I've heard many debate what a good education is during these pandemic days.
With the technology available today, it is not difficult to foster a good education for children.
During the pandemic, if I were a parent with the luxury to support my children at home, I would do the following:
- Make sure my child read one good book a week--this book could be read with a parent, on their own, or by listening to a book online. An important part of reading the book should include the following:
- Using reputal guides to choose the book
- Thinking about questions and predictions before, during, and after reading
- Learning about the book's author
- Looking up related information and unknown facts and words that related to the story online
- Reflecting about the book before, during, and after on an offline or online reading journal
- Use Khan Academy to study math. I do think that Khan Academy is the best guide for learning math. That said, it's best if children use the platform with an adult and support that learning with games, other digital sites, and paper/pencil math projects and activities.
- Write everyday. Students should write everyday and begin to learn how to write in multiple genres--there are thousands of good online resources for this.
- Study the social studies and science standards via online and offline books, visits to museums, and hands-on projects.
- Don't forget that significant time for imagination, play, and creativity greatly supports children's positive learning and living. Make time for that everyday.
State standards are good guideposts for learning that families can easily access--the standards are meant to be central themes and knowledge/skill points, but for good education those standards need to be embedded in meaningful project work.
Children are natural learners. Setting up a good routine and spaces at home to support this good learning will help your children.
There is a lot of talk about how to best care for children, but little conversation about best education. Good education can happen anywhere and be supported by loving families, friends, and educators. Don't give up on your children at this time, but instead give in to the potential that exists to support a lively, engaging, positive education during pandemic times.