When you start , there’s a bit of a learning curve for both parents and kids. Some days it’s easy to get through coursework, while others can be far more challenging.
As you work around new dynamics and one another’s schedules, you might be searching for ways to keep kids on track with learning. We consulted Dr. Aimee Ketchum, Pediatric Occupational Therapist at UPMC Hospital and owner of STEM Starts Now Child Development Company, for expert recommendations to excel in homeschooling.
Dr. Ketchum shares these tips to help you navigate this time. Keep reading to discover new ways to help kids stay engaged and on top of their learning.
Create routines
Sticking to schedules
One way to get into the swing of things is to create routines. If your kids have been previously attending public school, Dr. Ketchum suggests maintaining the same wake-up and bedtime for kids and sticking to normal school hours for coursework. This framework is crucial to nudging kids in the right direction, as they can better identify with routines with which they’re already familiar.
Establishing schedules is one thing — but sticking to them is something else. Including kids in the implementation is the key to success, says Dr. Ketchum. Get kids involved in designing weekly schedule sheets, blocking time for homeschooling as well as family and recreation time. Let them go to town designing custom calendars or writing to-do lists. It’s fun and engaging, plus it does double-duty as a creative enrichment activity.
Set up learning zones
Importance of changing classes
Kids move around at school — a lot. Even grade school kids change classrooms for music or art classes, while high schoolers change rooms up to ten times every school day. Dr. Ketchum explains how this impacts kids on the spatial level. The movement and change of atmosphere give kids breaks in more than one way, both from routine as well as a micro-break from learning.
This is one of the most crucial aspects lost with distance learning, and movement is, to some extent, restricted. As Dr. Ketchum points out, kids may feel anxiety boil over or experience a lapse in engagement, purely because there isn’t much to break up their day. Being sedentary for several hours at a time also takes a toll on kids — and adults, too.
How to re-zone for engaged learning
To combat the mundane routine of screen-centric learning, Dr. Ketchum suggests setting up new learning zones to get kids moving and re-engaged. Changing rooms or environments gives a much-needed change of pace and scenery. Reading, for example, can be done on the couch or in the backyard. Typed assignments can be done at a desk, and kids can move to the floor for art projects or handwriting practice. Take recess to the driveway or porch with sidewalk chalk.
Setting up learning zones for comfort is also crucial, explains Dr. Ketchum. Prolonged time sitting in front of computers can result in poor posture, not to mention aches and pains. It’s recommended to keep screens eye-level to avoid unnecessary torque to the neck and stress on the spine. Upgrading furniture might not be an option right now, so Dr. Ketchum offers an alternative solution: Stack books to elevate the laptop or monitor to reach eye-level.
Other ways to adapt
Partnering with other adults
Dr. Ketchum recommends partnering with other parents to form learning or tutoring cohorts. Each parent has a different knowledge base, which means they have a leg-up in helping kids learn certain concepts. Grandparents can help too, whether it’s proofreading essays or hosting virtual storytime or read-alongs.
Babysitters and tutors are also invaluable resources, as they may have flexible schedules for one-on-one instruction during this time. Younger kids can video chat for homework help or guided activities, such as music lessons. High school students can work with online SAT or college-readiness tutors and spend time developing their Common Essay or upping test-taking skills.
Using screen time effectively
Screen time is frequently a concern, so you may feel conflicted as to where to draw the line when you rely on it heavily for the time being. Dr. Ketchum emphasizes that it’s important to be realistic with expectations regarding screen use right now. Among other things, screens help give parents a break from the added stress of juggling home instruction and work-from-home life.
More screen time is inevitable, and Dr. Ketchum recommends simply using it more effectively to focus on social interaction and educational value. Encourage kids to hop on video chats with friends and family or have online pizza parties with their teammates or youth groups. Introduce them to educational programs, podcasts, or video games in subjects that interest them or are relevant to coursework.
Tap into online learning resources
As parents embrace their roles as homeschooling educators, Dr. Ketchum encourages them to explore the world of supplemental resources. Here are the top picks to help your kids stay on top of their learning:
- : Parents and kids alike can enjoy site showcases from famous actors reading children’s fiction.
- : Keep kids up-to-date on current events, including those outside the news cycle, with access to kid-friendly articles on relatable topics.
- : Let kids preschool through grade 8 flex their skills with over 100 interactive games to grow their skills in math, reading, and literacy.
- : If you didn’t plan on being a math teacher this year, you’ll appreciate this site that guides you through math tutoring with reward charts and engaging activities.
- : Foster independent reading with access to books, audiobooks, and literacy games on this site designed by the National Center on Improving Literacy.
- : Take a look at this kindergarten through grade 5 website to download online lessons and supplemental worksheets for reading and math.
- : Sign up for this text program that shares family engagement curriculum, including ways to open dialogues as well as help kids grow their oral communication skills and EQ.
- : Founded by Dr. Ketchum, this STEM-driven program from birth to age 5 sends weekly emails tailored to your kid’s developmental milestones and kindergarten readiness. Premium access is offered for free until the end of the calendar year to preschools and childcare centers.
3 top homeschooling learning tools
This comprehensive kit contains 60 activities for kids ages 3 and older to prepare them for preschool in a group setting. It’s designed to help parents teach numbers, counting, the alphabet, colors, shapes, fine motor skills and more.
Help your child learn how to read with these fun phonics lessons. This book is ideal for kids ages 3 to 5. It features fun activities such as interactive phonics games, coloring, mazes, word searches and other activities.
Want to get your child interested in STEM? Get your child started early with their STEM education with this electronics exploration kit. It’s a safe way to introduce kids ages 5 and older to electrical engineering. It includes child-friendly pieces that snap together to create real, working circuits.
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