Make life lessons fun for kids while you're stuck at home

Palm Coast Observer
Opinion

Captain's log, day ... Wait, what day is it again?

Some days are good. We eat three healthy meals, go on a family walk and organize something in our home or business. Other days the conversations can look like this:

Me: What time is it?

Brady: 10:15 a.m.

Me: Yeah, it's late enough for pizza.

For those of us working from home with our kiddos, days can seemingly flow into each other. Cook, clean, work, repeat. Now on top of that we have to home school?

As a former kindergarten teacher, I can assure you that one of the best ways for children to learn is through play. Play helps the development of the fundamental skills we need in adult life. Just like we as adults need to work through a process to fully understand it, so do children.

This is a great opportunity for us to share real life lessons while we're home with our children. For example, a mom I know has given her children change. Each snack in the pantry has a price tag on it. The children have to count out exact change and pay for the snack. This allows for the children to learn both how to count money and budgeting skills.

Another mom I know has taken to preparing meals with her family. It's a group effort, and they work on measurements and following directions. These, too, are important skills children will use later in life.

There are other ways to brighten your and your children's day while also sneaking in some education. Grab sidewalk chalk and practice writing sight words outside. Write a sentence and have your little one illustrate it.

One thing we have been doing in our house is daily dance parties. We put on our Alexa and dance and laugh! It's been the highlight of my week. Music is a fun and important part of a child's education.

Remember, learning doesn't have to look like children sitting at desks quietly. And if all else fails, put on some TV and cuddle up on the couch. Trust that you're doing an amazing job, Mama!

Enjoy the snuggles. Listen to their giggles. Find peace in the chaos because, soon enough, we'll be back to our day to day lives and will miss these special moments we have now.

For updates and educational resources from Flagler Schools, follow them on Facebook at Facebook.com/FlaglerSchools or visit FlaglerSchools.com.