I have been schooling for two weeks now and am finding that I still need some extra stuff for my 1st grader and 3rd grader to do when they aren't schooling with me. My first grader does all his schooling with me and my 3rd grader is dyslexic so I have to do all his reading and writing for him for right now. What I am finding is that when I am working with one of the other kids, these two are getting into mischief. In the past I have let them play video games but have found that that doesn't work well for the school environment I want to create. None of them are learning games per say and I found it to difficult to pull them away. They have all kinds of activities they can do but they never want to. I am looking for some easy suggestions that take no planning or contribution on my part that can be a special part of a school day only. If anyone has any ideas or things they have tried or done in the past, I would sure love to hear them. Thanks so much for your help! Rhonda
PBSKids.com has tons of games. Some are somewhat educational, some are just games. www.starfall.com was a hit with my grandson. What about things like dot-to-dots and mazes (and stuff like that) and paper crafts that don't take a ton of instruction, that they could do together or separately? Or worksheets so that they're "still doing school" instead of having "free time" while you're with the others? Would it help to give stuff like this "as an assignment" rather than just an activity they can do or not?
Here are some ideas: 1. Free reading, writing, drawing 2. Play-doh, beads, puzzles, etc. 3. On the computer is also xtramath.org (practice math facts and free). Or have them practice flash cards quietly. You may have tried these but I would present it as you can choose from this or that- like for 20 minutes you can free read, write or draw- choose 1 to do. Even if they say they don't want to just say it's part of school (as Lindina said) and you will choose if they don't (I do this with my kids and they quickly choose =) ).
I keep some things as "schoolwork" to be used during school hours. Fun art supplies - construction paper, scissors, little puff balls, yarn, googley eyes, glitter and glue, scented markers, play dough with things to imprint with, ect. Always works for my 2 youngest (K and 3rd) Also there's plastic bins with legos and one with wooden blocks. If I need a minute I tell them to build something specific. Other ideas: Card games like Battle, Uno or Memory this website, midware.com, has some really cool stuff (to buy)! Audio books Discovery Channel / Nat Geo videos or Magic School Bus videos puzzles household chores, PE assignment possibly outside, tend to plants/animals For my kids, I can never tell them its a break or b/c I need a minute. I make it seem like part of our day/assignments and it must get done! HTH! Good Luck Erica
These are some good suggestions. I am doing online schooling and don't have an extra computer for them to play games on so that doesn't work. They have most of those toys you mentioned but I use them for the "I'm bored" moments. I like the idea of educational videos, the older helping the younger, and especially the household chores! Any other suggestions would be great! Thanks so much! Rhonda
You could get some pattern blocks, so that they can make their own patterns, and they can be only for "school time" so they don't lose their appeal so quickly.
