Following the announcement that schools and nurseries will close on Monday, many of you may be wondering how you are going to support your child's learning in the weeks to come. Below are some suggestions to help you structure your day and, hopefully, enjoy this extra time with your child.
Don't try to recreate "school at home"
Think of this as an unexpected staycation, where your family gets to spend time together and have some fun. Ask your child what they would like to get out of this time together.
Create a schedule for your day, but don't put too much pressure on yourself to stick to it
The best schedule is one that is spacious and flexible, and builds in plenty of independent learning and play time for kids and (just as importantly) reliable break times for you. Here is a sample timetable:
Breakfast to 10am: Play inside
10am to noon: Group project
Art, cooking, jigsaw puzzle, work assigned by the school, activities suggested by nursery
Noon to 12:30pm: Lunch
12:30pm - 2:30pm: Alone time for everyone
Books, educational tablet time, colouring, crafts.
2:30pm - 4:30pm: Outside play
Try to get the children outside everyday, whatever the weather!
4:30pm until dinner: Regroup time
TV, video games, books
Go off-book
Consider alternative ways to divert your child's attention that will be beneficial and engaging without you feeling like a substitute teacher. The internet has a wealth of suggestions for activities. You can also use this time to introduce your children to key life skills like cooking and laundry. When it's time for you to work, make sure your child knows what to do in the meantime (preferably something they look forward to, such as playing on your phone!).
Stay positive
Don't forget: this is going to be a formative time for your child. What do you hope they will say when their grandchildren ask them what they remember about the coronavirus outbreak of 2020? Try to make this time special. Share stories about your own childhood and teach them games your enjoyed as a kid. For some families, the first few days of being at home together might be the hardest; for others, the first few days might be quite fun but, once the novelty wears off, it will become harder. Above all, be compassionate - towards yourself, and your child. We have never experienced anything like the current crisis, and what will see us all through is kindness.
Home Learning