One thing for sure, we all are feeling the effects of the pandemic – Covid-19. Particularly parents are worried about their children. Has learning stopped? Will my child be prepared for the next grade? These are all valid questions.
The good thing is, all of our children are in the same boat. This is also an opportunity to explain to children, just because school is out, learning doesn’t stop. Distance learning and having to prioritize is a great precursor to give high school students a dose of college life. This is what college is about- planning your time, prioritizing, and setting your own schedule to get it done! In my previous post, we discussed ways to enjoy the outdoors during the lockdown. For parents of elementary students, I want to encourage you to read to your children, read with your children, and encourage writing. Give your children a topic to write about. Ask how they are feeling and to write about the world as they see it now. Asking them to write is beneficial to their literacy skills. When you read with them, stop along the way and ask some questions (Who are the characters? What just happened? Is this book fiction or nonfiction?) My friend Stacey M. strikes again with her guided writing journals. This may help children who may be stuck on “what to write.” You can find her journal here Guided Writing Journal
Remember, we are all in this together. As you take that walk after a long day of cooking, doing the dishes, juggling working online from home and homeschooling the children, don’t forget to be grateful for all of the little blessings that come along the way. Maybe we are spending more time eating together as a family. Maybe we actually have time to read to our children and just maybe we have time to actually ask each other, “how are you doing?” I encourage you all to stop and smell the roses, pick up a good book and remember, school is out but learning never stops.
Raising Little Brown Children 