Home Education Opportunity
I ran into a six-year-old boy and his grandmother when I was waiting for my turn to go into a grocery store. The boy had a very cool mask on. I mentioned that to his grandmother who was also waiting in line. The boy heard me and started to tell me everything about his mask.
What can we help children learn about the current situation? What can they do to connect with their grandparents who they might not be able to visit them in person right now?
This is a great time for kids to create and to bring smiles to the elderly family members.
For parents, it is an opportunity to bond with your children as they are home. It is a great time for home education. It is not about academics. It is about family.
What I have seen for the past a few weeks hosting Storytime Online is how parents show up in the storytime for their young learners. It is the first week, the second week, the third week, and I’ve received messages about when parents can sign up for the upcoming one.
The consistency you have been showing your children is beautiful.
I know many of the parents are working from home. You need to make time for the storytime with your child. I know some of you are located in different time zones and you make it work even it is not the best time for you and your children. Some of you have sent me notes and let me know that a story is challenging for your family but your children can follow along happily.
Parents, you are amazing for all that you have done for your young children in each session of Storytime Online with me since March when the COVID-19 outbreak first appeared and then the stay home orders came in effect. The Storytime Online LIVE event might be new to your family. But, you have made it work and you’ve joined your kids to show them how you have been a part of the storytime.
Together is better.
Your children are together with you on the same side of the screen. That connection and participation are invaluable. With me on the other side of the screen connects to your families through the magic of the internet, songs, and stories. The bonding and connection you have created for your children is a part of your home education.
School is off but the learning is wide open. With you. At home.
Educators and parents talk about practice when it comes to playing a musical instrument, acquiring a foreign language, and learning a new skill.
Consistency is the keyword.
What you want to acquire you will need consistent practice. As parents tell the kids, you also know that it takes efforts even for the adults to maintain consistency. For children, playing is learning and listening to stories is learning. If there is an enticing story they want to know more about it. They want to join in.
Playing in a story. Imagination in a story. Storytime is a place to build early literacy. The weekly storytime this month is building consistency for your family and it is a playful one.
Are you and your child ready for another story? Join me for another interactive storytime online designed for families that are learning Mandarin as a second language. You can sign up here for the upcoming session.
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Distance Learning Resources
Chinese for families who are just starting to learn Mandarin as a second language Amazon, Apple iTunes, Spotify
Chinese Playbooks Digital
PLAYFUL CHINESE Podcast for everyday Chinese
Chinese Playgroup Online
Chinese Stores with Chinese Reading Playground Online
Mandarin Chinese Educational Learning Apps
Chinese Books with off-line activities
Books in Chinese or bilingual for every day
Home Education Opportunity