I have two kids that are doing pre-k virtually until who knows when. I’m grateful for the schedule, teachers and plan--but it is TOUGH getting these kids going in the morning when we don’t have to physically leave the house.
It has been an interesting week and a half of e-learning and I’ve been trying a few things that I’m finding helpful so far in getting the boys to cooperate (for the most part!) It is difficult to have kids sit on zoom calls for such a long time. We luckily only have about two hours being pre-K and a lot of built-in breaks come with that! Still, getting the boys ready and dressed and moving along in the morning has been tricky and with the help of our OT’s we have developed some visuals to help out!
These might be helpful for your younger kiddos too, so feel free to recreate or use any of the visual tools! I will link the GoogleDocs to this post so that you can save a copy and print or adjust it to make it your own!
It has been an interesting week and a half of e-learning and I’ve been trying a few things that I’m finding helpful so far in getting the boys to cooperate (for the most part!) It is difficult to have kids sit on zoom calls for such a long time. We luckily only have about two hours being pre-K and a lot of built-in breaks come with that! Still, getting the boys ready and dressed and moving along in the morning has been tricky and with the help of our OT’s we have developed some visuals to help out!
These might be helpful for your younger kiddos too, so feel free to recreate or use any of the visual tools! I will link the GoogleDocs to this post so that you can save a copy and print or adjust it to make it your own!
Visual Daily Schedule
Kids thrive on structure even though they seem resistant to it at first! We have found that showing the boys what to expect really helps get them moving and cooperate. We put some pictures along with the words so that they can understand what they need to do at each step. This is especially helpful for a morning routine when we need to be ready by a certain time! Also, set a timer on your Alexa, put a visual countdown timer on your phone or computer so that they know when the transition is coming!
Come up with your own daily schedule or follow ours!
Daily Schedule
Come up with your own daily schedule or follow ours!
Daily Schedule
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Break Time Activities
Whatever your student’s age, they are going to need a break and need to get away from screens during this time of e-learning! With Pre-K and I’m sure with the majority of elementary school classes, we get built in music and dance breaks, but I think even before and after school the kids will need some movement also to really get them reset and ready to transition to the next activity! Even just looking at some fun books on their own might be a welcomed activity!
We’ve been doing some music and dancing prior to class starting (when we’re not running late) and making sure we play outside (while it's still nice out) to really get them moving and some fresh air! Making sure kids get some time to themselves and away from technology during this e-learning time is going to be super important in the grand scheme of development so break out the dance parties, fun books, art supplies, Playdoh and get outside while you can!
We’ve been doing some music and dancing prior to class starting (when we’re not running late) and making sure we play outside (while it's still nice out) to really get them moving and some fresh air! Making sure kids get some time to themselves and away from technology during this e-learning time is going to be super important in the grand scheme of development so break out the dance parties, fun books, art supplies, Playdoh and get outside while you can!
"I am Working For..." Chart
Each of the boys have a chart where they earn a train or PJ Masks picture to put in each of the four empty spaces. Each space represents a different part of our morning:
1) get dressed & ready for school
2) School Segment 1
3) School Segment 2 (usually includes independent work)
4) School Segment 3 (game or specials usually in this part)
If the boys each complete their tasks, they get to put a picture in a square and if all four spaces are filled, they earn the reward they are working for! For us, it has been watching a couple short YouTube videos streamed on the tv or watching an episode of PJ Masks after school is over! But I’m sure it will change into other forms of rewards once the lustre of that wears off!
Use our chart, or replace the pictures, adjust the number of sections to fit your child’s specific needs and interests!
"I am working for..." Chart
I hope you’ve found these two ideas helpful! Are there any tricks you’ve learned in your e-learning experience so far? Share them in the comments!
Good luck to all that are navigating this, teacher, parent or babysitter! We got this!
1) get dressed & ready for school
2) School Segment 1
3) School Segment 2 (usually includes independent work)
4) School Segment 3 (game or specials usually in this part)
If the boys each complete their tasks, they get to put a picture in a square and if all four spaces are filled, they earn the reward they are working for! For us, it has been watching a couple short YouTube videos streamed on the tv or watching an episode of PJ Masks after school is over! But I’m sure it will change into other forms of rewards once the lustre of that wears off!
Use our chart, or replace the pictures, adjust the number of sections to fit your child’s specific needs and interests!
"I am working for..." Chart
I hope you’ve found these two ideas helpful! Are there any tricks you’ve learned in your e-learning experience so far? Share them in the comments!
Good luck to all that are navigating this, teacher, parent or babysitter! We got this!
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