![]()
It’s tough being a parent right now. Whether you’re working from home and trying to keep your kids entertained while their school is shut down or you’re trying to figure out childcare while continuing to work, you’re probably having some major struggles right now.
We’re used to having kids home during the summer, but what can you do with all of the unexpected downtime we’re facing? Many school districts have closed for at least the next month, and if you’re like most parents, you want to make sure your children are still learning. If you’ve never homeschooled before, that can be a daunting task.
Here are some tips for keeping your kids engaged with learning at home—even when they don’t have homework to do.
Kids Are Engaged When They Know the Benefits
Depending on the age of your children, you might be able to appeal to their sense of logic. There are lots of benefits of online learning, especially when you’re out of your normal routine. If they understand why they’re learning, they’re likely to be more engaged.
Getting kids to study isn’t necessarily easy when they don’t have to. But if you remind them that continuing to learn will help them gain skills and prepare for college or next year in the classroom, they may be more motivated to engage with learning, instead of just their phones.
Build Learning into a Daily Routine
Learning is most effective when it’s part of a daily routine that you follow with your family. It helps to provide some structure to days that can easily be wasted with activities that don’t provide any value beyond passing the time. Routines will help keep everyone’s spirits up and help the family feel productive.
It’s also important to remember that learning can mean more than math, science, and reading. This could be the perfect time to start teaching your kids the life skills they’ll need as they grow. Involving your children in doing laundry, meal preparation, and other household tasks can be a great way to incorporate learning.
Kids Love Games. So Why Not Blend Learning with Fun?
Let’s face it: Getting your kids to focus on formal schooling when they’re stuck at home all day isn’t always going to work. But when it comes to games, most kids will happily play for hours. You can lean into that enthusiasm by letting your kids play games that will help them learn and build skills.
One great example of this is the game Minecraft, which is owned by Microsoft. What started out as a building game has grown to so much more, with educational opportunities abound. Microsoft is helping families out during the pandemic by making Minecraft educational packs free for a limited time. Kids can visit the International Space Station and do experiments, learn to code, or explore Mouth Olympus and Greek myths in a multiplayer mode.
Give Kids the Freedom to Take Breaks & Get Fresh Air
The good news about the pandemic is that kids can still go outside and burn off some steam, even if they can’t play with other kids. It’s important for kids to take breaks, get some fresh air, and stay active. Staying physically active will help them to learn more effectively and focus better when they are indoors.
You can even take learning outside as a family. Learn about the insects in your backyard or stargaze if you can. Take educational walks. Learning about the natural world is a fun way to switch things up and engage kids.
Encourage Kids to Share & Study What They Want to Learn
The situation we’re in isn’t normal, and it might not be fair to make your kids work on math problems if they don’t want to. Instead, consider exploring subjects they’re enthusiastic about and explore new things together. It’s much easier to engage kids in learning if they’re passionate about the topic they’re exploring.
Get creative and share learning together. Try science experiments or arts and crafts that relate to the topics they’re learning about. Getting involved with their learning will encourage their curiosity and enthusiasm and bring you closer together.
Parents have a lot to deal with right now. But the good news is that you don’t have to put too much pressure on your child’s learning. Make it fun, and the learning will follow!
Sarah Daren has been a consultant for startups in industries including health and wellness, wearable technology, and education. She implements her health knowledge into every aspect of her life, including her position as a yoga instructor and raising her children. Sarah enjoys watching baseball and reading on the beach.
