We commonly receive calls asking for curriculum that is presented via online or DVD, and while these can be great options for home educators, they do present the issue of how to keep your student engaged during the learning process. As a family we used a DVD school platform on occasion and while it took a lot off my plate as a mom/teacher, I eventually found areas of weakness that began to develop. As a result, we made some family policies that I now share frequently.
• Be involved! If the teacher is asking a question, require your student to give a verbal answer. It is important to respond when there is chanting, singing, recitation, review questions, etc. This is critical when learning a new language, too. It’s easy to start daydreaming when the video teacher has no consequences or way to redirect. There have been several times that I restarted a class due to the lack of participation on my student’s part. Remind your students that they will only get out of it what they are willing to put into it. If it is just a check on the box that the class was watched, your student may not be getting everything out of it that they could be.
• Be in a learning position. Sounds like a given, but in a home environment it can be easy to fall into comfortable mode. It’s good to teach your kids that there is an appropriate way to approach school and learning. Have your book open and a pen or pencil ready to follow along. A desk (or at least an office chair) is ideal. Other options might be a kitchen chair and a TV tray table or a fold up chair with desk arm attachment. With multiple kids, you must create a spot that works with your family where you can monitor your student’s class.
• Sit with your student if you need to. Even if you are folding laundry or making a grocery list, you can monitor your student to ensure they are getting what’s being taught. You can even pause a video to give your student a chance to respond before they hear what the teacher says. When one teaches, two learn. When you are a part of the teaching process, you’ll be amazed at how much you will learn along with them.
• Have a schedule and include some break time. Screen time can be mentally exhausting, and it will benefit your student to be able to walk away and have a mind break before returning to the next class. Try to avoid other screen time during breaks. Fresh air and running outside will get the blood flowing again and refresh their tired mind and body!
• Encourage note taking. It helps to break up the monotony while giving eyes a break from the screen. Taking notes increases retention as it opens up more learning channels and engages more parts of the brain. It requires learners to begin processing and remembering what they are hearing. Highlighters are nice for marking important information in textbooks. Keep an assignment pad and write down assignments, upcoming quizzes and tests, and material to be covered.
• Follow up with your students to see if they have any questions on the lecture or assignments. Sometimes they won’t mention a struggle they are having, so prepare to be proactive. In some cases, you will catch this as you monitor their quiz and test grades. If you find that your student struggled with a concept on a quiz, stop, go back and relearn before moving forward.
• Let’s talk about fidget toys. I taught in a school for five years during the time that fidget spinners were a thing. Many teachers banned them from the classroom, but I tried to keep an open mind and allowed them if they weren’t a distraction and stayed within the parameters we set up. It worked amazingly! I have a child that is now in college who needs to stay grounded by doodling or holding something in his hand. Some learners will benefit from a stress ball, fidget toy, or sitting on an exercise ball or fidget seat. Exercise balls promote good posture and allow for extra wiggles to get out. Think outside of the box to help your student learn. That is, after all, the beauty of homeschooling!
These are just a few ideas that parents can use to make the most of their digital homeschool. Please call in whenever the need arises to chat with a consultant when you are looking for ideas or encouragement. We are glad to help! ~ Amber
