Learning at Home Strategies
As schools close throughout the country to stop the spread of COVID-19, parents are being forced to take a more active role in children’s education. This is a challenging time for everyone but with patience and a positive attitude, fruitful learning is possible.
Schools are continuing to provide work for students, and many are delivering virtual lessons. Online tutoring is available to ensure students stay up to date.
These learning strategies will help parents and kids make the most of this time at home.
Set a Schedule
When children are schooled at home it’s essential to set a daily learning schedule and stick to it. You can download Tutor Doctor’s free At-Home Schedule.
It’s best to stick to your child’s normal routine as closely as possible. During uncertain times, children need structure. A daily schedule provides a sense of security which is vital for mental health and wellbeing.
Use Online Resources
There are many excellent online resources parents can use to supplement the work provided by teachers and tutors. State education departments have lesson plans and guides to assist with learning, and home schooling websites offer valuable advice on how to educate kids at home.
A quick search will find many websites providing free worksheets and activities. It’s important to be discerning and choose resources designed by qualified educators.
Read Together Daily
Research has found that reading with children is highly beneficial. This is one of the easiest ways to ensure that learning continues while schools are closed.
Turn off the devices and make reading part of your daily routine. Most kids will have books on their shelves they’ve barely looked at so now is the time to bring them out. Take turns reading and ask questions about the characters, setting and plot.
You can use books as a springboard for other activities by creating spelling lists from the story, or by asking kids to draw scenes or write an alternative ending. Make sure you carve out time for independent reading too. If you don’t have a lot of books at home, you can download library books or listen to audiobooks.
Make it Fun
Teachers know that learning and fun go hand in hand. When kids enjoy activities, they are more open to new ideas and more likely to retain what they’ve learnt. There are many simple ways to make learning enjoyable, including puzzles, games and quizzes. If you can find a way to incorporate movement into learning, your child will love it.
Creative writing is something most kids enjoy, so get their creative juices flowing by asking them to write some stories. You can get involved by brainstorming ideas together and reading your stories to each other. Oral storytelling is another fun way for kids to develop important skills and there are many storytelling games to keep them entertained.
Focus on Interests
Activities and projects that incorporate your child’s interests will keep them engaged and motivated. Home schoolers often build learning around an area of interest and many schools have introduced self-directed learning based on topics chosen by students.
To help your child take ownership of their learning, ask them to come up with some project ideas themselves. This is an opportunity for kids to become independent learners. It also takes some of the pressure off parents working from home.
These strategies can make learning at home a worthwhile experience for the whole family. Contact us and schedule an appointment with one of our home tutors