With schools, nurseries and education establishments closing around the world,
many parents and guardians have found themselves stepping into the role of a home-schooler.
Here at Commotion HQ we think this has given everyone in this position a unique opportunity to schedule their
child's learning around their own rhythms and enjoy more one-on-one time.
We are firm believers in learning though play and feel the most important thing is the happiness of all our customers.
If you are choosing to follow the curriculum set out by your school, here are some top tips for home learning in the early years:
- Schedule all meal and snacks times (and nap times for younger children) but make your schooling schedule fluid so you can follow your child's interests and allow for in the moment learning. It's time to look at routines in a different way!
- Don’t overload your learning schedule, it may be a good idea to limit to just one topic a day and cover as much as you can. If possible, share this responsibility with another adult so you each take on certain subjects.
- Most children can concentrate on one task for 3 to five minutes per year of their age, consider this when planning your activities.
- Set up your learning areas the night before when you have more time and peace to plan your day.
- If you have children of different ages, ensure all table work is relevant to each child's age. However, activities such as sensory or loose part play can be used by children of different ages as each child will be able to achieve different learning objectives from one shared activity. For example, a toddler could learn how to stack and colour match from a rainbow loose part set, while an older child could use it as a counting and sorting resource.
- Think about what works for you as a family. Do you have to work from home? Does your child get restless mid-morning? If you plan your days to fit in with your family obligations and child's mood they will get so much more from each activity and it will reduce frustration and stress for everyone.
- Play is learning! Children learn how to discover the world through play and they make sense of the world around them through role play. Why not set up a shop and use counters or natural loose parts as money to trade with. Your child can play the role of shop-keeper. In this scenario your child is learning to count and subtract - a subject they may have found daunting or uninteresting if sat at the table with a pencil and paper.
- If you are having to juggle multiple children or your own work around home-learning, try to spend time with your child at the beginning of each activity. Allow them to settle into it and fully understand what is required of them. They will find it easier to continue independently if they are settled into the task and you will be able to step away for a while.
- Be kind to yourself. If you are not a teacher by trade, set yourself realistic and achievable goals.
We would love to hear your top tips for home learning!
Why not follow us on Instagram and share your ideas and set-ups by using #TickiTPlay.
