Most parents and students in Beijing will soon be coming out of the CNY holiday and back into online learning until Feb 21, at the earliest. It’s not an ideal situation for anyone but there are a few things that can make it easier.
Keep a routine: It can be as loose or as strict as you are comfortable with but some form of scaffolding for the day beyond logging in at 8.30am and logging off at 3.30pm is vitally important. Get them up and dressed and make sure they have breakfast before starting class. Trust me, most teachers hate it when kids eat during class. Then make sure there is a set time for after-school activities and scheduled time for homework, chores, and relaxation.
Learning space: Establish a separate learning area away from distractions. A small desk with basic supplies including paper, pens, coloring supplies, glue, etc. should be there and ready for them to learn. If possible get a list of needed supplies from the school so you aren’t rushing around looking for things last minute. Keep this area free from toys and distractions. If they need special items like a fidget spinner or stress ball to focus make sure it is available.
They need to move: Especially our littlest learners. Channeling some of that excess energy is important for staving off cabin fever and staying focused. If you can, go out for a bike ride or walk each day. During short breaks and recess encourage them to move by playing music and having a dance party or putting on your favorite TikTok challenge.
If the weather is bad try playing the workout card game: Take a deck of cards and have the kids assign each suit a physical activity – i.e. hearts are jumping jacks, spades are push-ups, diamonds are sit-ups, clubs are mummy kicks. Then take turns flipping over a card. A five of diamonds means five sit-ups. Court cards are 30 seconds of dancing to their favorite tunes.
Extracurriculars: Obviously those are a no-go for the next few weeks so pick an activity the family isn’t familiar with and learn about it together. Have you always wanted to cook paella or make origami creations? Now’s a good time to try! For example, mahjong is a great method for kids to learn their Chinese numbers in a fun way.
Focus on life skills: Most expat families have an ayi but there is a good chance your kids won’t be taking her to college. So simple things like knowing how to sew on a button, do the laundry, make their bed, and scramble an egg could be important. Make a list of things you think they should know how to do and pick one or two of them to teach on an afternoon when they are bored.
Tap all your previous learning resources: You know what worked for you last time. Resurrect the same resources. Here is a shortlist of some of the easily accessible learning tools we love.
Crash Course: The Online Tool That Could Save Your Child’s (and Your) Summer
Love this online resource! Tons of great, short, educational videos on everything from world history to ecology. Whatever they’re interested in, there’s a lesson on it.
Hex-a-Dex: Harrow Beijing’s New Game Offers Fun With Phonics
This phonics card game is a great option for fun, at-home learning.
Hey Parents! Need Craft Ideas to Entertain the Kids?
Easy videos for at-home craft, cooking and tactile project ideas. The Strega Nona pasta project is one of my personal favorites and I guarantee you already have all the materials in your kitchen.
Lastly, be gentle with yourself. This is stressful so make sure to carve out a little self-care. Read a book, call a friend, make your significant other watch the kids long enough for you to treat yourself. Whatever fills your tank.
KEEP READING: Process, Not Product: Let Your Kids Try… and Fail
Images: Canva
