With parents across the nation keeping their children at home due to the COVID-19 crisis – juggling work and their child’s school life is becoming a huge challenge for many.
With this change in the daily school routine, many parents have said they are feeling the pressure of having to be the ‘teacher’. Moving learning from the classroom to the living room has left them feeling overwhelmed.
But in support of parents not having to feel overwhelmed, early childhood teacher and dad, Brent Hughes at Matific, says, “It’s important for parents to not put a lot of pressure on themselves but instead, keep focused on their children at home being inspired and engaged, particularly with maths, through gamification.”
Matific, a fun and interactive curriculum-based learning solution used by thousands of teachers worldwide, provides parents an engaging experience during a time of uncertainty and anxiety.
“At this time, many parents choosing to keep their children home may be worried about how to navigate their child’s educational needs. But we are encouraging parents to embrace learning, not fear it,” said Brent.
Tips for juggling work and a child’s school life
As a dad going through the same situation at home, Brent has shared top tips for parents as they navigate the new school world.
Tip 1: Help your children maintain routine
In times of change, keep a familiar routine. Children respond well to routine and it will support you navigate distance learning together. Create a schedule that your child can look to for guidance on how their day will be structured.
Tip 2: Incorporate individual play into your day
Keep in mind it’s important to have some fun, everyday. Perhaps the time to incorporate indoor or backyard play, would be to follow the school structure of recess and lunch.
Tip 3: Turn screen time into learning time
Encourage your child to use their screen time to play something educational. Games such as Matific and Reading Eggs can turn screen time into learning time.
Tip 4: Project based learning
Instead of looking at lesson-based learning, perhaps encourage children at home to take on projects. Projects will give you more time to fulfill tasks on your own agenda. They also help to keep children engaged and occupied. Long projects that might take a full day or longer to complete are a great way to help them plan their thinking and stay focused on tasks for long periods of time. For younger children, you might have to break the big project into smaller pieces to help keep their concentration.
Tip 5: Stay active
Kids Health recommends that kids get 60 minutes or more of moderate to vigorous activity a day. As we are self-isolating and children aren’t participating in extracurricular activities, why not have some fun through dance and music and keep a similar routine to their school sports schedule.
Tip 6: Ease anxiety
Parents can help their children’s anxiety through regular conversation about school work and doing the best they can at home. By offering support and reminding them that teachers are still available to answer questions, parents can ensure their children aren’t overwhelmed by the changes.
Matific, accessible both online and offline, is a math solution for students in all areas. Children are more equipped with technology than ever before. Therefore, maths can be a fun, shared experience between parent and child.
More for parents on coping during the COVID-19 crisis:
Corona Corner: Coronavirus facts for families
How to talk to your kids about the coronavirus
Free online resources from Sesame Street during coronavirus pandemic
Strategies to support your children during COVID-19 crisis
