Question: How do I keep my child learning when their school is out?

Answer passage (source: CDC):
page_title: Frequently Asked Questions
section_headers: Preparing Your Home and Family for COVID-19
How can I prepare in case my child’s school, child care facility, or university is dismissed?
section_content: Talk to the school or
facility about their emergency operations plan.
Understand the plan for continuing education and social services (such as
student meal programs) during school dismissals. If your child attends a
college or
university, encourage them to learn about the school’s plan for
a COVID-19 outbreak.

Reviewer feedback on this answer:
Has brief advice about handling disruptions to children's education due to the pandemic.
This answer is irrelevant to the question. This answer provides information on school emergency operation plans and social services during school dismissals due to Covid-19 pandemic. It does not provide any information on how parents can keep their children learning when the school is out.

Reviewer ratings:
Acceptable
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Answer passage (source: CDC):
page_title: Frequently Asked Questions
section_headers: School Dismissals and Children
While school’s out, how can I help my child continue learning?
section_content: 
Stay in touch with your child’s school.
Many schools are offering lessons online (virtual learning). Review assignments from the school, and help your child establish a reasonable pace for completing the work. You may need to assist your child with turning on devices, reading instructions, and typing answers.
Communicate challenges to your school. If you face technology or connectivity issues, or if your child is having a hard time completing assignments, let the school know.


Create a schedule and routine for learning at home, but remain flexible.
Have consistent bedtimes, and get up at the same time, Monday through Friday.
Structure the day for learning, free time, healthy meals and snacks, and physical activity.
Allow flexibility in the schedule—it’s okay to adapt based on your day.


Consider the needs and adjustment required for your child’s age group.
The transition to being at home will be different for preschoolers, K-5, middle school students, and high school students. Talk to your child about expectations and how they are adjusting to being at home versus at school.
Consider ways your child can stay connected with their friends without spending time in person.


Look for ways to make learning fun.
Have hands-on activities, like puzzles, painting, drawing, and making things.
Independent play can also be used in place of structured learning. Encourage children to build a fort from sheets or practice counting by stacking blocks.
Practice handwriting and grammar by writing letters to family members. This is a great way to connect and limit face-to-face contact.
Start a journal with your child to document this time and discuss the shared experience.
Use audiobooks or see if your local library is hosting virtual or live-streamed reading events.




Reviewer feedback on this answer:
Has detailed information about educating children during the coronavirus pandemic.
This answers the question directly. The answer provides comprehensive information on how parents can help their children to keep learning at home when the school is out.

Reviewer ratings:
Excellent
Excellent

Answer passage (source: CDC):
page_title: Frequently Asked Questions
section_headers: School Dismissals and Children
While school’s out, how can I keep my family healthy?
section_content: 
Watch your child for any signs of illness.
If you see any sign of illness consistent with symptoms of COVID-19, particularly fever, cough, or shortness of breath, call your healthcare provider and keep your child at home and away from others as much as possible. Follow CDC’s guidance on “What to do if you are sick.”


Watch for signs of stress in your child.
Some common changes to watch for include excessive worry or sadness, unhealthy eating or sleeping habits, and difficulty with attention and concentration. For more information, see the “For Parents” section on CDC’s website, Manage Anxiety and Stress.
Take time to talk with your child or teen about the COVID-19 outbreak. Answer questions and share facts about COVID-19 in a way that your child or teen can understand.
Go to CDC’s Helping Children Cope with Emergencies or Talking with Children About COVID-19 for more information.


Teach and reinforceeveryday preventive actions .
Parents and caretakers play an important role in teaching children to wash their hands. Explain that hand washing can keep them healthy and stop the virus from spreading to others.
Be a good role model—if you wash your hands often, they’re more likely to do the same.
Make handwashing a family activity.


Help your child stay active.
Encourage your child to play outdoors—it’s great for physical and mental health. Take a walk with your child or go on a bike ride.
Use indoor activity breaks (stretch breaks, dance breaks) throughout the day to help your child stay healthy and focused.


Help your child stay socially connected.
Reach out to friends and family via phone or video chats.
Write cards or letters to family members they may not be able to visit.
Some schools and non-profits, such as the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learningexternal iconexternal icon and The Yale Center for Emotional Intelligenceexternal iconexternal icon, have resources for social and emotional learning. Check to see if your school has tips and guidelines to help support social and emotional needs of your child.




Reviewer feedback on this answer:
Has extensive advice about how to support and educate children while schools are closed during the pandemic.
This answer is irrelevant to the question. The question is asking for information on how parents can keep their child learning when the school is out. However, this answer provides information on how parents can keep their children safe physically and mentally during the Covid-19 outbreak.

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