the only answer. Whatever game you choose to play should be engaging and be able to seize their attention. Confused? Don’t worry; we have got a perfect list to get you started.

Here are some fun indoor physical activities that you can play with your kids:

Row, Row, Row Your Boat

This game will be as fun as the name. An amazing game for your kid’s physical development and socialization.you won’t even have to worry about any equipment as you won’t need one.

To play this game, children have to sit facing a partner with feet touching. They hold hands, leaning forward and backward while singing “Row, Row, Row Your Boat.” As simple and as fun as that.

The Animal Kingdom

This game is fun and can be used as a learning activity. Your kid will have to act like animals in the jungle. You can ask them to howl like a wolf or walk like a penguin. Mimicking the movements of different animals will develop your child’s physical strength. These imitations will also help him learn more about animals.

Tape Shape

A stationary that can be so used to create exciting games for your kids. You can use a tape to put multiple shapes, letters, numbers on the floor. These will lead your children to their next destination. For example, you can say, “hop like a frog to the “P” or “jump to the circle.” This can be an exciting game and help them learn about shapes, letters, and numbers.

Snake Dance

To play this game, children will form a line as a snake. They will have to place their hands on the shoulders of the player in front of them; they will follow you or the first child around the room.

To make this game up a notch, you can challenge the player in front to tag the teammate at the end. This way, everyone will have to move faster, which will make this game fun to play.

Penguin Waddle

This is a balloon game where you have to place an air-filled balloon between your child’s knees, the challenge is that they have to walk across the room without dropping it. You can also create a few more obstacles and have them go around it. If they drop it, they’ll have to start again.

In case there is a gang at your door to play games, have them separated as a team with balloons placed between their hips.

Over and Under

This game demands your corporation as you have to be a bridge. To do so, raise your hips from the ground and form a bridge from your body. Now, children will have to crawl under the bridge. Go for a plank and ask your kid to jump over. Over and Under is, by far, one of the most fun indoor physical activities and can be a good workout session for you.

Scavenger Hunt

Hunting games are the best; let’s all agree to that. Scavenger Hunt will definitely keep your kid’s attention for hours. This game is about clues and finding treasures within the kingdom of your home. You will have to hide certain items as ‘treasure’ in a play area or room. Children will have to find each of these items and compete with one another to see who collected most items on the list.

Make sure to write clues that your children can understand easily. Don’t get carried away!

Musical Chairs

A game that has always brought cheerfulness to the room with it. This is a game that’ll keep your kids up and moving. Place chairs in a circle or inline facing outwards and at some distance. Make the children sing a rhyme while circling the chairs. When the song is over, they will have to quickly adjust them to one of the chairs closest to them. Whoever could not lose the round. Or you can keep it a no-lose version where everybody can enjoy all day long.

Mirror, Mirror

Stand a foot apart from your child and have them copy all your movements. Make them reach up, stretch to the sky, or do jumping jacks, run or act funny. Try to make it exciting for them and involve some physical activity along the way. Switch turns with your child and have the best of both ways. This can be a funny activity and great for some family time.

Hot Potato

This is another game that involves music. Grab a softball (any soft toy will do). Toss the ball to your kid. Now instruct them to throw them to another like it’s a ‘hot potato’ that you cannot hold for long. Everyone in the room will repeat this as long as the ball doesn’t fall.

Bowling

No, you don’t need to go to a bowling alley to play. Just bring some easy-to-knock items (like empty bottles, empty tetra packs), set them up like pins. You are ready to bowl!

Kids can roll a softball towards the pins and knock down the bottles. Have them keep up with the score by counting the pins they manage to know-down. Increase the pins as you go to different levels with multiple turns like in the bowling alley.

Freeze Dance

More like musical chairs but with dancing. Bring all the dancers in and play some music and dance your heart out. At random times, pause the music, and everyone will freeze to the position they were last dancing. Whoever loses to maintain this position and change will lose the game.

Crab Carry

Walking like a crab is possibly one of the most fun physical activities for toddlers and preschoolers. If you haven’t thought about it yet, first teach them how to walk like a crab, placing palms and feet to the ground while raising their stomach and face up. In this position, put a soft toy on their belly and see how long they can hold it.

Crab Race

Another activity that they can do with a crab position is a race. You can have your own marathon in the house where you kids can have a little race while walking like a crab. You can reward them with some cookie or made up medal.

Final Words

Who said staying home could not be fun? Now you have so many games to play with your kids and keep them fit. It is important that you keep a variety, even in games, unless there is a favorite. All the games that we have mentioned in this blog are the most-loved indoor physical activity for 3 to 5-year-olds.

You can try more games or create your own modified version of these games. The goal is to keep your children engaged in physical activity with joy and have a little family time together. Pick your game and make a playdate with your little ones.