Being a mom of a daughter who now is being homeschooled, as well as a speech language pathologist (SLP) myself who works with kids virtually attending a homeschool program, I completely see the stress that comes from wanting to insure your little ones continue their academic growth now that they are home. Here are some simple tips that I hope eases some of the burdens you may be feeling when it comes to transitioning to home school life (for the time being).
Here are tips for those of you who are looking for more guidance in transitioning to homeschool/virtual education with your little one at home:
1) DECLUTTER. Make sure you set up a work space with no distractions. The less things to distract the better for your little ones focus. Think, computer, chair and desk only (if possible).
2) MOVE. Move your child's body before a therapy session OR really before you do any learning activity online or in person. That can look like a bike ride around the block, playing soccer in the backyard or playing chase in the front yard. The key is, if you get their bodies moving it will support them to sit and focus later. If you do not get a chance to get outside, you can try some channels on YouTube that have great movement activities for your little ones. My two favorites are Cosmic Kids + Go Noodle. In our home we move at least 5 times a day and I have noticed that my daughter not only retains more info but she can sit still longer to learn.
3) SNACKS. Have snacks on hand if needed. You can use snacks as an incentive to perform a task being asked or as a way to help keep them focused so those rumbling tummies don't distract them. You want snacks that won't make their hands all sticky or messy, if they are being asked to click on the screen or mouse. Ideal snacks are crackers, apples, nuts... just anything that doesn't require massive bites or need baby wipes to clean up after. Oh and do not forget that glass of water on stand by.
4) TIMER. Set a timer. It helps for your little one to know that an activity has an end time and have that visual reminder on hand. We use THIS timer at home and we love it.
5) SCHEDULE. Last but not least create a visual schedule. It helps your little one to know what their daily schedule looks like and even better, if it is consistent. So wether Monday at 9 am is the day you do virtual math or you use that time to do math activities together, you know math is happening every day at 9. This way you can also build in movement breaks, snack time, a little rest time and whatever else your little one is expected to do. Routine not only decreases stress and allows for more success for your little ones, but it does the same for the parents. Takes away some of the guess work of "what are we doing today." You can find free picture schedules that can be used with your little ones HERE.
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