Education and Early Childhood Learning

Preschool

Setting up Special Play Spaces for Young Children

• For young children who are used to being with other children and having many varied play experiences, so much time at home may present its own challenges. Boredom in toddlers or preschool children looks different than boredom in older children or adults. Your young child may be whinier or seek more attention from you; they may wander around rather than play steadily; or they may even act more aggressively.
• Young children benefit from the chance to observe and model their behaviour after their siblings. For this reason, you may wish to encourage siblings to work on their projects in the same place.

Vary and Rotate Your Child’s Toys and Books

• If your young child has many toys (and your space allows), reduce the number of toys that are out at the same time. You can divide the toys so that each room has a few items that your child enjoys. For example, books and quiet toys in the bedroom; active toys in the living room, basement, or outdoors; toys that are waterproof and that float in the bathroom; messy play at the kitchen table where clean-up might be easier. Reserve some smaller, quieter toys, puzzles, and books for the kitchen or office to keep younger children busy if older siblings are working.
• If you have a variety of toys and books, pick out some current favourites and put the rest in a closet for now. In a few days or a week, you can switch around what is available to your child and suddenly it is like new toys or books have arrived!
• Toddlers and preschoolers who have previously attended children’s or family programs are probably already somewhat used to the idea that “clean-up” is part of the daily schedule. Fewer toys and books out at a time will make clean-up easier, and it will be one more routine that is familiar.

Early Years

• Find a balance with school material, physical activity, and quiet time. Be flexible with your family’s schedule. If your child is getting frustrated with learning, stop and do something else. Make a snack, read a book, work on a puzzle, or play a game. Later, let your child talk about their frustration.
• Make sure you and your child get breaks for meals and snacks, physical activity, playtime, music, and quiet time. Consider when your child may need a “brain break,” or if they need more learning support. Sometimes more frequent short breaks are better than a few long breaks.
• Offer encouragement and acknowledge your child’s efforts and achievements. If you are feeling a sense of joy and enthusiasm, your child likely will too.
• Create a positive environment and attitude that reinforces the joy and excitement of learning. Variety can keep things fresh.

Middle Years

Most learners aged 11 to 14 are becoming more independent.

• Connect with your child’s teacher. Maintaining regular communication with your child’s teachers allows you to discuss ways you can support your child’s learning and growing independence.
• Plan together with your child. Help your child set priorities, establish daily routines, and organize weekly schedules that ensure a balance of academic work, social engagement, and physical exercise.
• Encourage and support your child’s ongoing learning. Ensure your child has some time and space for independent learning on their own. Asking questions about their work and thinking aloud will help children process and show that you value their learning. Remind them that questions are important and that they need to keep asking their teacher questions.

Senior Years

Most Senior Years learners will work closely with their teachers and will require minimal support for their coursework from parents and caregivers.

• Offer encouragement to your child by asking about what they are learning and how their learning connects to life outside the classroom.
• Understand that your teen may face challenges or frustration and this may be part of the learning process for dealing with the stress they are feeling during this difficult time. Discuss with them how they are trying to overcome difficulties.
• Help your teen set aside time and a place for learning and work within a realistic schedule. Encourage students to keep a physical planner to organize assignments for different classes and to prioritize tasks. This will help them with organization and time management, and help them maintain a healthy work-life balance.
• Help your teen with future planning as they make decisions about their next steps.
• Encourage your teen to nurture their social connections remotely. Help them create a supportive community with help lines, parent/guardians, peers, and Elders/Knowledge Keepers (while following social distancing requirements).