Learning Activities for Children at Home for Quarantine and Remote Schooling

As we start off the new year, whether your family has been required to officially isolate at home or not, students are returning to online learning. With the recent announcement, Ontario is moving schools online for at least two weeks if not longer. We know that this can be a particularly stressful and challenging time and are here to help. Our team has put together some suggestions to keep students stimulated, occupied and on track, all at the same time.

Here are some activities and ideas to keep learning happening while at home!

1) Communicate with your child’s teacher where possible

This is a great tip, quarantine or not. Your child’s teacher will be able to provide direction, answer questions during this uncertain time, as well as help identify areas where your child may benefit from additional focus. With this information at hand, you’ll be able to source what you need to keep your child up to date with the Ontario Curriculum.

2) Spend at least 20 minutes a day reading

Your child’s teacher likely recommends this normally, anyway! But in the chaos of our daily lives, it’s easy to forget. Being at home is a great time for students of all ages to pick up a book (or pick up your Kobo or Kindle e-reader) and get some extra practice time in!

3) Pick up some math practice sheets (or apps)

There’s a lot of great places to get math worksheets and even online tests, if you know what kinds of problems to cover. IXL is one great source. Khan Academy is another. For younger children, generalized math apps might be useful!

4) Write new year or thank you cards for extra practice

It’s becoming a lost, but cards and notes provide a great handwriting practice opportunity for your child. That means manual dexterity and fine motor coordination practice. Suggest your child add some drawings or paintings for a little extra creativity. It’s a good time for thank you cards after holiday gifts have been received and enjoyed. We also recently learned of an awesome new year’s letter writing project to bring cheer to residents of long-term care homes, more info to come!

5) Watch a great documentary or educational show

We’ve all used TV as a crutch on busy days. Yes, even us. So, take advantage of one of our many posts with some great educational shows and documentaries.

• Netflix Shows and Movies to Watch in French to Improve your Child's Comprehension
• Nature Shows for Children Who Love Biology
• Encourage Girls in STEM with These Online Shows
• Four Great Shows That Encourage Kids to Learn More
• Shows on Netflix That Can Help Your Child Practice French

6) Get outside and ask questions

Use an outdoor trek to inspire curiosity about your surroundings and get your child’s wheels turning, metaphorically speaking. Ask things like “why is the sky blue?” and “why does salt make cars rust?” Thinking logically about what answers might be (before looking up the truth) is great practice. If you need a few winter-related fact posts, check these out!

• How Trees and Plants Survive the Winter in Canada
• Biology Facts About How Animals in Canada Survive the Winter
• 10 “Cool” Winter Science Facts for the Season!

7) Book extra help with an online tutor

Our team is available to provide students with any additional help needed in any subject or grade. Whether your child needs extra support learning to read, or help mastering math or science concepts, we’ve got you covered. Since our tutors are Ontario Certified Teachers, we are experienced with the Ontario Curriculum! So, no matter the circumstance, we can connect with your child to keep them learning. Reach out to us to find out more.

Stay healthy and happy this year and keep learning!