Tips to make learning from home easier for your kids

Tips to make learning from home easier for your kids Posted 05/11/2020 As schools across the country remain closed, or may only see partial openings, many parents are continuing with the task of home schooling.

Keep your kids on track and motivated during these uncertain times. Your smart home can help you ensure they stay safe and productive for better learning. Check out our helpful hints and learning tips: Keep a positive attitude toward schoolwork Unless you’re a trained educator, teaching your kids from home can be a daunting task. Keeping a positive attitude towards schoolwork and learning will go a long way in helping your child stay

motivated during these troubling times. Don’t get caught up in what you can’t do, focus on what you can: let your children know you believe in them; talk, sing or read with your child; involve everyone in the family and make learning fun.

Stick to a daily routine Kids need routine and predictability to help reduce anxiety which can impede learning. Let your children help create their own schedules and then display them where they can be seen. Be sure to make time for breaks from schoolwork, to exercise, relax and connect with family. Make the most of daily recess with fresh air outings, bike rides and hikes.

Make space for learning Create a quiet, dedicated space for learning. Ideally, choose a location that is different from where kids normally watch tv or play games. Keep it free from distractions and curb screen use, unless it is specifically required for lessons.

Focus on skills that matter Learning happens everywhere, not just in school or at a desk. Support inquiry and play during everyday activities. Laundry, cooking and gardening can be great learning opportunities. Focus on skills that are the keys to success in life like: • Communication – encourage kids to share ideas, as well as to listen and ask questions • Creativity – promote kids using their imagination and allow them to participate in problemsolving • Reading – reading is an escape and we all need one these days. Foster an atmosphere of reading, it helps kids become better writers, spellers and creative thinkers.

Stay connected At ADT by TELUS, kids’ safety is near and dear to our heart. Our smart home technology, from smart locks to smart lighting, intrusion alarms and Wi-Fi doorbells can all help keep both you and your children safe.

• Be sure to arm your alarm and use smart locks to secure your home from little ones opening doors and wandering off.

• Use smart lighting to illuminate your home and outdoors.

• Ensure deliveries stay contact-free with your Wi-Fi video doorbell.

At the same, have kids enjoy facetime with grandparents and other loved ones they can’t be with during this time. We should keep our physical distance to keep everyone safe, but with technology, we can still reach out and connect to be close to the people who matter.

Make the Coronavirus pandemic a learning experience Talk to your children about what’s going on. Teach them about germs and do simple activities to teach lessons. You can easily find science activities online that show how the virus spreads and how soap can destroy it.[1] These simple learning activities, while interesting and fun, are also important lessons to help keep kids safe and demystify these confusing times.

Protect children online Online platforms offer kids opportunities to learn and keep in touch with friends. They also come with increased risks for kids’ safety and privacy. Talk to your kids about online safety. Kids should be aware of what is appropriate vs inappropriate behaviour on the platforms they use, including chat, games and video calls. Monitor your kids’ online use and set up parental controls.

Smart home safety lets you use video surveillance and in-home cameras to help you keep an eye on your kids’ online activities.

ADT by TELUS smart home kids are safer kids. For more information on how we can help you keep your kids safe, call 888.ADT.ASAP to speak to a smart home expert. Rest assured that ADT

by TELUS is committed to helping keep you and your home safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Be sure to check out our new virtual-assisted installation model that ensures all repairs and installation can be done from outside your home in order to keep both you and our team members safe.

1. Hands-On Science Activities to Teach Children About the COVID-19 Pandemic © 2020 ADT by TELUS. All rights reserved. ADT is a trademark of The ADT Security Corporation, used under license. All copyrights for images, artwork and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Unauthorized use strictly prohibited. Licence number: RBQ 3019-4070-50.