Consistency is key
As the shock and newness of the coronavirus shut down sinks in you may find yourself not sure how to tackle each day. Consistency is key for kiddos. Depending on the age of your child, have them assist in making a daily schedule for activities.
Preschoolers do not need formal sit down instruction like your older child may be doing, although some may love it! However, any writing or sit down instruction/activities should be child initiated.
Whatever children are interested in is where the learning will take place. Ask questions- especially specific and descriptive "I wonder" questions...ex. "I wonder what what will happen if we mix this blue soap in this water?"or "I wonder what will happen if we take this square block out of the middle of this tall tower?" Asking and working through questions is a great way for children to learn... child's best learning tool is play. The more they can use their creativity and imagination, the better. This involves "open-ended" opportunities.
Ideas for play based learning
Free art (not crafts)- this is where you give your child the tools (paper, tape, scissors, paints, pipe cleaners, feathers, etc.) and let them go to town
Building/ assembling- with blocks, toothpicks and marshmallows, legos, beads, puzzles, forts, etc.
Sensory/ Science/ Math- play-dough, shaving cream, pudding painting, cooking, water, flour/ cornstarch bins, rice bins (filling/dumping, adding food coloring, funnels, turkey basters, paint brushes, measuring cups/spoons, etc.)
science experiments (ex. add vinegar by a dropper to baking soda and watch the reaction, do the germ experiment- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ho0o7H6dXSU
Books- READ, READ, READ!!! Depending on the age of you child either read to them or have them read to others (including their dolls and stuffed animals)
Games- cards, board games, etc. (* tip- don't just "let" them win. They are working on expanding cognitive flexibility when they lose and also critical thinking as they figure out how to play)
Drama/ Music- Play make believe- dress up and watch where their imaginations can take you, have a dance party, find band instruments in ordinary household items and be a marching band!
The possibilities are endless! Please see the email we send out on at home learning and experiences for more ideas.
Sample Schedule
After you figure out what you would like to do for the day you need to have a plan. Here is an idea of a schedule I saw that looked promising, although you need to do one that works for your family:
8-9- Wake up, breakfast and play
9-10- Outside play, nature walk
10-12- Various combos of the above activities (child led)
12-12:30- Lunch
12:30-2:30- Quiet time- a great time to snuggle up with books, work on puzzles, etc.
2:30- snack! Very important! LOL!
2:45- 4:30- Outdoor play
4:30-5:30- various combos of above schedule that are child led so you can focus on dinner, etc.
5:30-6:00- clean up, help set the table,etc.
6:00-6:30- family dinner
6:30-7:00- show
7:00-7:30- bath
7:30- 8:00- bedtime routine
8:00- prayer/bedtime
This is just an example. I am sure many of you have mastered this already...if so, please share your ideas.
Quick Tips
- Make sure you factor in cleaning up with your child. They can help set up and clean up the activities and that is still teaching and learning...
- If your child is really into an activity let them go with it. The schedule is there to help, but it should be flexible. When a child is really engaged in an activity that is when learning is taking place.
- Answer your child's questions with a question...ex. child: Why is the sun yellow? you: "Why do you think the sun is yellow?" Sometimes they may surprise you with their responses and sometimes the responses are hysterical! If your child does not have an answer, then you can research it together or you can take the time to explain.
We are all trying to figure this time out and if you have any suggestions or concerns please share. If you need any supplies to help with activities please let me know. We are in this together! :)
God bless,
Kim