I am sure by this point, you have been flooded with resources, games, websites, and apps that will keep your children from regressing.
I am currently a Kindergarten teacher, but for the last 8 years, I taught elementary school computers. It was in this role that I gained new insight into the never-ending black hole of technology. The truth is, you can spend tons of money on subscriptions or licenses, OR you can keep it simple and learn just as much.
So what can you do at home that is FREE, EASY, and SUPPORT NEW LEARNING? Simple answer: research.
You may ask, how can my Kindergartner do research? You’d be surprised. Here’s how:
1. Choose a topic that is INTERESTING and EXCITING and create a research question about that topic. Older children can create 1 main question and multiple subtopic questions.
2. Use kid-friendly/safe search engines like www.kidrex.org or www.kiddle.co to search and only pull up child-oriented websites.
3. Read to your child or if your child is old enough, have them read. This develops close reading skills, skimming for relevant information, finding the main idea and details, and summarizing.
4. Take notes. Students practice translating information into their own words and writing skills. Have students divide their notes into headings and subheadings. If a Kindergartner were researching sharks, as a parent, you could help them by dividing their notes into types of sharks, prey, length/weight, etc.
5. Students can also watch videos to gain a deeper understanding and add to their notes.
6. Create! The possibilities are endless. Your child can make a Google slideshow, PowerPoint presentation, digital poster, or brochure. They are not only limited to digital projects. Students can write a paper, create a model, design something, etc.
7. Present! Your child can present their creation to the whole family to share their new learning with you. It is in this portion that students develop presentation, speaking, and listening skills.
You will be amazed at what your child produces. Not only will they have fun learning, but they will be strengthening reading and writing skills in the process. It’s important to keep it fun and simple so that they maintain interest and dive deep into their research.
If you do some research with your children, please share what you learned!
