“Learn with me”

By Ann Wambui

Change is inevitable. What we are experiencing now in the world is something that no one ever expected but here it is. Coronavirus (COVID-19) has changed the dynamics of economics and lifestyles of people from all walks of life. Does not choose whether young or old nor rich or poor. Like never before, schools remain closed, padlocks hang on churches doors, burials attended by few people and so does weddings unlike the masses who flocked on occasions.

Millions of students will not be wearing their uniforms until January 2020 and most parents will have to buy new school attires because the current ones will not fit. But even while children are at home and the adults working hard to put food on the table, it is also very important that the two spend some time together either at the start or ending of the day. Learning at home is not the same as in class with a teacher and other mates, but it’s recommended to spend quality time going over alphabets, story reading, coloring/drawing, mathematics, languages, sciences, you name it. As a parent, you do not have to be a pro but being present and consistent does go a long way for your child.

Two mornings ago, my cousin and her husband switched off the television and summoned us all for a family meeting. It was noted that the six-year-old spends too much time on entertainment and never with reading materials. So with the help of the child, we drafted a schedule for the week consisting of at least one hour of study before noon, one hour in the afternoon and thirty minutes before bed time. This is not to be seen as a punishment for such a young lass but a necessary measure for her development. This all came about because the mother noted she had forgotten the flow of the alphabets continuously a number of times. Now she is already used to the routine and although there is TV and outdoors with other kids, there is time to boost the mind of what they learned in school.

What am I trying to say here? That despite the crazy hours of the day, a child needs to boost what they had already learned when the year started. The routine will not be the same as that at school, but it will help keep things fresh in the mind and provide growth as time goes on. Children also will in turn appreciate and treasure that time both of you are sharing and help strengthen the family bond. That is something to think about for the weekend don’t you think?

Before I forget, there are some links to books and puzzles kids can enjoy https://shop.mumsvillage.com/product-category/toys-and-books/