The coronavirus pandemic has put a dramatic pause on life as we know it. Recommendations for social distancing have forced school closures impacting millions of children. These unprecedented times put school systems in the unfamiliar position of figuring out how to provide distance learning opportunities for all students. At the same time, many parents and families find themselves in the surprising role of home-schooling their children, relying on a hodgepodge of e-learning apps many educational companies are generously offering for free.
With all we currently know about the negative consequences of children having too much screen time, families are stuck in a bind, especially working families. How can parents balance their children’s educational needs and limit screen time while also managing their own schedule of working remotely?
Fortunately, parents and families are uniquely qualified to teach critical thinking at home without relying on excessive screen time. Here are three easy-to-do ideas that will allow them to build crucial 21st century skills without being glued to a tablet for hours.
High school students have tons of useful information to share with the world. Kindergarten students probably have even more. So why not ask your children to think about something they do well and try teaching? Speaking to be understood, explaining processes and procedures clearly, and communicating effectively are extremely valuable skills employers are desperate for.
What do Dell, YouTube, AirBnB, LinkedIn, and Pinterest all have in common? These are all giant tech companies founded by someone who did not have a tech background. Your child can become the world’s next disruptive CEO by using this time to create a solution to a pressing challenge. Developing this skill set can start small.
Alvin Toffler famously noted that “the illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read or write, it will be those who cannot learn, unlearn and relearn.” If your children will be at home for an indefinite period of time, this can be a perfect time to have them learn about what running a household entails. From minor repairs, cooking, grocery shopping, budgeting, and paying bills, having children independently navigate their way around common household tasks are just not helpful for future “adulting.”
Some interesting ideas given here well worth a read.
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Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.