One thing parents everywhere are probably wondering is what is the best way to make sure my child doesn't fall behind, despite the pandemic.
Health is the first concern in everyone's mind. Unfortunately, due to that, even if your child is attending school or supplemental educational activities, you have to wonder if they are getting the education they would have if there wasn't a pandemic. Chances are, your certified teacher has little experience teaching during a pandemic, and due to restrictions, your child may not be getting what kids who started school the prior year might have.
So what is both educationally appropriate, and setting your child to be successful in the future?
I am both an educator for Preschool through 12th-grade students, and a parent of two young children. I have been in many classrooms, offering my expertise, and training teachers on-site in real-world classrooms through real-world problems. Here is my advice for the young ones.
Should I Let My Kid Use Technology?
Tablet and phone games are not evil. They have a time and place, if used in a limited capacity, and can be superior to not attempting to educate your child.
That being said, you should not rely on just technology to teach your child everything they need. There are a lot of benefits to traditional teaching methodologies and educational toys.
How Do I Make Sure My Kid Gets the Most out of Reading?
Books are great when accompanied by directed questioning, especially. Point, and ask your child questions! Make it a habit, and a bonding activity you both can enjoy together.
Make sure to keep books at your kids level, so they can peruse the pictures when they feel like it.
Keep it fun. Some books have very cleaver illustrations, such as a mouse on each page. Ask your kid to help you find it!
If you are teaching your kid more than one language, you can read the same book in different languages. You can use tape to remind yourself of the words in a different language if you don't want to buy two of the same book. Even if your kid seems to respond more to one language, do not let it phase you. Consistency is key!
What Else Should My Child Be Doing?
Legos and blocks can be excellent. Start them off with the over-sized blocks. They are easy to manipulate. You can start off with easy concepts like play, stacking, counting, sorting, and identifying colors. It will become an easy transition to more difficult math and science concepts for later on.
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