Who’s ready for the upcoming academic year? Whether you and your kids are all prepped up or still figuring out what your new set up at home will be for blended-learning or full-on online classes, remember to pause, take a breather, and give yourselves a pat on the back for your best effort.
The demands of this new arrangement can have you breaking into a sweat, but it’s important to understand that this is unfamiliar for most of us, if not for everyone. It is just the beginning of a long learning journey for you and your kids.
As you and your children embark on this distinct experience, it’s essential to have a brief homeschooling guide to give you a great head start. We’ve spoken with experienced education professionals to share tips and tricks on how to help kids and parents adjust well to online learning from home. Read through below for their experience-based reminders and heartfelt advice.
- Be present. As simple as it may sound, this can be more difficult for parents as they juggle more tasks on top of work and chores. But when kids see and feel that parents are dynamically supporting them in their studies, it will leave a positive impact on their mood and performance.
Preschool teacher Ms. Lia Albano agreed that parents who involve themselves in this task inspire and boost the morale of their kids. “Allot time for your child’s learning. If you feel yourself being challenged, your child is also feeling the same, if not even more. Having been used to coming to school to be around their peers, they suddenly have to do all this learning on their own,” she explained in an interview.
Looking back at her 10-year experience in early childhood education, Ms. Albano guarantees that “part of our education is social and not all just academic.” That is why it is essential for kids–especially toddlers and primary learners–to be guided through this learning process.
- Work together. As the saying goes, two heads are better than one. It is no different from you and your kids’ collaborative learning. From building a space conducive for learning to organizing a schedule, working together can be rewarding.
“Do homework together. Remain honest yet understanding. Check on your child’s progress. Your child will value their own responsibilities and tasks more if you also give attention to their efforts,” Ms. Albano advised.
In creating a learning space, for example, parents and kids can decorate a room with materials and fixtures similar to a classroom’s–shelf for books and art materials, table and stool for tasks online and offline, mini whiteboard for visual aids, and a wide floor mat for physical and recreational activities.
“Kids would love a well-ventilated area decorated and furnished like a real classroom. It’s important to make them feel that they are still attending school even when they are home. The space should be dedicated for learning and creativity to motivate them to get in the zone,” said Ms. Dana Hernandez, an educator and a school administrator who has been working in the academe for 33 years.
Meanwhile, when organizing a schedule, Ms. Hernandez urges parents to provide kids a journal or calendar where they can write their daily tasks, deadlines, and household chores. “As children make this into a habit, they will become disciplined and accountable for their responsibilities both at school and at home,” she added.
- Play and rest. In schools, students are given time to socialize and enjoy time with their classmates and friends through sports events, talent competitions, camping trips, and other leisure activities. “Now that times are different, we can only do so much at home. But parents can always come up with exciting activities to do with their children like painting, cooking, planting, and working out together,” Ms. Hernandez said.
Parents must help their kids maintain the right balance between academic tasks, socials, and playtime to keep their bodies active, their minds sharp, and their mood up and sunny.
Ms. Albano agrees that ‘brain breaks’ are vital for kids’ physical and mental well-being. She also encourages parents to motivate their child to do minor stretches in between classes and prepare on the side some biscuits, fresh fruits, or a cold glass of Vitamilk for when kids get a bit hungry.
“In the afternoon, let them take power naps to reenergize. At night, it’s better to keep them away from their gadgets an hour before they rest for an easier and sounder sleep,” Ms. Hernandez added.
- Prepare healthy, delicious meals. Nothing beats healthy and flavorful home cooked meals. Creating meal plans can help parents save time when the household gets busier than the usual.
“During school days, the school canteen crew try their best to serve nutritious food choices. At home, parents and kids can try cooking healthy and tasty dishes for some quality bonding time,” Ms. Hernandez suggested.
According Ms. Hernandez, parents should kick it up a notch by serving kids some tasty meals that contain enough carbohydrates, protein, and vitamins for their body; while for snacks, “it would be perfect for children to nibble at granola bars and fruits.”
But to make food preparation much easier you, you can always just add in Vitamilk Double Choco Shake to any meal for some soy chocolatey goodness packed with essential vitamins and nutrients from the Fills Good Formula: Protein to strengthen the body, B-vitamins to boost energy, and most importantly, Omega 3-6-9 to promote brain development. It’s the perfect learning partner that will help your kid remember all the fun and learning they did for the day.
Also, did you know that Vitamilk Double Choco Shake is a plant-based chocolate beverage with strength-filling, growth-giving and mind-boosting nutrients naturally found in soybeans? Just the perfect companion for the young ones learning from home!
In a few weeks, homes will turn into schools. You can always look back at these practical suggestions to keep your household organized, your kids guided, bright, and healthy, and yourself worry-free.
For all the moms and dads getting ready for homeschooling, your efforts will definitely pay off. You can always reward yourself with a cold bottle of Vitamilk for a job well done! Vita-cheers to all the parents who are about to set sail on this unique journey!
ABOUT VITAMILK
Vitamilk is the all-natural, protein-rich and best-tasting soy milk that’s filled with vitamins and minerals to revitalize the whole family. When you need a good boost any time of the day, Vitamilk’s healthy, filling energy will surely go a long way. Choose from a wide variety of delicious flavors (Double Choco Shake, Original, Banana, Strawberry, Energy / Multi-grain, Choco Shake) and pack sizes (300ml disposable glass bottles, 250ml and 200ml baon packs, 1 Liter packs and 200ml returnable glass bottles). Available in supermarkets, convenience stores, and sari-sari stores near you.
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Also read: Kids and moms are loving the soy chocolatey, Vitamilk Double Choco Shake!