Should A 3-Year-old Have Online Classes? The Things To Consider, According To Moms

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Many students in private schools already started holding online classes. Still, many parents are contemplating enrolling their kids or letting them sit the school year out until the pandemic remains a threat to their health and safety. 

One mom in the Smart Parenting Village Facebook groups asked fellow parents if it’s advisable to enroll her 3-year-old child in an online class. She feels “half-hearted” to do so, but has also been looking for online preschools, to no avail.

Many moms said it’s not really needed and suggested doing homeschooling or private tutoring instead. Three-year-olds mainly want to play, and they can learn through playing at home—no need to rush them academically. 

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Others raised factors that might help a parent decide whether to enroll or not. Here’s what they have to say. 

How’s your child’s attention span? 

Do you expect your 3-year-old to sit still, listen, and engage in virtual learning? Online classes don’t work for little kids. The age is not yet appropriate for an online class. What they need is physical interaction, so play, sing, and dance with your little one. — Mommy Pia

What is your intent, lifestyle, and routine?

My child is nearly 2 years old and enrolled kami sa preschool dahil gusto ko ng structure kung ano ba dapat ang appropriate play activities na ginagawa ng anak ko. Also, tamad ako mag-DIY, and I am also after the assessment. 

Ayaw ko 'yung online class kasi hindi naman 'yun mama-maximize dahil sa short attention span ng bata. Optional ang online classes ngayon sa school niya, may mga activities lang na kailangan ia-accomplish na provided ng school every month. We only do them on weekends since working ako. — Mommy Donay

What do you want your child to get out of an online class?

Online preschool can be great depending on the program, so look for something that is developmentally appropriate. Some kids love the games and the chance to interact with teachers and other kids. Other kids aren’t able to follow or sit through the live classes. It’s important to know what you want to get out of the program. Talk to the teacher or do a trial to help you decide.

If you feel it will give your child some joy, then go for it. But if you feel it will just give your family additional stress, just give your child many play opportunities at home. — Teacher Thumby

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What type of online class does your child want?

Try a trial class and observe your child. Mine is age 4, and after ng trial class, ayaw niya pero ako nag-push through. Una, walang bata dito sa amin at wala rin siyang ginagawa maghapon. So far, she’s enjoying it. Ayaw ko na nga sana kasi masakit sa budget pero pursigido siya.  Naglalaro lang siya, but she’s having fun while learning. Naka-ilang trial din po kami and minsan nasa provider kung mae-engage niya 'yung anak mo or sayang lang. — Mommy Aguas

What kind of online class suits your child?

My child did not do too well in group settings, as she would feel ignored a lot. One-on-one interaction is minimal in group classes, so I ended up enrolling her in solo classes. Look for free trial classes, so you have a feel for them. 

I had no plans to enroll my newly-turned 4-year-old until it dawned on me that she needed socialization and routine/structure. She’s an only child, and there’s no way I can homeschool. We went through 10 free trial classes in two weeks, but we have since found our match, and things are going well! — Mommy Jessica

Is your child ready for school?

My 3-year-old is currently a salingpusa sa online class ng kuya niya. She loves doing all the activities. Nakikinig kay teacher. May sarili din syang name tag and learning kits. Though I can see her enthusiasm in learning, nakikita ko din gaano sya ka fussy. She won’t stay seated for long, eats when she wants to, and always wants to be on camera to wave at the teacher and “her” classmates. May sarili din siya decision, kumbaga not following instructions sa tasks. 

Iba-iba ang age of school readiness ng mga kids. Though nakikita ko she’s ready and willing to learn pero she’s not ready for a “regular” school yet. Ikaw na lang magturo and let her watch educational videos. Mas matututukan mo pa siya whenever she shows signs na gusto niya mag-aral. — Mommy Nes

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