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Distance Learning: Are We Having Fun Yet?

Apr 07 2020

Distance Learning: Are We Having Fun Yet?

As we approach our third week in quarantine, I am sure you are experiencing many stages of transition. Discomfort probably runs to the top of the list. Now that we are passed the initial shock of are we really doing this, it is time to get serious.

Living in the Epicenter

What I know for sure is that routine is the key to survival. I saw that Khan Academy posted an online schedule that impressed me due to its comprehensive nature. However, the most imperative part of the schedule was the first order of business:

8 a.m. – 9 a.m. Breakfast/Get Ready (Yes, Change Out of PJs!)

https://docs.google.com/document/u/1/d/e/2PACX-1vSZhOdEPAWjUQpqDkVAlJrFwxxZ9Sa6zGOq0CNRms6Z7DZNq-tQWS3OhuVCUbh_-P-WmksHAzbsrk9d/pub

Yep, believe it or not changing out of your pajamas is helpful for maintaining normalcy in an environment that is static physically but incredibly dynamic electronically. This is also not the time to be enforcing screen time minutes. This is survival mode.  Today’s child was made for this condition. And while we adults might be finding it difficult, the children are thriving.

It matters not what you choose to do in the day for your academic activities, as much as it matters that you commit to working on those choices every day at the same time of day. This is paramount for sustainability. Feeling accomplished will help stave off boredom, frustration, and isolation. I recommend that you sit down with your child the night before and plan what academic content he/she will do the next day. Build in appropriate breaks. Keeping in mind that the primary students have two 15-minute recesses a day plus a 40-minute lunch. Teachers generally build in brain breaks during their working periods. These breaks include kinesthetic movements in addition to relaxing meditation exercises. Another successful tip is to build variety into the week. With the outpour of free online resources, there is bound to be something intriguing and uniquely interesting to your young learner.

A Sample Schedule

Monday

Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

Friday

Math 20 minutes online FLO math Activity 20 minutes online Math 20 minutes online FLO math Activity 20 minutes online Create your own math problem and challenge a family member
Math Workbook 20 min Math Workbook 20 min Math Workbook 20 min Math Workbook 20 min Math Workbook 20 min
Reading

20 minutes online

Buddy Read online 20 minutes

Read to someone 20 minutes Book

Independently Read 20 minutes

Reading

20 minutes online

Buddy Read online 20 minutes

Read to someone 20 minutes Book

Independently Read 20 minutes

Write a summary about two of the books you read this week.
Special Activity from your districts online resources

Science

Special Activity from your districts online resources

Virtual Field Trip

Special Activity from your districts online resources

Social Studies

Special Activity from your districts online resources

Science or Social Studies

Special Activity from your districts online resources

Explore

Pick something interesting

The key is to have your child engaged with their learning process. Happy homeschooling!

Danielle

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Written by Danielle Gentry · Categorized: Academic Support and Play Activities, Elementary School Parenting, Health and Wellness, Social-Emotional Health · Tagged: coronavirus, distance learning, Educating children, Parenting, Parenting Strategies on Bad Days, parents as teachers, shelter in place, teachable moments

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