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.