Just as parents must maintain some normalcy as they do their jobs remotely, kids need the same regularity and routine.
Parents can keep kids on schedule by:
Kids aren't in learning mode if they're wearing pajamas, sinking into the sofa.
Ways that parents can create a fun learning environment at home:
Make sure students can break away from their laptop screens and books! A fun learning environment also includes recess breaks, snack time and even nap time for pre-school aged children. Though social distancing should be maintained, and many businesses and destinations are closed, parents can still create mini field trips!
Parents can have fun working and teaching from home by:
COVID-19 has changed our daily lives dramatically. As more and more people spend their days at home, routines are harder to maintain. It's important to prevent apathy by breaking lessons up into manageable time blocks. If time and curriculum allows, parents should spend about an hour per day on each school subject.
Although they seem obvious, the following daily habits can help maintain stability and growth as kids go to school from home:
School districts across the United States are responding quickly to COVID-19 prevention and school closings. Many districts, such as Duval County in Florida, have programs such as "Duval Homeroom." Through programs like this, which will begin with an online orientation, curriculum and courses are set up online. Learning packets for small children are also provided and delivered to bus stops. Free lunches are still available for pick up, while some are even being delivered to bus stops! Parents with limited access to technology can request a laptop. Resources are readily available to assist parents with homeschooling their children.
Teachers are on board and prepared to assist in home schooling efforts, especially for special needs children. "It's important for parents to relax and allow their children to adapt to the new way of learning away from the classroom," says Duval County fourth grade teacher Mrs. Fuller. "Don't freak out or force worksheets on your kids. In fact, the routines for elementary should only include one to two hours of academic instruction, with breaks," she adds.
Parents across the US should stay in contact with their child's school district leaders and teachers, who are available to provide coaching, learning materials and meals for students.
As the US works to prevent the spread of COVID-19, it's imperative to continue to encourage regular hand washing - even at home! Just as teachers have promoted regular hand washing at school, parents should do the same at home.