Giving Thanks
It's hard to believe that we are already over two months into the school year, fall is quickly slipping by, and winter is just around the corner.
Before we move on from the beginnings of this school year, I'd like to pause and honor all the extraordinary efforts being made every day to keep learning happening for students.
Here's to...
- Parents who are managing at-home learning, A and B schedules, homework help, free-time (too much? not enough?), technology glitches, A LOT of together time, their own work schedules, and many many other moving pieces that come with parenting in a pandemic.
- Teachers and school staff who each day navigate online and in-person lesson plans, new learning formats, shifting classroom models, masks, hand-sanitizer, social distancing, grade-level standards all while practicing the difficult art of teaching and engaging students as they also work to keep themselves and their own families safe and healthy.
- School and district administrators who make difficult decisions every day to support students, families, and staff while balancing the learning and safety needs of over 18,000 students and 2,500 employees.
AND OF COURSE,
- Students who have had to completely reimagine what school looks like, sounds like, and feels like. It hasn't been easy, and there are challenges ahead to be sure, but they are finding ways to make it work for them. Their world has been turned upside down, and still every day they're adapting, and trying, and learning.
Keep it Interesting
Challenge that is interesting is less likely to feel overwhelming. These questions can help you and your Young Scholar narrow down which topics they'd most like to explore.
Keep it Simple
Adding challenge doesn't have to be complicated or take a lot of time to prepare. One simple way to add challenge to learning is to practice paying attention to what your brain is thinking. Try matching one of the resources below with the organizer linked above to give your Young Scholar a new way to reflect on their own thinking.
Logic Games and Puzzles
Keeping learning fun can be its own challenge. Click HERE or on the picture above for some logic games and puzzles that might do the trick!
Podcasts
Try pairing these kid-friendly podcasts with one of the included thinking organizers to enrich and challenge your child's learning.
Virtual Adventures
Spark your Young Scholar's curiosity with these amazing virtual learning adventures.
Right now, FREE tickets are available for your Young Scholar and family to visit St. Paul's fabulous natural history museum! The Bell Museum is packed with hands-on experiences and exciting displays to engage your whole family. Don't forget to reserve a time for one of their planetarium shows!
Contact Information
Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions, thoughts, or needs!
Colleen Redmond
651-425-6212