Engaging School-Going Kids During Lockdown: Tips and Routines

Well, I am not a parent, but as a child, I have experienced my fair share of engaging myself in activities. Through online reading, sketching, yoga, and some dietary habits, I found my way through. Hopefully, these activities can also help your children stay active and engaged during this challenging time.

The Sub-Crisis of Parenting During Lockdown

Millions of children around the world are currently displaced from their schools due to the coronavirus. This widespread school closure has created a significant sub-crisis for parents. As many communities scramble to adapt, the challenge lies in seamlessly transitioning children from school settings to home routines. While it is manageable to entertain them on weekends, the task becomes significantly more challenging when you need to fill their days for an extended, uncertain period.

The Secret to Success: Routine and Structure

The secret to successfully engaging children lies in the principles many schools already subscribe to: routine. Kids thrive on structure and familiarity. By establishing a blueprint for their day, you can ensure that their transition to at-home life is smoother. Here’s how to set up a routine for your child:

1. Start with Their School Routine

Adapt their school schedule to fit your new home environment. For instance, if they typically have breakfast at 7 AM, honor that habit. What time was snacktime or lunch? How was their recess structured? Slice their day into small segments, similar to school subjects. Determine the best time of day for them to work on assigned schoolwork, whether it's morning or afternoon.

2. Dedicate Time for Play

Carving out dedicated time for child-led play is crucial. When children are engaged in activities like imagining, creating, and inventing, they are actively learning. Encourage them to build and experiment, which can be just as educational as structured learning.

3. Incorporate Music and Dance

Engaging in music and dance can be therapeutic and educational. Celebrate life with music and dance! It’s a fun activity that everyone enjoys at any point in life. Music and dance not only provide joy but also encourage bonding and physical activity.

4. Ensure Participation in Virtual Classrooms

Virtual classrooms are implemented by schools to ensure that children continue their education. These classes are technologically advanced and provide a platform for students to stay engaged even in unforeseen situations. Parents should make sure their children are attending these sessions and actively participating in the activities.

5. Leverage Technology for Skill Development

There are many educational institutions and online schools that offer vocational courses and activity sessions. These courses can be undertaken from home and are curated to meet the needs of learners. Parents should enroll their children in these courses to help them learn new skills.

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