3 easy ways to support your child’s learning at home during quarantine

Schooldays have been temporarily put on hold, with Malacanang initially announcing postponement of classes in Metro Manila until Tuesday, April 14, 2020 due to the threat of COVID-19.

In a report for "24 Oras," GMA News’ Bernadette Reyes spoke to Kimi Espino of the UP Child Development Center, who encouraged parents and guardians to do what they can to support their children’s learning at home until the enhanced quarantine is over.

The expert openly discussed some tips on how parents can play teacher and keep their kids educated at home. Some super-creative mommies also shared how they taught their kids how to read and write despite having limited resources at home.

In the report, Teacher Kimi reminds parents that, while we want to ensure that the learning continues at home: "Let us not forget to also make the children feel secured."

Look for work sheets, activities online

If there's one thing we can be thankful for during this trying time, it's that the internet is readily available, and filled with child-friendly online classes how-to-draw's.

"May access tayo ngayon, so puwede nating kuhanin 'yung opportunity na 'yun na mayroong nag-o-offer ng mga online classes," Espino says.

Tina Santos-Uichanco also encourages her fellow mommies to scour the internet for some activity sheets that best fits the topic you want your kids to brush up on. "Hindi naman lahat may printer, pero sa tingin ko basta may papel may lapis puwede pong gumawa ng work sheet sa bahay," she said.

Read, sing songs together

According to Teacher Kimi, supporting your child's learning at home doesn't have to be so complicated.

"For very young children, activities can be as simple as reading books with them, singing songs with them or even giving them simple responsibilities, tasks or chores at home," Espino said.

Give them daily assignments

Your kids might be taking a break from homework from school, but Teacher Kimi said doing some chores or tasks at home can teach kids a thing or two about responsibility.

Dindi de Leon shared that her son has grown to love helping her out in the kitchen. "More of bondingtime na rin namin 'yun," the mom said.

The public is advised to stay indoors as the government declared a Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine to address the threat of COVID-19 in the country, which has infected 3,246 people in the country and killed 153 as of Sunday. — Margaret Claire Layug/LA, GMA News