Dear Families:

I hope you are all doing well and staying healthy during these difficult times. You are all in my thoughts and I think about you all the time. I know how hard it is keep your children busy and engaged while they are home. Like I said, just do what you can and what works best for you. Remember that they are only 5 or 6 years old and that play is and should be a huge part of their day.

I have added some more information that you may find useful to help keep your children busy at home. It is important to set up a routine at home as children will perform better if they have a set routine to follow. Chaos will lead to more chaos!!

Establishing a Routine

As we move into learning at home it will be important to set up a daily routine. I invite you to design a routine that will work best for your family. Your child’s day should be balanced between ‘academics’, exercise, nutrition breaks, hands on learning and free time. If possible, get outside daily. If there are younger siblings in the house or you are working from home, do the best you can! The amount of time you schedule for each learning activity will depend on your child and their ability to focus. Generally, 15 to 30-minute periods are good.

Ideas to Consider

  • A consistent time to wake up and go to sleep (9 – 12 hours each night is recommended)
  • Consistent times for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks (Keep food choices as healthy as possible to feed the brain)
  • Physical activity breaks (including time in fresh air if possible)
  • Hands on play time – with Lego, favourite toys, etc.
  • If you can arrange it, some face to face time with a classmate or family member to build in social experience
  • Family Time
  • Time for school activities remembering that 3 – 5 hours a week (45 minutes to an hour a day) is recommended by the Ministry of Education

Note: As much as possible build these into your day as it unfolds – for example if you are working on a sorting silverware activity, complete that while you cook.

Regular School Activities to Consider

  • Read Read Read! (a bedtime read aloud to your child in English or your first language is a recommended daily routine)
  • Complete 2 – 4 Writing activities a week
  • Work on Letter Names / Sounds or Sight words 2 – 3 times a week
  • Complete 2 – 4 Math activities a week
  • Participate in Physical Activity daily
  • Make sure your child gets regular play time and engages in some kind of hands on fun that your child enjoys

Note: Please see the “Overview and Tips for Working with your Child at Home” section below for guidance while working with your child and know that some approximation of the activities below will be enough.

I hope this gives you some helpful ideas! As we work through this time keep in mind that you know your family and its needs the best. If in doubt trust your first instinct and know that you are always welcome to contact me with questions.

Overview and Tips for Working with your Child at Home

The guide at the link below provides an overview and tips for working with your child at home.

Overview and Tips for Working with your Child at Home

I know it’s a lot to process right now – I am trying to set up a structure for you so that down the road things become routine.  If it’s too much to read right now, put it away and use it for reference as you need it.

***Please let me know if you have questions.  I’m here to support in any way I can.   Remember!  Mental and Physical Health must come first during this unprecedented time. ***