Connect Staying at home can be seen as an opportunity to spend time with your family. Turn off the TV and other devices and talk. Resources such as the family version of Table Topics (tabletopics.com) can help start
Educating Hearts and Minds Supporting Kids Learning at Home By Steven D. Herrington, PhD, with Brulene Zanutto
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his is a stressful time for parents who suddenly find themselves responsible for overseeing their children’s education. The shelter-in-place order is a necessary step to protect everyone’s health, but that doesn’t make it any easier to juggle work, health, and financial concerns and parenting. I want you to know you’re not in this alone. Numerous organizations, including the Sonoma County Office of Education (SCOE), are here to provide support and resources to families during these challenging times.
only increase everyone’s stress and anxiety. Pace out the school learning activities, providing appropriate breaks for your child. It is important to offer emotional as well as academic support. Children learn when they feel safe and connected.
I also urge you to go easy on yourself and focus on spending quality time with your children. Putting additional pressure on yourself and your children to complete school assignments may
Following are some tips from SCOE experts on how to make the most—both academically and emotionally—of this time at home with your children.
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Even everyday activities, such as going through a recipe, offer a chance to read together. conversations, and sites like jumpstart. com offer activities for preschool to elementary school-age children. Read Don’t think you have to stick to traditional books; audio books and graphic novels are also good choices. Even everyday activities, such as going through a recipe, offer chances to read together. Read to your kids. It is OK to read aloud books that are several levels above a child’s reading level. It supports the development of their reading comprehension skills and provides discussion opportunities. Check out Storyline Online, which features celebrities reading storybooks and includes discussion questions and activity resources. Create Support your child’s creativity. Set them up with an online drawing tutorial, bake with them, or help them learn a new skill. Learning a new skill with your child is a wonderful bonding experience and models a learning and growth mindset. Most importantly, slow down and enjoy your time together. If your
April 2020 www.sonomafamilylife.com
