Important Suggestions

(Taken from Lesley University and Kentucky Center for Mathematics)

• This situation is unique and it’s important that you remain calm. Your child(ren)’s reactions will mimic yours. We encourage helping your child understand what is happening so their questions are answered.

• • What is Coronavirus and what can we do?

    • Article (for caregivers) and videos for kids in Grades K-2: https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/how-to-talk-to-your-kids-about-coronavirus

    • Video for students in Grades 3-5: https://www.brainpop.com/health/diseasesinjuriesandconditions/coronavirus/

    • It is critical that you speak about this virus as any other illness.

• • Why are schools closing?

    • Schools are closing to slow down the spread of the virus, not necessarily because someone is infected. Help your child understand that being home means we are helping to lower the chances that more people get sick.

• Your role will never replace the learning that your child gets from their teacher and peers. Use this time to reinforce skills they already know, not to teach new content.

• Remind your child that this is not a vacation. Together, you will find enough time for fun and play, while also making sure you keep your brain active so it remembers all that you’ve learned this year.

• Be creative and look for math everywhere! Just talking mathematically is so helpful to enhance your child’s learning. Start noticing patterns (12:12 pm; tiling on your floor, etc.) and speaking about them. Ask your child what they notice.

• Provide your child plenty of time to relax, rest, and play. If you find your child is engaging in too much screen time, have them play a printable game or board game instead.

• Have your child keep a daily journal where they write or draw about math they did, or math they see around them, each day. Example prompts: What numbers did you see today? What did you measure today?

Other Resources