This post is in partnership with Shaw. All words and opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that keep this blog full of fresh content.

Some of the biggest challenges of having children at home right now due to the COVID-19 pandemic is keeping them occupied, keep them active and keep their minds engaged. Trying to ensure they receive the same level of education, or at least something that resembles it. Parents everywhere are struggling to balance schoolwork with working from home among other big challenges. 

If you are like me, you’re also actively trying to fill the void of other people in your child’s life. From playmates to teachers, and coaches to grandparents, to other caregivers, our children are missing a lot of important people at the moment. But that’s okay. This is temporary. Things might never be the same as before but we’re figuring out new, innovative ways to approach learning in the home.

That is why I was pleased to find out that Shaw has made an investment in digital education for Canadian children. Shaw has partnered with EVERFI, a digital learning platform, to supplement schoolwork and help with added activities at home. The best part of this digital learning experience is that it is free to register.

As a reader of this blog, you’ll know I have long been in partnership with Shaw, trialing new tech products and experiences. As a parent, I am proud to work with them as they recognize the challenges of digital education and offer up their support to Canadian children and their parents.

I signed up my five year-old son for EVERFI back at the beginning of the pandemic and he has been enjoying playing the two programs for his age group: Healthier Me: Elementary School and Word Play. He is still learning how to read so sometimes he requires my help to complete certain tasks in the games but for the most part he’s doing great with everything. I’m impressed at how quickly he picked up using the computer; he had only really used iPads/iPhone in the past but he’s managed to adapt quickly.

From his perspective, the programs are a lot of fun! He’s been excited to have a break from his pencil-and-paper schoolwork and incorporate some tech into his day. Some direct quotes from him while he’s been exploring the programs:

It is really cool and it is really helping me learn about what makes you healthy. I am learning about all the different food groups that I need to eat each day. I like the character Chester.

I just really like it. I feel like I am being creative while I do the games — and it is fun to use the computer.

It is helping me learn how to read better while having some fun.

There are seven programs in total that Shaw has sponsored - focusing on everything from healthy lifestyle and financial literacy for grades K-12. 

• Healthier Me: Elementary School - Students can form nutrition and fitness-related habits that will last a lifetime. Help them learn how to make healthy choices through this game-based course. Grade Level 1-4
• Healthier Me: Middle School Health Curriculum - In Healthier Me, middle school students embark on fun wellness adventures to make healthy, informed decisions when it comes to nutrition. Grade Level 6-8
• Vault: Financial Literacy for Elementary Students - Students dive into a virtual world to learn the basic ins-and-outs of finances. Can you help a friend from space learn the difference between needs and wants? Grade Level 4-6
• Ignition: Digital Wellness and Safety -Technology changes rapidly. Give your students the tools they need to keep up with technology and stay safe online. Grade Level 6-9
• Mental Wellness Basics -Mental Wellness Basics is a digital resource that introduces middle and high school students to mental health education. Grade Level 8-10
• Venture: Entrepreneurial Expedition -Students start their own food truck business, and learn to write a business plan, hire a team, hone their pitch, and balance a budget in the process. Grade Level 7-10
• EVERFI: Financial Literacy - EVERFI’s high school financial literacy course equips students with tools to manage their personal finances in the real world, from applying for financial aid to establishing credit and investing. Grade Level 9-12

As we all continue to adjust to this *new normal* and await news on the future of our children’s education, I feel like the addition of these kinds of supplementary programs to the children’s routines is a huge help to enrich their ongoing teacher-led lesson plans. 

For more information and free registration for EVERFI visit https://shaw.everfi.com/