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Learning On-Demand: Keeping Kids Engaged in the Era of Netflix, Uber and Amazon Prime

By: Eric Dalton, Executive Vice President, AOP

 

According to a 2017 report developed by Fetch, a mobile marketing agency, more than 40 percent of Americans say they are more impatient than they were five years ago.

It’s no surprise—with drivers and food deliveries alike arriving in 5-10 minutes, shows and movies available with the click of a button, and packages shipping from another corner of the world to our doorstep in 48 hours, patience is a skill we’re learning to use less by the minute…make that 30 seconds.

The world we live in has changed drastically in the last five years, and it’s a safe bet it will rapidly evolve in the next five. In the midst of all that change, how can we keep our children engaged in learning and focused on the task at hand?

 

Meet Your Child Where They Are

As a leading Christian homeschool curriculum publisher, we at Alpha Omega Publications have learned the necessity of meeting students where they are and helping them learn in the way they do best.

For some students, a print curriculum still works best, but they need to be engaged through photos and graphics that hold their attention. For that reason, we have spent the last four years redesigning our LIFEPAC courses—a project we are excited to see reach completion in April.

Meanwhile, other students thrive through online learning, like Monarch, our Christian online homeschool curriculum for grades 3-12, which offers complete customization and powerful, interactive features.

Embrace On-Demand

On-demand programs, like Netflix, don’t have to be the enemy of a homeschool parent. Instead of fighting with your child about streaming content, take a break together and enjoy the expansive selection of educational shows the service—and others like it—offer.

A few of our favorite on-demand programs for homeschool families include:

  • The Bible, a historical TV drama that spans 10 episodes and originally aired on The History Channel in 2013
  • The American Bible Challenge, a game show hosted by Jeff Foxworthy that aired for three seasons on the Game Show Network
  • Joseph King of Dreams, an animated film telling the story of Joseph voiced by Ben Affleck
  • The Civil War, a nine-episode documentary from renowned director Ken Burns with a memorable soundtrack highlighted by “Ashokan Farewell”

 

Keep the Christian Worldview at the Forefront

However you choose to implement a homeschool education, most Christian families find it critical to ensure the Christian worldview is at the forefront. It’s possible to find content that both keeps students engaged—and challenged—while also strengthening a student’s faith in Christ. Do your research, and make sure the program you choose is right for your family and values.

 

Make sure you check out all that Alpha Omega has to offer at a Teach Them Diligently event this season. Get more details and register to attend here.