by Rebecca Webber, Curriculum & Implementation Specialist
Here are some practical tips for making the most of these additional learning hours and strategies to provide continued support for your child’s well-being once they are home.
Establish a Consistent Routine
Creating a consistent daily routine helps children manage their time and energy more effectively. Set regular times for waking up, meals, school, after-school programs, and bedtime. A predictable schedule helps children feel secure and can ease the transition between activities. Try to keep the routine consistent on weekends as well to maintain stability.
Prepare for the Day Ahead
Help your child prepare for their day by organizing their backpack, packing healthy snacks, and ensuring they have everything they need for both school and after-school activities. A smooth morning routine can reduce stress and set a positive tone for the day.
Ensure Homework Time is Happening After School
The last thing most families want to tackle after a long day is homework. If your school district assigns homework in elementary school, check with your after school program to see if homework support is available. For example, students in Right At School programs have daily and consistent homework support. Our staff partners with families and school day teachers to understand the learning needs of individual students and provides consistent supports as needed carried over from the school day. During Homework Time, staff are paired with like-age groups of students to provide instructional support, encourage critical thinking, and promote problem solving.
Implement Relaxation Techniques
Teaching your child simple relaxation techniques can help them unwind after a busy day. Deep breathing exercises, stretching, or quiet reading time can help lower stress levels and promote a sense of calm. Our Right Club students use several breathing exercises in our programs and we’ve found it creates a sense of relaxation and self-regulation, empowering students to handle challenges more effectively.
Create a Calming Home Environment
Designate a quiet and comfortable space at home where your child can wind-down. When setting up a calm environment, ask your child what helps them feel calm. Suggest activities like reading, drawing, listening to soft music, or engaging in gentle yoga — all which can help them relax and manage stress.
Not sure what to include in a quiet space? In our Right Club programs, we’ve found that finding a space that is far enough away from other people and noise, but close enough to check in is a good place to start. Then, add soft pillows, fidget and sensory options and place the breathing activities from #4 nearby to encourage self-regulation.
Foster Open Communication
Encourage your child to share their feelings and experiences with you. Establish a routine time each day for family conversations, such as dinner or just before bed. Regular check-ins can help them feel understood and validated, which can alleviate any stress they may be feeling.
Model open communication by sharing your own experiences and feelings about the day. This not only helps your child see that it’s okay to talk about their emotions but also makes conversations feel more reciprocal and engaging.
If you ask your child about their day and they answer, “Nothing,” “Fine,” or “I don’t know,” try asking a S.O.C.K. question.
S.O.C.K. questions are:
- Specific
- Open-ended
- Creative
- Kid-friendly
This method can be traced back to various educational practices that emphasize reflective thinking aimed at helping kids navigate complex problems, think more strategically, and encourage conversation.
Try these questions:
- What was the most surprising thing about your day?
- Who did you spend the most time with today?
- If you were in charge of the day’s learning activities,what would you have done differently today?
Plan Quality Family Time
Make time for enjoyable family activities that help your child relax and reconnect with you. A brief walk together after dinner or a simple bedtime story or song sung together can provide emotional support and strengthen family bonds. For extra fun, ask children to share a story or song they know or love.
Monitor Sleep Patterns
Recent studies emphasize that adequate sleep is crucial for cognitive functions such as attention, memory, and problem-solving skills. A 2022 study from the World Journal of Pediatrics found that insufficient sleep is linked to reduced academic performance in children, resulting in decreased memory and attention and an increase in anxiety and aggression. Quality sleep supports learning and information retention, which are essential for academic success.
Ensure your child gets enough rest each night by maintaining a consistent bedtime routine and creating a sleep-friendly environment. Avoid screens and overly stimulating activities before bed to help children wind down effectively.
By implementing these strategies, you can support your child in managing their days and ensure they have the tools they need to decompress and thrive both academically and emotionally. A thoughtful approach to their daily routine and well-being can make a significant difference in their overall school experience.
Balancing work and family life can feel like a juggling act, but remember that your dedication and efforts are making a profound difference. Each challenge you navigate and every routine you establish contributes to a nurturing environment for your family. Your hard work and love provide a strong foundation for your children’s growth and success, and your ability to adapt and persevere sets a powerful example. This school year is an opportunity to grow together, and with your unwavering support, your family will thrive.
References:
Liu, J., Ji, X., Pitt, S. et al. Childhood sleep: physical, cognitive, and behavioral consequences and implications. World J Pediatr 20, 122–132 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12519-022-00647-w
Rebecca Webber
Rebecca Webber has been at Right At School for 11 years and is the lead author of our Right Club Junior curriculum that supports early learning for children ages 3-6.
Rebecca thrives in her role, turning interesting science facts into engaging games and interactive lessons that captivate over 65,000 kids across the country. Her job is not just a profession but a source of joy and creativity, as she transforms complex concepts into playful learning adventures.
With a Bachelor's Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and a Minor in Sociology, Rebecca’s educational background equips her with a unique perspective on how to design curriculum that is both educational and engaging. Her journey into curriculum creation began with a profound experience serving in an AmeriCorps after-school program, where she saw firsthand the immense need for high-quality educational programming. This inspired Rebecca to dedicate her career to crafting enriching learning experiences for young minds.
Rebecca’s love for learning extends to her personal life, where she shares her enthusiasm with her daughter. Her daughter’s response to these fun and innovative programs serves as a perfect case study for the effectiveness of RAS’ curriculum. The bonus? Countless kids nationwide also embark on these learning adventures, making Rebecca’s work not only a career but a delightful mission.