Have you noticed your children daydreaming more? Are they unreasonably restless or more easily distracted than usual? These are sure signs that spring fever has planted itself in your school day. Today, my daughter announced it was a beautiful day and she couldn't wait to get outside. It was obvious she would rather be outdoors instead of working inside on a Geometry lesson. Luckily, at this time of year, the flexibility of being in a virtual school definitely has advantages!
The challenge is to find a way to let springtime and learning time share the same space. These 10 ideas have helped our family over the years, and may give you some ideas on tackling this blooming situation.
- Start early in the day and finish your lessons before it gets warm enough to tempt you outdoors. Or take a mid afternoon break and return to lessons later in the day. Isn't this flexibility great!
- Finish an extra lesson Monday-Thursday, and make Friday an outside learning adventure day.
- Set a good example. Yes, Learning Coaches, this means that you need to finish your chores before you can go out and play, too!
- Grab the books and study outside.
- Plan a regular break time to go for a walk, play catch or just breathe fresh air.
- Enjoy lunch outside.
- Bring some greenery from outside into the house.
- Add bright colors to the learning area with colorful pictures of flowers, or even better, a few fresh picked early blossoms.
- Encourage daydreaming. Talk about anything and everything together!
- Get silly and get creative (a little face paint and sidewalk chalk are a great start).
Is it still chilly in your neck of the woods? Use that to your advantage! Work ahead in your courses so that when spring fever hits, you'll be ready to spend time outdoors.
What changes do you see in the school day when warm weather arrives and how do you handle spring fever in your house?