Tips for Keeping Children Engaged at Home
Ten months after the COVID-19 pandemic caused schools around the world to close, many parents and caregivers are left grappling with how to continue supporting their children both academically and emotionally. With schools pivoting between hybrid and remote learning, adjusting to a new learning routine can be both challenging and stressful for everyone involved. The following recommendations can provide a starting point for families looking to prioritize the well-being of their children and themselves.
Some helpful guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) includes:
- Stay in touch with your child’s school, including school leaders and teacher(s).
- Ask about available school services, including meal services, special education supports, and counseling services for your child. Your school district may even offer free to-go meals and/or food boxes.
- Create a schedule and routine for learning at home. This should include a regular learning space, a bedtime routine, scheduled breaks, and plenty of room for flexibility.
- Consider your child’s individual learning needs, and be prepared to make adjustments. Regardless of your child’s age, offer more frequent opportunities to learn while being active. These movement breaks are proven to increase a child’s ability to focus and retain information.
- Consider additional options for learning such as hands-on activities, a daily journal, and virtual read-alouds with your local library.
The U.S. Department of Education compiled at-home learning resources for parents, students, schools, teachers, and other educators to use during this challenging time.
Among the resources are:
- Fun with Nutrition education: https://www.nutrition.gov/topics/nutrition-age/children/kids-corner
- Games and Activities related to Using and Saving Energy: https://www.eia.gov/kids/games-and-activities/
- Explore Science with USGS https://www.usgs.gov/science-support/osqi/yes/resources-teachers/learning-home
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