Getting Ready to Learn
Here are some things you can do to help your child learn at home.
Create an area in the house for your child to be able to focus on learning. There are no clear guidelines on what a learning area should look like. As long as your child can focus and be safe, there are no limits to where the learning can take place. Feel free to allow children different places to learn, whether lying on the ground or sitting at a table – whatever works best for them.
But try to limit distractions. Turning the TV off and switching off app notifications will help.
It’s worth checking programs you may need to access sites and resources. You may need Adobe Acrobat Reader (which is free) or any specific video players such as Abode Flashplayer.
Companies are offering some online programs and services free during the COVID-19 period.
Make sure your children do not just see this as an extended holiday but as normal school, from home. It’s important to create a structure.
Schools have a timetabled structure throughout the week, so rather than disrupting your child’s routine, you might wish to follow your child’s school routine.
Suggested Timetable:
9.00-9.30 Phonics.
9.30-10.00 Free Play
10.00-10.30 Activity time
10.30-11.00 songs/rhymes and fruit and snack
11.00-11.30 Physical activity. Joe Wicks is offering daily workouts for children or just go in the garden for exercise and play.
11.30-12.00 Adult supported play/games etc.
12.00-1.30 Lunch and access to apps and online home learning resources.
1.30-2.00 Activity time.
2.00-2.30 Free Play
2.30-2.45 Child reads to parent.
There is no specific time children should spend learning however be flexible depending on how your child is progressing.
If you are lost in what to do, then encourage your child to read. Model reading, get your children books and discuss them. Developing a love for reading in your children will help them in all learning areas, no matter how long they don’t physically go into school.