The New Age of Schooling During COVID-19 - Keeping Your Children Engaged During Uncertain Times
As many parents face another school
semester with the kids at home, they are forced to meet the challenge of
keeping their children engaged. It can be difficult to manage distance learning
in the face of a global pandemic. Parents must dedicate more time than ever to
their children’s schooling. Young kids, or learners with special needs, may
require more assistance with staying focused on the task at hand. Eyal
Gutentag, a growth and performance leader and father, has been taking note
of ways to keep his family on track.
How can we help our
children stay engaged during distance learning?
In this instance engagement refers to the level of effort students
put into their online schooling. According to Eyal
Gutentag, effort isn’t just about energy - it’s about quality. For many
learners, online modules and live streamed classes are a new school setting.
Making this shift can diminish the quality of learning if the students are not
properly engaged. But how can you help your child give their best effort during
the school day? Here are a few tips to get you started:
1.
Talk about screen time: Quality time
doesn’t necessarily mean extended hours. Every student has different tolerance
levels, and it’s important for parents and teachers to discuss how screen
time will be utilized for learning. Talk to your child’s school to discuss
their recommendations, but also listen to your parental instincts. There are
many important aspects to learning and development, so being flexible can prove
valuable.
2.
Get Moving: During a typical school
day, students are used to moving around a lot. They walk the halls, play on the
playground, and move through their day with purpose. Suddenly sitting at a
computer all day can be a major shift. Allowing breaks for movement between
school tasks can make a world of difference. Encourage your child to get up,
stretch, move around the house, or even take a lap around the block.
3.
Create a designated workspace. Students
stay engaged more easily when they can focus. By creating a designated workspace,
you can reduce distractions. Most parents automatically think of reducing
auditory noise, but Eyal Gutentag recommends reducing visual noise as well. The
goal is to create a sacred place for learning, without chaos or clutter. A
clear space allows room for a clear mind.
4.
Get organized with a checklist.
Sometimes, a device as simple as a checklist can make tasks feel more
manageable. For students who get overwhelmed easily or have trouble with time
management, having a to-do list can help them stay engaged. Checklists are
visual reminders of not only what we need to do, but also what we have already
accomplished. Many students gain confidence when they have tangible evidence of
the things they have achieved. Checklists also provide an opportunity for reward
when they are completed!
5.
Positive feedback and rewards are important. When managing a business, Eyal Gutentag is a
strong believer in positive feedback. Feedback drives employees to improve, and
encourages them that they are on the right track. You can apply the same
principles to your student’s learning. It could be as simple as a sticker,
check mark, or a “good job!” Distance learning can be tough, but when parents
support and motivate their children, they can significantly impact their
growth.
This post originally appeared here
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