As the world continues to understand the complexities of the COVID-19 virus, parents face a significant challenge this month: children going back to school. Many parents are choosing to educate their kids online, using platforms such as Zoom and Teachable. Some parents have decided to home school their children themselves. However, even if your kids are physically returning to school, there’s currently no guarantee that there won’t be another lockdown.
If there’s one certain thing, it’s that your kids will be spending more time than usual at home this school year. Besides strategizing new and engaging educational formats for kids, you might also be wondering how to keep them occupied and mentally stimulated.
Let’s look at some fun activities to try that will keep your little ones busy and engaged at home.
Knitting and Crocheting
Knitting and crocheting are effective ways to exercise your children’s and motor skills. Learning these skills improves hand-eye coordination, focus, and creativity. Knitting and crocheting also help kids understand the importance of patience and how to work through challenges by following knitting or crochet patterns step-by-step.
Find beginner how-to pattern tutorials online to guide your kids. The right site will offer inspiring projects that are easy to follow and fun to use! For example, do you have a cat at home? Consider something like a knitted catnip toy to make with your son or daughter. It will be so rewarding for your child to watch as the kitty plays with something they made from scratch!
Journaling
Journaling is an excellent way to self-reflect and to manifest creative thoughts. It’s also a great way to stay on top of things by keeping organized. Depending on your child’s age and writing ability, suggest a different topic each day to write about for one hour.
Journal topics could include:
- Goals for the coming year
- A recent dream (ask them to describe it in detail)
- The best part about the summer
- Their favourite school subject and why
The topics for journaling are endless. You can turn it into a creative writing activity, or a lesson in how to stay organized by writing down goals and future dreams.
Some children have a difficult time starting, but usually, once they get going, they’ll enjoy writing down their thoughts and seeing them on paper (or, on the screen).
Digital Skills
Are you a tech-savvy parent? Or perhaps you’re a graphic designer or an IT person. Despite the unpredictable nature of the COVID-19 virus, it’s safe to say that computers aren’t going away anytime soon. Teaching kids technological skills will prepare them for the future.
Whether it’s Adobe Suite, SEO marketing, or intensive coding that you’re looking to teach, there’s an online tutorial to help mould your children into the leaders of the new digital world!
This year threw a curveball directly into nearly everyone’s plans, and no one knows this better than parents. If you’re running out of ideas on what to do with the kids, consider these examples and teach them a brand new skill that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.