Parents help to bridge the gap between students and teachers.
As I sit at my desk looking over my now empty calendar, I can’t help but think about the number of lessons I had planned to share with students of all ages across Somerset and Kennebec counties. Because the schools have been shut down, our kids are now completely homeschooled and expected to learn in a whole different manner than what they are used to. They are now expected to learn from internet resources, through virtual classrooms, and packets that are sent home weekly. As a parent, I see the effort our teachers are putting into trying to make this work. They are desperately trying to reach their students through online meeting groups and chat forums so they can provide the best possible education our kids are going to get this school year. Many teachers are a big part of our children’s lives as they spend a lot more time with them during the day then we get to as their parents. This is why it’s so important that parents and teachers work together because by doing so we are able to advocate for our children. We can bridge the gap between students and teachers. That is why it is not only necessary but imperative that parents help their children with their homework packets and online assignments. The more we know about what they are doing to better we are equipped to assist our children with their education.
When I’m home I try to incorporate learning into my children’s home schedule. I know math is an important aspect of everything we do, so we spent last weekend reviewing fractions and we actually had fun with it! We also spent the afternoon making cookies, not only a lesson in Home Economics but also a sweet reward after their hard work! [Email me for the yummy chocolate/peanut butter cookie recipe we made]. A simple activity that not only brought laughter and learning, but it also provided us some valuable family time as well! Learning is done best when having fun.
Having the kids home full time has its share of challenges. I find myself checking in with them constantly throughout the day to make sure they are keeping up with their schoolwork and doing their chores. They have found that even though the chore list is a little longer, we now have time we didn’t before. We now get the family time that we hadn’t been getting before due to running around trying to get to practices and games. However, last week my daughter, who is an extrovert, had a breakdown (I’m talking alligator tears) for about an hour because she couldn’t hang out with her friends. I suggested all the social media face to face chatting options I could think of and at that point, nothing was going to make her happy. She was frustrated, as I’m sure we all are. I’m sure I’m not the only parent that has to deal with these struggles. Adults also are struggling with not being able to go about life the way we’d like. For now, we are all going to have to learn to survive by using technology to keep up with each other. Virtual chats are almost the same as being right there with that person or people.
How are you all keeping in touch with family and friends? If you’re still working and your kids are home how are you dealing with keeping them on track with the schoolwork? I’ll take all the advice I can get! Do you have any lessons that you have found helpful you could share? Have an easy dinner time recipe that you enjoy (and the kids will eat)? Please share your thoughts, school ideas or a recipe with me at creynolds@newdimensiosfcu.com. If you need help crafting a budget or are looking for ways to increase your savings, contact me at (207) 872-2771.