COVID-19 has brought the world together, thanks to internet and media that is posting up updates about the current situation across the globe. Most countries are locked down with only essential services to continue, and organizations are taking steps to keep their personnel and assets safe. The lockdown situation has activated BCP (click here to learn about BCP) for many organizations and teams are working from home (WFH) to continue providing services and support.
Most of us are at home and have enough time to be with our families, we are avoiding travels, we are not on roads, we have stopped window shopping ;), in a way we have reduced pollution levels and yes… amidst all this, we are continuing to support our organizations and customers. Being at home isn’t easy even for all of us. And, if you have kids then this roller coaster ride is definitely a challenge. The good part is that – we don’t have an option 🙂
Kids are full of energy, they want entertainment, they get bored easily, they look out for options, they want to go outside and play in the park, they want to shout, jump – and this is where you thank schools who actually deal with all this so effectively. School schedules are made in a way that keeps kids busy. But for now, kids are home and so are you !! No matter whether you are a working parent or a home-maker, you need to think on how to keep them busy.
The first week of work from home was manageable, it was a spring break for the kids here in Canada, so I didn’t bother them much. It was their vacation time, so I allowed them to play and enjoy – just have fun. It was during this past weekend when I thought that there is a need for a plan, a schedule to address the coming weeks. As I continue to work from home – attend calls and meetings, finish my presentations, document my learnings, conduct team huddles, etc; I need to monitor as well as take care of my kids. I need to keep them busy !! The second week has just started and not sure for how many more weeks we are at home with kids. Our schedules need an update and we should try to make it a fun time for the kids. My plan provoked me to get innovative and think on how can I keep my kids busy. I spoke to them, I discussed with my better half and both of us designed the plan. The following plan is in action and I thought its good to share with all of you as well, take a look and tweak it as per your schedule and your kids –
| Time | Activity | Tips | Benefits |
| 9-10 am | Reading Time | *
Many schools have web applications which are online study
platforms for students, like Knowledgehook, RazKids and many
others. Ask your kids to login on daily basis and study one subject and
complete its related assigments * Pick a subject each day and assigne sections that should be completed or else, give them reading passages / comprehension from their existing books that they have * These online apps have badges like Gold, Silver, etc and these are awarded when students complete assignment. Set a target for your kids and encourage them to get the highest badge * Think of a topic and ask them to research * You could also give them “Word of the Day” | *
Practice reading * Strengthen vocabulary |
| 10-10:30 am | Playing time | *
If your kids have been practising some art like Taekwondo or Karate, ask them to practice the forms. Just
keep an eye, that they do not hurt themselves. * If time permits, exercise with our kids, you can also dance with them on songs to keep them motivated * Let them hear to music, allow them to sing if they practice the same in their school * You can also give them shakes / juices to stay hydrated | * Physical Fitness |
| 10:30-11:30 am | Writing Time | *
Assign practice pages from a workbook, like ask the kids to complete five pages daily * Or else, get print outs of practice sheets, there are lot of practice sheets available online * There are many workbooks from Scholastic that have different sections to be practiced like writing, grammar, maths, etc * Check if kids have workbooks from school- this will give you an idea about the subjects and you can download similar worksheets, some applications that I refer – www.k5learning.com, www.greatschools.com, etc | * Improve writing |
| 11:30am-12pm | Riddle Solving | *
Kids enjoy things that are challening, things that are new, give them riddles to solve. Keep it time
boxed,let them solve the puzzle and return to you * I found few online videos interesting – like “One minute Riddles”, “Whatif” series, etc * Towards the end of the day, you can review their analysis * You can also give them a maths problem | * Problem solving techniques |
| 12-12:30pm | Lunch Break | *
Enjoy lunch with your family * Cook/Bake healthy food | * Family time |
| 12:30-1pm | Nap / Quiz time | *
Post lunch sessions sounds sleepy, you can allow your kids to take a nap * Or you ask your kids to present what they studied * You can play “Spell Bee” with them if you are free,or * Ask them to read newspaper and tell you about top 3 new captions | * Memory / Brain workout |
| 1-2pm | Leisure Time | *
Ask kids to complete their pending tasks of the day * They should be able to tidy up the room * You can also ask them to organize their books on the shelves or clean up the kitchen self or clean up the fridge 🙂 | * Get responsible |
Do remember– to execute the above plan, you need to have patience and be well prepared each day. At the end of the day, do appreciate your kids when they complete their tasks- you need to keep them motivated and run the show. Of course there is a lot of homework for you and you may find it increasing your workload – but trust me this will make you happy 🙂
So, this is my journey and my learnings so far while working from home, what’s yours??
I agree that a day plan in place for them helps.
They see us working also which give them a sense of responsibility and helps them to do innovative things.
It is true that we can planning helps them in overall development.
We will ask them to create a timetable for themselves, involving their playtime, study, recreation activity along with it also to help parents in some household chores, which will give them a sense of responsibility.
It is true , this will help kids in managing time and also increase sense of responsibility