Setting Nonacademic Goals with Your Kids While They are Home

I keep seeing posts about all the things kids are missing out on right now during these unprecedented times of social distancing.  It makes me sad to think about, but I'm also convinced it doesn't have to be a time of missing out.

Yes, they're missing out on traditional days at school, routines and formal lessons.  But, they are being given the gift of TIME to do different things and set different goals.

I'd encourage parents to help your kids set some goals for themselves that they'll be able to work on outside of school.  Of course you can set academic goals for them during this time, too.  This really is the perfect time to help them try new things, look for new hobbies and master skills they usually don't have time to work on during the school year.

Olive (age 6) has made the comment several times that she's learning new things or has noticed that she's getting better at something that she's been working on.  It's really sweet to see her noting her own progress and milestones outside of school.  I can't help but think that this time will help her to see her free time in a new light.

She's currently working on improving in the following areas:
1. Dribbling a basketball
2. Doing her own hair
3. Taking on some new chores
4. Drawing
5. Swinging independently
6. Making her own bed
7. Helping out in the kitchen
8. Climbing trees
9. Independent Reading and reading out loud keeping her own reading log
10. Trying some new foods
11. Gardening and learning flower names
12. Looking for ways to surprise us and help out around the house

My 4 year old is working on improving in the following areas:
1. Riding his bike longer distances
2. Dribbling a basketball
3. Folding towels
4. Making his bed
5. Offering to help on his own
6. Cleaning up his own messes
7. Writing his name
8. Climbing trees
9. Trying some new foods
10. Learning some new songs
11. Being kind to the cats and becoming friends with them
12. Picking up sticks in the yard

All of these things are things they've mentioned on their own or that they've just kind of gravitated towards after being home for the last 18 days.  It's fun to note their progress and show them how their efforts to practice are paying off.

We are using this time to connect and try out new things.  It's been a fun challenge for us to learn new things together.  The grown ups are learning to work from home, read more, have date nights at home, go on walks, bike rides and get fresh air every day as well as try new recipes and food combinations.

I saw this on social media over the weekend - We are SAFE at home, not STUCK at home right now.  So true!  What things are you working on with your family right now??

Here are a few activities we've done just for fun:

Family bike rides.

Scootering in the driveway.

Helping in the kitchen.

Making Nature Pizza & Nature Soup.
Gather as many different ingredients as possible to make a yummy concoction.  Then share the recipe.

Play-Doh
Great for imagination and fine motor practice.  My kids love making Play-Doh food and filling up a mini muffin tray with food.  Check out those burritos, cinnamon rolls, ice cream sandwiches, cookies, etc. 

Outside
We're learning flower names, practicing basketball skills and trying all kinds fun climbing.