Learning Is Not A Punishment. It’s A Privilege!

Set expectations. First, establish with your scholar that schoolwork will continue, even outside of the school building. Learning is now your scholar’s full-time job. Just like life, not every moment will be fun and that’s okay. But don’t let a current lackadaisical or uncooperative attitude result in missed opportunities down the line. Communicate clearly that enthusiasm is not required but negativity will not be tolerated. Attitude is everything. Remember, you are the parent. You make the rules. 

Explain the details. For whatever number of weeks you decide, inform your scholar that school is “in session” Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Several “classes” will expect their attendance, just as in their normal school building. A phone alarm now will replace the traditional school bell system. When the timer goes off, the scholar will need to move on to their next subject. This academic plan can be adapted to work in conjunction with a school’s remote academic guidance. 

Trust the process. The goal is to encourage your scholar to take ownership over their own learning. You, as a parent, only can help create a foundation for their academic success; ultimately, they must do the work. At first, this arrangement may seem an uphill battle. But just as with learning anything, consistency, structure and assessment will help your scholar build sustainable and productive educational habits. Each activity described below can be modified for all grades and ages. Bathroom and snack breaks can be incorporated formally or informally, based on age and health.  

EXERCISE

Doctors recommend 20 minutes of exercise daily. Your scholar needs time to release their energy and re-energize, especially if they are going to be indoors much of the day. Separate this activity into two, 30-minute blocks throughout the day. This gives them a short, physically fun break from doing work. Electronics can be used to gather ideas, but this is not a time to sit in front of the phone or computer. 

For the morning block, consider an exercise routine with different movements. That could include: 

• Jumping jacks
• Running in place
• Pushups
• Sit ups
• Squats
• Wall sits  

For the afternoon block, consider:

• Playing catch
• Having a dance party
• Zumba
• A makeshift obstacle course 

For older scholars, consider incorporating an element of competition to keep them further engaged. Contests between siblings and setting personal goals are additional options. 

READING

Studies have shown that reading 20 minutes every day exposes your scholar to nearly two million words per year. Use this reading block to expand your scholar’s vocabulary, which will give them a big edge when encountering high-school and college-level texts. Stronger reading skills can improve performance in all subjects. Although non-fiction reading is helpful, fiction reading will provide a good balance to their other schoolwork, open their imagination and develop comprehension. Once your scholar has completed a book chapter, have them answer several comprehension questions, such as:

• What is the main idea of the text?
• What problem did the characters have to overcome?
• How would you describe each character?
• How does each character feel about what is happening?
• What do you think will happen next?
• What message does the author want the reader to know in this chapter? 
• What evidence in the text supports your answers to the questions above?
• What is one question you would like to ask the author in this chapter? 
• Identify and define three new vocabulary words in this chapter.

If you run out of books for your scholar to read in your home, Open Library gives free access to over one million digital books. All you need is an email account to sign up. 

To further develop your scholar’s vocabulary, have them learn one new word a day. For the last five minutes of the reading block, have them choose from among the most common words found on the SAT. Then have your scholar write the word and definition three times and use the word in three different sentences. Over time, this discipline not only will expand their vocabulary, but it also will build excellent habits for mastering new information throughout their academic career. 

STUDY SKILLS

Study skills, like note taking and making flashcards, are essential for college and career readiness. During this academic block, have your scholar watch a video on a subject that interests them and have them take notes. TED Talks, Discovery Channel documentaries, PBS Crash Courses and educational YouTube videos are helpful resources. These options will energize your scholar’s morning and develop their love of learning while building note taking as a habit.  

Have your scholar create flashcards for a topic they are studying in school, such as:

• Math facts or formulas
• Periodic table of elements
• Articles and amendments of the U.S. Constitution
• Famous novels

Scholars can quiz themselves until they have a solid understanding of the content. The more they practice this habit now, the more permanent the information will become once they re-enter the classroom. 

WRITING

My late father was able to provide a good lifestyle for our family by working in a car factory for decades. Unfortunately, his job and many others like it have been either outsourced or automated. Writing, however, is a skill that is transferable to all professions. Use the writing block to have your scholar develop this skill. Have your scholar find and begin drafting their response to a college admission essay prompt from the college or university of their choice. Your scholar can do the same with a scholarship or grant for which they will be eligible. The essay does not necessarily have to be completed in one hour. Your scholar can start the essay and then add to it and make revisions over time. These assignments establish the expectation of college readiness in your home, which is critical to create for younger scholars. 

You also can have your scholar practice more expressive forms of writing. Have them write a poem, short story, or script based on their favorite television or video game genre. Consider raising a political issue they are passionate about and assign a persuasive essay. Younger scholars can write a summary of a book they have read. Or, they can begin to write their own book. They also can share their opinion on a current event in the world. Use prompting questions like, “What makes you think that?” Encourage them to include evidence that supports their opinion. 

Note: ChatGPT and other AI tools are supports not substitutes for writing proficiency. Whether understanding how to phrase AI prompts, avoid unsubstantiated claims or identify compelling language for a given audience, writing skills remain valuable.

EXERCISE

See Exercise section above.

STEM

Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) propel the future. Even if your scholar does not have an interest in becoming an engineer, there is still long-term value in learning how to think like one. Doing so can help improve your scholar’s math understanding in the process. Also, STEM topics relate well to areas of interest to many young people, e.g., making videos, thinking about the environment and participating in robotics competitions.

Start by having your scholar complete a common core worksheet to practice their math fluency. They should be showing all of their work and then checking it with the answer keys provided. If there is an area that your scholar does not understand, have them find an instructional video on the Khan Academy website for practice.

Consider exposing your scholar to coding regardless of their age. Computers are able to automate jobs because someone is giving them the instructions. That’s exactly what coding is. Websites like Hour of Code introduce coding as a game. Have your scholar explore this site, watch a quick tutorial and show you what they have programmed that day. This effort will help them develop their critical- thinking and puzzle-solving skills. If they enjoy it, it could lead to countless other opportunities. 

ARTISTIC EXPRESSION AND EDUCATION

Art stimulates creativity and is a significant part of developing a well-rounded scholar. For scholars who are especially artistic, this segment will create a well-needed outlet for them. For scholars whose strengths lean outside of the realm of art, they can still take this time to learn about creative and cultural expression.

There are a variety of artistic activities your scholar can participate in, depending on what materials you have at home. Your scholar can use this time to play an instrument, paint, draw, knit, sew, cook, take photos, participate in virtual museum tours, or work on specific art projects, such as a vision board, movie, book or play.

PRESENTATION PRACTICE

Presentation skills will equip your scholar for important social interactions, college and career presentations, and job interviews. Moreover, they will build your scholar’s confidence as they learn to articulate their ideas effectively. This academic block allows your scholar to learn that excellent presentations require time, preparation, practice and some level of memorization.

Monday through Thursday, have your scholar use the presentation practice block to memorize a powerful or inspirational text, such as "Attitude" by Charles Swindoll, an excerpt from Martin Luther King Jr.’s "Letter from a Birmingham Jail," Psalm 23, or any of the texts at “100 Things for Kids to Memorize” - Pam Barnhill. They also can prepare a presentation related to something they have worked on during the week, such as a book report, persuasive essay, or findings from a science experiment. Each Friday, your scholar will give a formal presentation to all members of the household or even family friends (virtually). Expect some initial fear and frustration. But don’t relent. Encourage your scholar to be resilient even as they struggle. Consider joining your scholar in this challenge by making a presentation or two of your own.

DAILY HOMEWORK 

During the school year, your scholar will be responsible for completing class assignments. In the meantime, this daily practice homework block will allow your scholar to stay on track and meet standardized academic requirements. If the school’s assignments are more time consuming, adapt the daily schedule accordingly.