As parents across Canada continue to take on the role of teacher, many are looking for ways to enhance their child’s learning at home and make sure their education stays on track.

Navigating homeschooling during a pandemic isn’t always easy, but there is a range of strategies to try that might work for you. Here are six tips to keep your child engaged with their schoolwork and make the experience a little easier for everyone.

1. Set up a designated learning area

The best way to help ensure your child’s homeschooling success is to make their environment conducive to learning. Try setting aside a specific area for school work that is well lit, quiet, tidy, and free of distractions. If you are limited on space, you can pack up all of their school supplies at the end of the day’s lessons and it can revert to a living and play area for the evening.

2. Make a consistent schedule

Children tend to do better with a consistent routine, especially because this is what they were used to when going to school. Create a reliable schedule for their homeschooling that includes a set start and end time. Scheduling at least a few lessons and activities at the same time every day can also be helpful, and don’t forget to make time for breaks and physical activity.

3. But be flexible as well

If the schedule isn’t working for you or your child, then don’t hesitate to change it in a way that suits you both better. Maybe your child isn’t ready to tackle a certain subject first thing in the morning, or maybe you need to schedule breaks at certain times of day to check in with work. One of the main advantages of homeschooling is that you can do everything at a time and in a way that works for you.

4. Take advantage of online learning resources

Online educational resources have been an indispensable tool for keeping kids connected and learning while at home. Your child’s school likely has some resources that you can take advantage of, and there are many other fantastic free resources available as well. Sites like Scholastic Canada, Pearson Canada, and The Canadian Encyclopedia might have information, lessons, and games that correspond to your child’s schoolwork.

5. But encourage your child to unplug

Online resources are a fantastic help in these unique times, but children can easily get screen fatigue if they are constantly on the computer. You can minimize screen time by having them spend more time writing and reading physical books like they would in school. Printing off online lessons and information for them to read and work on off-screen is a good idea as well.

6. Look for hands-on learning opportunities

Another great way to unplug from the screen is to find opportunities for hands-on learning. Consider having your child help you with tasks like cooking and gardening, which teach important skills and information about the world around them. Head outside to learn about the trees, flowers, and birds in the neighbourhood. You can even look up some fun science experiments using everyday household materials that align with their lessons.

Though many parts of life have been put on hold recently, children need to continue learning. Transform your home into a conducive learning environment by trying out different strategies to see what works best for you and your child.