IDEAS TO GET THE MOST FROM LEARNING AT HOME

 

We strongly encourage you to implement these ideas every day.  Consistency is important in any educational experience, and especially now.  It is important that you help your child realize that although they are at home it is a school experience. These suggestions will help your child to feel more as if they are in the actual classroom and will increase concentration and attention.  

 

Make sure you know your child’s class schedule and set an alarm at least 15 minutes ahead so they can be ready on time.

 

A paper calendar with the days and times for class time noted and posted where it can be seen will help prepare your student. 

 

 It will help your child to be more attentive and prepared if they are wearing appropriate clothing:  our school uniform or a nice tee shirt, pants, skirt, hair brushed, shoes on.  Make it a pleasure to “get ready for school”.  

Have a regular, dedicated space with a desk or table, a comfortable chair, pencils and any other books or supplies the teacher has suggested.  Try to keep this space the same every day. Have a dedicated place for materials to be kept between sessions.

/Be sure to keep distractions at a minimum.  We know you are at home and there will be some disruption.  Perhaps ask friends and family not to call during school time, turn off television, cell phones and music while your child is “at school.”

It will make the time for class more useful if your child uses the bathroom beforehand, and, depending on the specified time, is not hungry or thirsty.  

 

We know that you will join us in doing everything possible to help the children have the best possible experience.  Please show a positive attitude toward the remote learning experience, emphasize the positive and know you are contributing greatly to your child’s education.  Our faculty is working hard to achieve that same end.  We are all in this together.

Getting Outside....Safely

 

Most of us are either at home or spending our days working.  

Families are busy helping children with remote learning, navigating the pages of information about the virus, deciding what is safe to do, how to get groceries, manage changing finances and all of the other challenges we face together.  

Children, especially young children, cannot really understand all of the changes in their lives, even with loving parents and teachers doing their best to support them. 

An essential part of a healthy life for everyone is spending time in nature. Walking through a garden, observing birds and wildlife, listening to water create a musical backdrop to a stroll through a forest; these moments can make worry and fatigue fall away.  

Finding these safe havens can be a challenge.  We are fortunate that we have many parks and natural areas close by the Houston area where families can be safely distanced from others and be safely outdoors.  Explore the options with your family and go experience some of the most beautiful and peaceful areas of our city.

It is good to be prepared.  Bring snacks, drinks or even a full picnic.  Pack hand sanitizers, masks for those that can wear them, wet washcloths in plastic bags, and sunscreen if needed.  It is summer in Houston, after all.  Make sure everyone uses the restroom before leaving to limit stops in public places.  Go over the rules for safety and go have fun!

Most of the following places can be visited safely, especially if you go early in the day.  I routinely walk at Mercer Botanic Gardens at 8 a.m. and am often the only person there.  The picture at the top of the blog was taken there. 

Mercer Botanic Gardens:  https://www.hcp4.net/parks/mercer/

Miles of hiking trails, fountains, flowers, a children's garden, picnic tables and a playground make this a great place for family outings.  If you are lucky you might see deer, rabbits, armadillos and lots of birds!  Best of all...it is free. 

Alexander Deussen Park:  https://www.hcp1.net/Parks/AlexanderDeussen

309 beautiful acres on Lake Houston with lots of room for bike riding, hiking, a duck pond, a dog park, fishing and boat ramps are all open and free.  Lots of room to spread out, play ball, read and relax.  

Houston Arboretum and Nature Center:  https://houstonarboretum.org/

A gem in the heart of Houston!  Visit the web site for a map of the many trails.  Be sure to check the link for restrictions due the Covid19 as they change frequently.  

Brazos Bend State Park:  https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/brazos-bend

Ready for a "wild" experience?  Come hike the miles of trails, fish, picnic and see the wildlife.  Alligators, birds and other animals are common sightings.  Be sure to check out the link (more info !) for current information on restrictions due to Covid19. 

For more places to get your nature on go to the Texas State Park website.  

'Parks are listed by location and have full information.  

Play safe!  Let's get outdoors and have some fun!

Look for the next post for ideas on how to make being at home a positive experience.  We are doing this together! 

COOKING AT HOME...AND SOME NEW ART ACTIVITIES ON LINE

Most of us are at home with our families.  Meals become an important part of the day; an opportunity to be together and nourish our bodies and our minds.

Children of all ages usually love to participate in the preparation of the food and even the youngest can help.  In our Montessori classrooms lessons on peeling and chopping carrots and apples, peeling oranges, slicing hard boiled eggs and even baking are part of every day. 

When given the title of "sous chef" helping takes on a different feeling.  A stool for the younger child to reach the counter, or a low table if available is a great idea.  Wearing an apron (or a dish towel around the waist adds importance to the activity.  Don't be afraid to show your child how to use kitchen tools safely.  At school we use a round tipped, serrated knife with a wooden handle and a sturdy cutting board. 

If you wish, excellent child size tools and aprons are available at
www.forsmallhands.com

So what to prepare?  A few beginning places to look:

https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/packages/recipes-for-kids/cooking-with-kids/recipes-kids-can-make

https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/easy-recipes-for-kids-to-make-by-themselves/

https://cooking.nytimes.com/68861692-nyt-cooking/930565-51-recipes-to-cook-with-your-kids

Or just make your child's own favorites:  mac and cheese, tacos, kebabs, a fruit salad and of course, always, cookies.

The important thing is to have fun, relax, laugh and of course, everyone helps to clean up.  Believe it or not, most children will enjoy that if it is a shared activity.

Happy Cooking!!!!

And here is a new link from our amazing Museum of Fine Arts Houston. 
https://www.mfah.org/blogs/inside-mfah/family-friendly-art-activities-at-home
These are great ideas for all ages (including the adults in the family).

Stay well! 

Nurturing Our Mental Health and Stress

This was shared with me by my daughter, Avia Benzion.  She is a therapist specializing in stress and trauma.

This is a helpful video on how to nurture our mental health during the pandemic from trauma research author Bessel van der Kolk, MD.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ny1hBwulGcA&feature=emb_share&fbclid=IwAR2PPJX83Er8vndfVnP7OOdMfTlybwbrsUmEv5X00j9h693rYo_LHIgvlhY

There is additional helpful information on Dr Kolk's website (the link is at the start of the video).

Additionally it is very helpful to get out into nature safely.
The short video above was taken at Mercer Arboretum, an uncrowded, beautiful and free spot to visit safely.  I walk there early in the mornings (around 9 a.m.) and there have been very few people.  Those who are have been courteous and will avoid walking anywhere close to others.  The west side has paved trails, deer, rabbits, birds and squirrels.  The east side has beautiful planted areas, a view of Cypress Creek, and an interesting children's area.  At this time the playground, benches and tables are all off limits for safety and the park is closed on the weekends and open Monday through Friday.  You can read more about Mercer at:  https://www.hcp4.net/parks/mercer/

If you can't get out, try this virtual link to the Dallas Arboretum which also has links to STEM activities for children.  https://www.dallasarboretum.org/visitor-information/virtual-visit/

Do you do Yoga, Tai Chi, like to sing, play an instrument, cook, play board games or garden?  Involve your children and have some relaxed, fun time together.  We will all get through this, closer and better for the challenges.

Stay safe and well!

Some Calming Moments for the Whole Family

Good morning,
As we all are adjusting to the challenges we face together I want to share a free resource for everyone.

Have you noticed the downward spiral of thoughts that can happen when you're worried, stressed, or nervous? 

It’s common to fast forward into an unknown future and play out worst case scenarios in our mind. The antidote is to bring awareness to our thoughts and emotions, and return to presence. This helps recenter and stabilize us in times of uncertainty.

Calm.com is providing some peaceful tools for adults and children.

https://www.calm.com/blog/take-a-deep-breath

A walk outdoors, keeping your distance of course can be helpful. The photo above was taken at Mercer Arboretum, a free, uncrowded place of beauty.

https://www.hcp4.net/parks/mercer/

Stay safe and well!

At home...making the most of the hours safely

Good morning (or afternoon) everyone,

I thought I would share this sweet photo of a dad and his son sharing a bit of food. It was his son's first taste of a s'more and he wasn't quite sure if he liked it!  As it turned out, he did.

Especially in times of stress food can be a comfort for our families.  Sharing the preparation of a meal and then sitting down together to eat helps us to feel connected and safe.  Over the next few days I will be posting some ideas for easy snacks and meals you can prepare with simple ingredients.  Encourage your whole family to get involved (after washing their hands for 20 seconds, of course.)

However, this morning I share with you a very important video from a physician who has taken the time to help us make sure the food we bring into our homes is not also bringing in sickness.  Although it seems like a lot to trouble, the benefits will far outweigh the effort.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjDuwc9KBps&t=8s


Have a safe and pleasant day.  Enjoy the lessons and suggestions our dedicated and hardworking teachers and administration have put together to help our children prosper and feel connected while we are apart.  They will be in touch with each of you.

Resources and Ideas for Parents During School Closing

We know you are all trying your best to manage this situation, trying to balance work, home and everyone’s health and well being.  Please use these ideas to help maintain you and your children’s lives as much as possible.  Check back frequently as we will be adding information and ideas.  

First of all it is important to provide a variety of activities for the entire family.  Doing this will reduce stress and worry and will feel more normal for everyone.  

We suggest having a somewhat regular schedule which incorporates all the essential elements of a child’s day: 

1.     Regular, healthy meals with as many family members present as possible

2.     Enough sleep, preceded by a pleasant nighttime routine, such as story time, quiet conversation and ideally no screen time, especially in the bedroom.

3.     A regular time for school work which will be available from AMCS to all parents

4.     Reading together for pleasure

5.     Time outdoors in a safe place:  the home yard or patio, a walk in a public park remembering to stay 10 feet away from others and not use playground equipment, a small home garden and other outside chores such as washing the car, etc.

6.     Family board games can be relaxing, educational and fun.  Have a regular time set aside at least several times a week.

7.     Taking advantage of some of the special resources listed below.  Virtual trips to the zoo, listening to stories read by librarians, authors and others, learning new songs in many languages, and many more.  Please explore these resources and share with others by the internet.

8.     Take care not to expose your children (especially those under 12) to news stories and TV news.  These are difficult to absorb and understand even for adults and can result in fear and anxiety. 

9.     Your children will miss their friends.  If possible, Facetime chats with friends and relatives.  This can be comforting and fun.

10.    And of course, remember that adults that have been out in public need to wash and sanitize their hands and any materials brought in from outside as soon as arriving at home, including cell phones, mail and work materials. 

Resources for children and parents:

1.      Free stories for ages up to 18 at Audible: www.stories.audible.com

2.     Scholastic Magazine Learn at Home:  resources for families and teachers: www.classroommagazines.scholastic.com/support/learnathome.html

3.     The Smithsonian Learning Lab:  a deep source for science related activity and information:  www.learninglab.si.edu

4.     Great Books Foundation:  www.cosmicbookshelf.com

5.     Visit the Houston Zoo on Facebook, live at 11 a.m. daily

6.     Stories read by KPRC staff:  click2houston.com

7.     Thousands of songs and play ideas in many languages, all free  www.mamalisa.com  
8  Free books to read together or for children to read to you:
https://portal.flyleafpublishing.com/