We’re all in this together. Here are some activities and uplifting ideas for this week.
Day 1 Encourage creative thinking by challenging your family to avoid three common words (such as “like,” “do,” and “you”) for a whole day. Everyone should come up with new ways to phrase things. For instance, saying, “I’m fond of peppermint,” instead of “I like peppermint.”
Day 2 Did you know your child is never too old to tuck in at night? In fact, a quiet conversation at bedtime is a great way to connect each day and give your teen some undivided attention. For best results, set aside 10–20 minutes, and keep the conversation light.
Day 3 Reading books from other times and places exposes your teen to a wealth of new vocabulary. Start a family challenge to read novels from different historical periods (Roaring Twenties, Cold War). Or try to read a book set in every continent.
Day 4 Suggest that your teens write step-by-step instructions for hands-on projects and share them online at www.instructables.com. They should write clearly and include a photo of each step. Then they can browse the site for new projects to try.
Day 5 Tease family members’ brains with this math puzzle. Assign a cent value to each letter of the alphabet: A = 1 cent, B = 2 cents, and so on. Then, compete to find a word with a total value closest to $1. Or see who can find a word with the highest value.
Day 6 Playing online games and apps may involve connecting with people you’ve never met in person. Remind your teen to stay safe by never exchanging personal information or photos. Your child should also choose a screen name that doesn’t reveal identifying details.
Day 7 Play the “Who am I?” game. Have each player secretly write the name of a famous person on an index card and tape it to another player’s back. Take turns asking questions and trying to be the first to guess who is on your card.
Day 8 Does your teen know how the Census works? Getting an accurate count of the population impacts what federal funding your town receives. Go online with your teen and learn more about the census together. Then, fill out this year’s forms as a team.
Day 9 Build resilience by helping your teen make the best of disappointments. Band or chorus concert canceled? Suggest playing or singing with classmates via video-chat. No live sports on TV? Watch classic sports, perhaps a legendary game your child’s favorite team won.
Day 10 April is National Poetry Month. Encourage your high schooler to celebrate by adding poems to social media profiles or email signature lines. Your teen could write original poetry or use previously published poems (be sure to credit the poets).
Day 11 Sure, teens may roll their eyes at “together time.” But regular routines like taking family walks after dinner or playing catch on Sunday afternoons can help teens feel more secure—especially during uncertain times.
Day 12 Use a deck of cards to shuffle up your family’s fitness routine. Have your teen assign an activity to each suit (hearts = squats, clubs = push-ups, and so on). Deal one card at a time, and do reps equal to the number on the card (ace = 1, face cards = 10).
Day 13 Watch a movie about a historical event your teen studies. Have your high schooler tell you how the film is similar to and different from the actual events. What details were added or left out?
Day 14 Strengthen vocabulary by signing up at merriam-webster.com/word-of-the-day to receive a new word and definition via email every day. Or download the free Merriam-Webster Dictionary app to get the words delivered to your phone or tablet.
ONLINE STUDENT SUCCESS TIPS
Treat online classes like a real class!
Hold yourself accountable (Do your work, ask questions)
Practice time management
Create a regular study space & stay organized
Eliminate distractions
Figure out how you learn best ( for example: with headphones or without? )
Actively participate
Practice, practice, practice
Stay mentally & physically healthy
REACH OUT TO YOUR COUNSELOR IF YOU NEED HELP!!
Please know that I am here to help students achieve their personal/social and academic goals, as well as provide support for parents/guardians and teachers. Please feel free to contact me at any time during the school year to discuss your child’s needs. Contact information: lfontaine@sksd-ri.net or 401-360-1349.
--Be the voice of kindness! Make the most of this school year !
