At Home Learning

I hope this blog will be a place where we can share ideas and help students to grow as learners!
To begin with,  I really want to share ideas with parents that might be helpful as we all go through this season of at-home learning. First, I want to say thank you to all of the parents teaching their children from home right now. Many of you are still working and trying to balance your work with teaching your child or children. Take a deep breath. You've got this! After all, you were your child's first teacher!

Schedules

So that everyone in your home knows what is expected, a schedule can be extremely helpful!  It does not need to be a rigid schedule.  However, students are used to structure and schedules at school; therefore, this may help them to accomplish what is needed at home.  I would encourage you to establish times for school work, reading, exercise, and playtime.  You may even want to include a time for chores!  No matter what, be sure to give yourself and your child opportunities for breaks!  For your child, breaks could be in the form of playing outside, going for a walk with you, or even giving them some alone time.  No one learns well if they are frustrated and breaks are a great way to relieve some frustration.   You can download a free schedule template by clicking on the following link... Free Schedule Template.

Goals

Setting daily and weekly goals can be extremely helpful!  It is a great way for children to know what they are reaching for and to see what they have accomplished!  These goals can be for home and school.  You can get in on this too and allow your child to see you accomplishing your goals!  You can cheer each other on!

Check out these free goal setting sheets!  Goal Setting Template, Goal Setting Template 2     

Boredom

Remember, it's alright for your child to be bored sometimes.  Actually, studies say this down time is good for our children.  When children are constantly entertained by others, they do not have the opportunity to develop skills that entertaining themselves allows.  For example, a little boredom allows children to be creative and to use their imaginations.  You could create a "Boredom Box" with open ended playing opportunities.  This could include puzzles, art supplies, building toys, books, or anything that encourages the use of their imagination.

Teachable Moments

I would encourage you to look at everyday tasks as teachable moments.  Whether you are cooking, grocery shopping, or just going for a walk, there is always something to observe and learn.  Let your child help you look around and be amazed!

Final Thoughts

Be sure to celebrate every success, take a deep breath (and a break) if you or your child becomes frustrated, and reach out to your child's teacher any time you need more direction!  If you have thoughts or questions, please share them in the comments.  The next blog post will be all about helping your child with reading.  Please sign up with your email on the link on the right hand column so that you will get notifications when there is a new post.  Thank you so much for all you do!