The Coronavirus has presented us all with unanticipated challenges. With kids out of school, parents are struggling to balance at-home education and their own work obligations. The current economic climate has also prevented some families from continuing childcare services during this time.
Despite the circumstances, it’s important to maintain a familiar daily structure. How can parents help make at-home learning fun and effective, particularly for young kids?
1. Have a Schedule
Almost overnight, our homes transformed into offices and classrooms. While your children continue to adjust to these changes, it’s crucial to maintain a solid structure. Weekdays should keep a schedule, from wakeup time to lesson and break times.
Also set a specific focus for each day – for instance, numbers and letters on Monday, followed by art on Tuesday. Lessons should be done in a dedicated space that’s comfortable for learning, away from distractions.
2. Don’t Rely on Screens
For kids younger than school-age, it can be tempting to keep them busy on tablets. Yet this “free time” could be better spent on education! From academic worksheets to instructional videos, there are plenty of resources at your disposal to help your children learn.
3. Set Up Activity Areas
If you have toddlers, keep them occupied while you work, cook or clean the house by setting up activity stations with crafts, math problems, reading, writing, puzzles and more. Again, this alternative limits screen time and keeps kids mentally and physically engaged.
4. Get Outside & Active
Learning doesn’t always have to come from a textbook. Outdoor activities like gardening teach your children valuable skills, while getting them out in the fresh air. After weeks and months of staying home, the same four walls can make anyone go stir crazy!
5. Stay Connected
We are all stressed right now, even our young children. Stay in touch with family and friends through phone and video calls to keep everyone’s spirits up. Talking to a cousin or seeing a familiar face from class can help motivate your kids to continue the day on a positive note.
Carrier Academy of Learning remains open to provide essential childcare services. Please rest assured, we are closely following the CDC guidelines for sanitation and safety to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. To learn more, contact us today.