Doubling Our Bubble and Sharing Learning Experiences
Yes, these are scary times as we open up our communities to more interaction but we have to more forward. We were watching the news last night and the issue of no childcare for parents returning to work surfaced. This along with comments that I have heard from parents trying to home school while working from home, has me offering this possible solution, share the home schooling experience.
When I was at home for seven years with our two elves, I would get together with other moms constantly and also trade off our children so that we could get some free time for ourselves to accomplish other tasks. I know with physical distancing parameters that sharing is not that easy, however if we are going to follow the guidelines of doubling it means we can share our households with one other that we trust. In this case, you can ask all parents to engage in the process. If there are two single parents, then switching back and forth every second day. If there are four parents, and if each parent takes a day that means that four of the days in the week are covered and leaving one day which families can then use as a celebration day either on the remaining weekday or on the weekend. During this celebration day the two families can do a field trip discovering something new in the community/nature or celebrate in the backyard with a learning sharing session from the week.
How much learning time should be shared? You decided what is best for the age of the kids and the activities (1hour to half a day?). You could also include a snack or a meal, which in of it’s self can take up 20- 40 minutes. Make an easy lunch for the gang or have the kids bring their own lunches as they do at school.
How to approach the joint learning? Think summer camp atmosphere or educational birthday party. Assuming that the children are from 5-11 ish then take the theme approach. Pull from a joint collection of ideas that they would like to learn about. Start discussing using the KWL chart (see yesterday’s blog). You can challenge the kids by asking them can they think of a math related point that hits on the topic. Look for picture books or stories that touch on the topic (ie if whales, then maybe share segments from Moby Dick, show a short story video about Moby Dick). Assign each child a task of discovery based on what they want to know or put them in pairs. Use the Q chart to help you tailor your questions to the level of ability. Above all be flexible and let the learning unfold without strict linear expectations.
What about behaviour expectations? What if a child starts acting out? Start the learning sharing sessions with a set of community commitments (rules). Do this right at the outset so kids know that in each household the rules or expectations are the same. Make them simple and best to discuss and make with the kids gently guiding them to where you and the other parents are comfortable:
Here are suggestions…
1- We will speak and act respectfully. What does this look like? Talk about examples ie please and thank you. Never touch things in another’s house without asking. Sharing. Listening. Taking turns. Ask. Keep your hands and feet to yourself.
2- We will treat property respectfully. What does this look like?
3- We will try our hardest to keep a positive outlook and smile.
If you are not comfortable sharing learning with other families then switch off with your spouse/partner each of you taking a day to do the home schooling. Sharing is caring 😉
Dazzle’s Challenge: If school closures continue indefinitely then maybe we need to start looking at new models like the hybrid home school model. Take a look at this article:
also take a look at this…yes give yourself a break… https://www.expressnews.com/lifestyle/health-family/article/Quarantine-schooling-Veteran-homeschooling-15174429.php
Quick Take Away Links: Just in case you are looking for subject specific activities to inspire
https://mommypoppins.com/family/coronavirus-pandemic-update-indoor-activities-resources-kids
Math
https://dreme.stanford.edu/news/children-s-books-foster-love-math
https://www.weareteachers.com/picture-books-about-math/
https://imaginationsoup.net/the-biggest-list-of-the-best-math-picture-books-ever/
Science
https://www.whatdowedoallday.com/science-picture-books-for-kids/
https://seattle.bibliocommons.com/list/share/71257020/1047998297
https://mommypoppins.com/kids/50-easy-science-experiments-for-kids-fun-educational-activities-using-household-stuff
