Developing New, Positive Habits with Children is a Great Way to Pass the Time

Since Spring break is blending into virtual learning at home, parents will need some ways to keep their kids occupied and supervised. This isn't easy to do for all parents and all parents with more than one child in the households will have some sibling rivalry issues.

Don't let the time passing by frustrate you. There are some ways to constructively pass the time. Helping our students work on their deficient areas in various subject areas is a good way to occupy the time of students. We spend 30% of our time in class doing remediation if I can be completely honest. We strive to do the standards but the academic gaps are so severe.

In reviewing data of my current caseload, I noticed growth in areas. However, across core curricular areas, these gains were from deficits that we work to fill. The performance levels were on 2nd and 3rd grade level and increase some two grade levels. One chart captured barriers that have prevented my scholars from excelling in certain subjects. This is helpful for parents to see what is causing delays with learning and what strategies we can use to fill in the gap.

The social distancing may just be the time we needed to fill in academic gaps of so many of our students. 

Many of the barriers stem from behaviors, whether learned at home, school or community, that impede the progress of learning. While on this break from school, helping to improve academic growth starts with ridding of barriers students face while learning.

Although we say, parents are their child's first teacher, that doesn't mean that parents teach their children everything. Teaching isn't easy. It's a gift. There are all types of teachers! Parents are one of the most influential kinds of teachers. However, virtual learning and teaching isn't as easy as a three step YouTube video.

I don't expect parents to be the lead academic teacher. That's why schools need and hire quality teachers. I need for parents to support in helping redevelop new, positive habits with their children. Especially things that will help improve safety and wellness in schools.

For example. practicing the importance of cleanliness. Starting with good habits of washing hands thoroughly, proper ways of sneezing and coughing in public, nails and germs, keeping minor cuts and open sores covered, not sharing water bottles, shoes, etc. with others.

This may seem like things that children do well in school but they don't. Bad habits such as sneezing and coughing without proper manner causes the spread of germs and viruses. Not cleaning nails or washing hands properly but in shared spaces with equipment and food.

Other areas parents can take the lead in reteaching while on the break are critical thinking skills, time management, organization and other life skills. Re-enforcing the importance of reading books, following directions and being a good listener through musical chairs and Simone Says.

Parents can reinforce academic learning through study skills. Have students review their notes, practice handwriting, make flashcards to study vocabulary or practice multiplication facts. These things never get old and aren't hard to manage for parents.