Last week was the beginning of unprecedented times in our children’s education as our kids prepared to learn from home.
I have 3 children sitting in 3 different areas of our house, each going on with their own program. My 13 and 11 year old have been far more independent than my 7 year old who likes to have me near by. My hats go off to their teachers as they are navigating their way through this new way of educating our kids. I’ve seen snippets of how this has evolved mainly due to the kids having to learn different platforms and new I.T. skills.
Not only had it been a learning curve for teachers and students, but let’s bring us parents into the mix too. Firstly, you are amazing and doing a wonderful job. I even have a Primary School teaching background and find some moments challenging like learning new platforms and I.T. skills. As well as that, for some reason, if I say something, it doesn't hold the same ground as if the kids teacher says the same thing - go figure. 😜. To those of you juggling your own work and that of your children’s, it is tough to find the time to do both and working through it certainly has their own challenges- do what you can and don't beat yourself up.
NB/ I can assure you that the above photo is nothing like what my house looks like.
Tips to help your children make way for a positive and effective day of learning.
These are relevant to you too, as a learner and in whatever capacity you require.
1. Sit with your child & write out a timetable of their day ahead on a whiteboard the night before.
This helps give structure to your child’s day. They know what is expected and when they finish a task, your children can feel a sense of accomplishment by rubbing it out or giving it a tick.
2. Start your family’s day with a walk, even if it is for 10 minutes.
Use the same amount of time it would usually take to travel to school to get some fresh air and clear your head for a productive day at school. Why not start the day feeling fresh?
3. Follow your PACE - a series of Brain Gym movements called PACE that help set the rhythm and flow for learning.
The movements start backwards ECAP ( See below)
4. Give your kids a brain break in between subjects.
Taking a 5 minute break to walk around the house, do something active or eat something healthy helps with concentration, motivation and a positive outlook. Eg: The other day I had my 7 year old running to and fro touching every door handle in the house just so he could have a run. Be creative.
5. Encourage your children to 'have a go' instead of 'trying'.
Have you ever noticed the difference between trying and doing your best? Do they feel different? Doing their best may put your child at ease, relaxing into new situations without judgement, expectations or comparisons. When they 'try' it may add extra effort that overexcites the brain and can stress them when they disconnect from the experience of 'doing their best'. Let’s encourage our kids by ‘doing their best’ and parents: you are doing your best especially in your new circumstances at home, working, teaching and keeping sane. If your child needs some support and you are working, encourage them to contact their teacher, ask a sibling or find something else to do till you are available.
6. Hold the Emotional Stress Release (ESR) points till they pulse at the same time.
These points are calming, they improve focus and attention (thinking clearly) and help with decision making. They also help with skills of planning – bringing forth new and creative ideas. I have used this many times on my kids when they were getting flustered on having to do some creative writing.
DO YOUR BEST AND DON'T BE HARD ON YOURSELF
WE’RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER.
#wereallinthistogether FINDING YOUR PACE
E – Energetic – Sipping on water throughout the day help hydrate your body. It supports thinking and brain function, allowing you to stay focused and improves concentration from mental fatigue.
C – Clear – Rubbing the K27’s and move your eyes from left to right to left etc… This balances the midline, helps ease the eye movements when we cross the midline when reading and writing. It also helps clear your head and brings visual clarity.
A – Active – Cross crawl (moving opposite knee to elbow or hand) This activates both sides of the body by firing neural pathways on both sides of the cerebral hemispheres. It’s a gross motor skill which helps the fine motor skills. It also helps relax and release tension to slow down.
P – Positive – Part 1 - (Hook ups) Cross arms over & bring them through so they are resting on the heart chakra and cross legs over. Part 2 - hold finger tips together. It brings us to the midfield. This helps with balance and supporting stress. It helps take people away or out of flight / fight. Supports higher order thinking & decision making and is a very calming stance.
Lisa Sellyn mixes her 18 years of experience as a Primary School Teacher with Kinesiology and Reiki to support adults and children dealing with the stress and anxiety of daily life in a holistic way.
Tranquil Heart Therapy is based in East Bentleigh. Lisa is also operating ONLINE and via Distant Healing.
Lisa: 0411066230
#remotelearning #positivelearning #toptips #effectivelearning #kidsathome #workingfromhome #homeschooling #braingym #kinesiology #reiki #tranquilhearttherapy @tranquilhearttherapy @lisasellyn