Homeschooling: How to Keep Kids Engaged

Published on April 9, 2020
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Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, almost every school has been closed and most have turned to online & virtual learning. Many parents are having to play the role of homeschool teachers while their children are home for the duration of the school year. As many parents have learned throughout this process, it can be very difficult to keep your kids interested and engaged. Here are some great tips to keep everyone working productively and efficiently:

Take Scheduled Breaks – 

Creating a schedule is the first step in keeping everyone on track, just as if they were physically in their classrooms at school. Kids are used to daily structure, so eliminating the routine may throw them off. Every hour or so, let your kids take a 10-minute break. Also, be sure to incorporate a 30-minute lunch time. Have them assist you in making lunch, plan fun activities during breaks and be sure to keep them energized for the duration of the “school day!”

Reward Good Behavior – 

Create a reward system. Similar to a chore chart, allow them to earn stars or points every time they’ve completed a task or assignment. This will give them a goal to work toward and a sense of accomplishment once they have earned that point or star. Once they have completed a certain number or tasks or assignments, reward them! Since everyone is having to stay home, make the reward something simple like an extra hour of tv or their favorite dessert after dinner.

Incorporate Exercise – 

Schedule in time for your kids to burn off some energy and run around for a bit. A backyard with a jungle gym, a 10 minute dance party or a short scavenger hunt around the house may be the best way to accomplish this! This gives the kids time to release their energy and works great to clear their minds and decompress before getting back to work.

Create a Dedicated Workspace – 

A dedicated workspace is very important because this will provide a sense of normalcy in your child’s makeshift school. If they each have their own individual spaces, this will be reminiscent of their own desks at school. Give them cups filled with pens, pencils, crayons and markers. You can even personalize each space by taping their names or motivational quotes to the wall or table. A little creativity can go a long way and once they have a space dedicated to them, they’ll be more excited to “go to school.”

Remember to not force things on your kids, otherwise this will not be a fun experience for anyone in your household. Make it fun, creative and be sure keep a daily routine to eliminate any “surprises.” Happy Homeschooling!