Teaching & Learning @Home

We are amidst unprecedented times. As parents and caregivers, we are learning more each day about how strong we are as new challenges and situations present themselves. Although there is no replacement for quality educators, those at home have always been one of a child’s most important teachers.

We believe in you and trust that your child will continue learning with and from you as we take each step together, one day at a time.

The following tips are meant as considerations to support learning at home.

IDENTIFY THE LEARNING PLACE

Find a quiet space for your child to work. Make sure pencils, an eraser, a calculator, and other important tools are at hand so time isn’t wasted trying to find them.Making sure your child has everything he or she needs means less resistance and fewer excuses.

CREATE A STUDY PLAN TOGETHER

Children do well with structure—having a solid study plan in place will help keep your child on track. Dividing study time into manageable chunks is important for keeping your child’s mind fresh and engaged.

ENCOURAGE YOUR CHILD TO SET SMALL GOALS

Setting goals gives your child clear directions for what needs to be done, and boosts confidence when he or she accomplishes these goals.

ENCOURAGE EXERCISE

Regular movement improves overall health and reduces stress, making work much easier to accomplish. Consider study breaks that involve exercise (and join in the fun)! Simply searching online for “brain breaks” will supply numerous, fun options!

ALLOW TIME FOR MAKING

Whether you call them maker spaces, hacker-spaces, or DIY (do it yourself) labs, the idea is the same—a place where kids can tinker, invent, and build with everyday things found at home.To get started on your maker space, here are five types of household materials to collect:

Art and craft supplies - Paint, wire, buttons, scissors, paper, old magazines to cut up, and other odds and ends provide endless possibilities for creative projects.

Building tools - Screwdrivers, pliers, and a few other basic construction tools come in handy. Wood scraps and duct tape can be used to support handmade structures.

Cardboard - Boxes, toilet paper and paper towel cylinders, egg cartons, and other cardboard scraps from around the house.

Fabric scraps - felt, mesh, ribbon, yarn, and string are perfect additions to a maker space.

LIMIT STRESS

If your child is stressed, he or she might find it difficult to study, or even find the motivation to get started in the first place. Help your child relieve stress by spending time with him or her and encouraging conversations about thoughts and feelings.