COVID may have closed the world down, but it hasn’t stopped your kid from growing up – and every moment of childhood is essential. Try these methods to encourage learning and mental development while everyone is stuck inside.
Cooking Lessons
Every self-sufficient adult needs to know their way around the kitchen. No matter how old your kid is, you can improve their motor skills and understanding of the world by teaching them how food is chosen and prepared.
Little kids can learn how to do basic tasks like washing vegetables, peeling apples, stirring a pot, and identifying food groups to create a balanced meal. Choose tasks that improve motor skills, but remember to keep the knives away until your kids are old enough to handle them. Baking is a good way to teach older children how to follow recipes, and teenagers can start learning to cook in various cultural styles.
Distance Game
Distance puzzles are popular Montessori materials that can increase physical activity and help your kids improve their memory at the same time. To set up a distance game, clear space for a puzzle at the kitchen table, and put the box of pieces in the other room. Your kid will need to walk between rooms to get the pieces they need, forcing them to remember what they’re looking for in the process.
Distance games also work well with models, LEGOs, or anything else that your kids can go and fetch. If you have multiple kids, try using a verbal relay system; this will help them work on their communication skills.
Arts and Crafts
All types of arts and crafts are excellent for your child’s mental engagement. From painting to sculpting, art teaches your kid to perceive, translate, and communicate in the world.
Make a list of fun crafts that your kids can complete with the materials you already have around the house. The next time you brave the grocery store, pick up some extra watercolor paints and construction paper; you’re going to need them for the months ahead.
Visual Content
As we move into the digital age, a child’s ability to interact with visual media is becoming more important than ever before. Help your kids develop a healthy and productive relationship with media by introducing them to educational videos, games, and music.
Start by finding age-appropriate content that will teach your kids about the world. Nature and science documentaries are a great place to start. Next, set a healthy framework that includes taking breaks and discussing content after it’s been consumed. Finally, let your kids get involved as they choose new videos and decide where their studies should go next.
Quarantine is not an easy time to be a kid. Stay engaged with the things your children are doing, and continue to look for opportunities to improve their education until the world reopens.
