Fred Rogers is my hero! What a legacy of kindness, love, and gentleness he left us! It is so true that children learn through play, but many parents and administrators "don't get it." Here's a poem to send home or to share at your first parent meeting about how children learn through play.
WHAT’S IN YOUR BACKPACK?
What’s in your backpack?
It’s empty today.
Where’s your work?
Did you just play?
When I built with blocks
I learned about shapes.
I balanced and shared –
Our skyscraper was great.
I played in the windy house
And talked with my friends.
I rocked a baby
And played pretend
In science I observed,
Guessed, and experimented, too.
The same things grown up
Scientists do.
Art was messy.
I created and explored.
I solved my own problem
When I spilled glue on the floor.
My fingers got a work out
With puzzles and clay.
Those same muscles
Will help me write one day.
I counted and sorted and
And measured, too.
I used my brain
Like a math whiz would do!
Out on the playground
I ran like the wind.
I learned to take turns
And helped a hurt friend.
Story time is what
I always like best.
I can use my imagination
And give my body a rest.
I sang and danced,
Learned a finger play, too.
I answered questions
And said “please” and “thank you.”
There will be time
For worksheets and tests,
But talking and playing
Is how I learn best.
I love to go to school!
I’m glad I’m me.
An empty backpack
Means I’m learning, you see!
Backpack Book
Here's a little book you can make to send home the poem.
Punch holes in the top of a lunch bag (which is actually the bottom of the bag). You will need to do this for the children. Put a pipe cleaner through the holes and twist to make a handle.
Lift up the flap and tuck the bottom of the bag under it. Glue the poem to the inside of the book.
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Fun Activities to Boost Your Child's Learning Outside the Classroom
As a parent, seeing your child struggling in their studies can be tough. The traditional classroom setting can be challenging, and children who struggle may feel overwhelmed and discouraged. However, as a parent, you can help them learn and grow outside the classroom. Here, we present some creative ways parents can help children learn outside the classroom when they're struggling at school.
Visit Dr. Jean and Friends for inspiring and engaging activities, workshops, and videos for your children.
Find Helpful Educational Apps and Websites
One of the easiest and most effective ways to help your child learn outside the classroom is to find educational apps or websites that can help them. There are apps that can be a great supplement to their studies. These apps offer interactive learning modules and provide quiz questions for the student to test their understanding of the subject matter.
Put Together a Study Plan
Another creative way to help your child learn outside the classroom is to create a study plan together. Together, you can identify what subjects they struggle in most, and make a plan to focus on improving that subject. Having a clear plan can help them feel more confident and motivated to tackle their studies.
Enroll Them in Online Lessons or Tutoring
Online courses and tutoring are great ways to support your child's learning. Online courses can give them access to resources, quizzes, and assessments specifically designed for their grade level.
Tutoring can offer a more personalized approach to learning, allowing them to work through their difficulties with an expert in the subject. Finding the right online course or tutor can be a great way to help your child stay ahead of their peers and catch up in subjects they may have fallen behind in.
Find Ways to Make Learning Enjoyable
While it may be tough for children to develop an interest in difficult subjects, finding ways to make learning fun is an effective way to engage them. This can involve incorporating fun games, quizzes, and learning exercises into their routine. For example, if your child is struggling with multiplication, try playing multiplication games with them to make the subject more engaging.
Ensure They Remain Positive
When a child is struggling in school, it can be easy for them to feel discouraged and lose motivation. As their parent, it is important to help them stay positive and focused on their goals. Be sure to remind them of their growth and accomplishments, and encourage them to keep working hard.
Making Time for Them a Priority
Children who feel isolated or unsupported often struggle to thrive academically. Emotional support from parents can prove to be a valuable tool in motivating children to reach their potential. Spending quality time with your child can be an effective means to provide this support and foster a love of learning, both in and out of the classroom.
Pursue Educational Materials to Aid in Learning
Enrolling in educational courses is a wise decision to support your child's learning. By enhancing your knowledge and skills, you can assist your child in overcoming their struggles and provide them with better guidance. It also helps you stay up-to-date with the latest learning methods and strategies.
Prioritize Your Children's Needs
Finally, it is important to prioritize time for your children to learn, grow, and develop outside the classroom. Encourage them to engage in hobbies, sports, or other activities that allow them to develop essential life skills like teamwork and problem-solving. The more support and care you provide to your child, the more equipped they will be to achieve success in their academic and personal life.
Find Ways to Help Your Child Enjoy Learning
Children who are struggling in school need their parent's support outside the classroom as well. There are various creative ways parents can help their children learn and grow, such as creating a study plan together, signing them up for online courses or tutoring, spending quality time with them, and more. By providing the right support and encouragement, you can help your children achieve success both in and out of the classroom.
