TEACH YOUR KIDS

WITH families confined at home due to the coronavirus lockdown, children can become bored and their educations threatened. Here are some tips to get kids to be productive and positive.

❱❱ HOLD A FAMILY MEETING

“Talk to your children about this ‘new normal,’” said Mom For All Seasons blogger Heather Bowen of Myrtle Beach, S.C., who recommends “providing structure for both them and you.” She also advises reaching out to the local school district to “find out exactly what is expected from them in terms … of school work.”

❱❱ CREATE A DAILY SCHEDULE

Bowen stresses establishing set hours for schoolwork, chores, meals and other activities. Adds Strafford, N.H., homeschooler Maria Chamberlain: “Kids are going to be disappointed, as are parents, not to have their normal routine.”

She also recommends working as a team: “Let the kids help plan it and it will run smoother.”

❱❱ CREATE A LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

Montana mom Leah Duke says creating a regular work space — “at the kitchen table, on their bed, in a comfy chair” — is helpful.

❱❱ BRIBE ’EM

Bowen suggests incentivizing by banning electronics or other play until schoolwork is complete and using a board to “list out all the assignments and chores for the day.”

❱❱ MAKE IT FUN

Florida mom Wendy Moores advocates using everyday activities such as exercise as educational opportunities. “Grocery shopping can be lessons on … multiplication and percentages,” she said, while taking a walk “can be a lesson in botany or biology.”

❱❱ HOLD A DAILY WRAP-UP MEETING

Confessions of a Homeschooler blogger Erica Arndt points to an end-of-day meeting as a helpful tool. “We discuss any questions … [and] heck to make sure everything was completed,” she said.