Before computers (BC) people learned differently. Reading a book, watching a movie and playing a game would all use different parts of the brain. But now, the book, movie and game are all on the same digital screen, engaging only one part of our brains rather than several.

Contemporary home-schooled students often experience overstimulation and being at home, where all of their modern conveniences are within arm's reach, presents another challenge. Employ these tactics to engage your young learner and keep her focused throughout the home school day.

Alter Your Curriculum

Though you likely spend grueling hours agonizing over the lesson plan that adheres to state standards and includes a typical outline of what and when to teach, most lesson plans are not "one size fits all" when it comes to learning. Though the information may be important and relevant, it may not suit your child's learning style, abilities or interests. Understanding the kinds of clouds in the atmosphere and how to spell each one is an important concept, but spending a long time asking your child to memorize this abstract data does not equate to genuine learning. Sometimes you might need to take a field trip outside and spend some time looking up. Alter the curriculum based not only on your child's age but also her interests.

Allow for a Measured Level of Autonomy

If ever your home-schooler resists learning certain concepts, it is imperative to discern why. It may be because the material or the design of the lesson plan is simply not appropriate for your child's age or learning style. You may even want to allow the student to choose his own activity from a limited selection of activities. This will keep him involved and engaged with school projects. A site like BusyTeacher.org is an excellent resource for finding a variety of lesson-specific worksheets for your child to chose from.

Break Lessons into Small Tasks

Even before the technology revolution, children were not known for their long attention spans. Concentrating on one thing simply does not come naturally to them. You need to help them build up stamina.

Beginning with simple tasks that are no longer than five minutes in length will help them begin and finish a task without becoming bored. After she is capable of maintaining focus for that long, you may begin to gradually tack on one minute at a time to exercises and lessons. Within a very short span of time, your child will be able to concentrate for longer.

Incorporate Short Breaks

Even adults find it difficult to move from the completion of one task immediately to the next, especially if new concepts are being introduced back to back. The human brain performs better when allowed short breaks in frequent intervals. Balance learning and processing with resting. Buffer every two lessons with five minutes of down time. Let your child rest for these few minutes, take a quick run around the yard or have a snack break.

Allow Movement

If your lesson involves reading to your child, give her permission to walk laps around the room, or bounce on a medicine ball. Let her attempt that headstand against the wall. Movement is directly connected to Learning, according to EdWeek.org. You may be surprised at how much a child can process when allowed to expel the extra energy that all children have bubbling up inside, as opposed to forcing her to sit still. Or find quiet, non-taxing methods of keeping her hands busy while you read her the lesson or information you've prepared. A child building with Lego's is more likely to understand what is read to him than a child repeatedly told to sit still and pay attention.

Students of the information age may have trouble concentrating, especially in a home school environment, but if we adapt our teaching styles and content to their learning styles, instead of expecting them to adapt to our antiquated methods, we will most likely see more significant success.