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S.T.E.A.M. BASED LEARNING IN THE GARDEN

5/13/2021

contributed by Amanda Marasch

If you are one of the millions of American families who increased their home gardening this past year, this article is for you. Back in March, I wrote about starting my home garden with my son. Here are some of the ways I have incorporated S.T.E.A.M. based learning as our garden develops. We included some ideas of how to make this developmentally appropriate based on the age range of your child.

1. Science- We watered the plants and talked about how water, soil and sun help the plants to grow. For a child in their elementary years, this is the time to introduce the plant life cycle and more complicated concepts of science. The We Are Teachers website has a feature on the 17 Creative Ways to teach the Plant Life Cycle which offers many activities, ideas, and resources.

2. Technology- We set up a tiny cash register with a calculator and he is learning how to use them. Older children benefit during the elementary and middle schools years by learning how technology assists our minds by speeding up our math skills and creating documentation. It is a great opportunity to explore with your child how we can rely on technology to double check the math skills we learn in school and that not all technology is screen based.

3. Engineering- We built a vegetable stand with shoe boxes to sort different garden veggies. But the concept of a vegetable garden offers a much wider opportunity for older children to get creative with building and construction skills. Home Advisor’s Website has an entire section dedicated to developmentally appropriate construction activities separated by age group with everything from insect homes to water table structures.

4. Art- I’m a creative mom so I admit that this is my favorite area. We name our store and design a sign that we hang behind our produce. We practiced writing names of the produce on tiny chalkboards we found at the dollar store. Right now, my son benefits the most from interactive play and role modeling. I play the customer who shows up at his store for veggies and he’s even sold some produce to family members and friends. As kids get older, the art possibilities become endless. If you’re into reusing, composting, and recycling, check out Play Idea’s list of 25 Playful Vegetable Activities.

5. Math- My son sets the price per item and we’ve started to work on coin values and coin exchange. For young children, this is a great time to learn to recognize quarters dimes, nickels and pennies by sight. For older children, it’s the time to start figuring out how to make change and calculate gratuities. If your child is somewhere in between, see how fast they can master a change activity like this one on Pinterest.

RAINY DAY CREATIVITY

4/12/2021

contributed by Amanda Marasch

My son and I always sigh on rainy days. Especially in the Spring when we are more than ready for warm weather. Here is a list of activities that we do to keep moving and creating when it is still a bit too cold to run outside and play in the rain.

1. Fort Building
This activity is classic. Pillows, Blankets, and Couch Cushions are all you need. These are great for the imagination and secretly a STEAM activity.

2. Homemade Greeting Cards
Get all of your holiday and birthday cards made for the next few months. Pull out the stickers, glue, construction paper, and all the magazines you need to recycle. “Thinking of you” cards are sometimes just what someone needs.

3. Food Painting
Let the kids dip their left overs in paint and create something beautiful, using foods as paint stamps. Green beans make excellent grass, tomatoes make a beautiful sun, and broccoli makes an exquisite happy tree.

4. Go On A Virtual Tour Of A Museum
Dress in your best travel clothes because you can choose these tours from all over the world. ( Ireland, Paris, London, etc.) Make sure to take out your art supplies to have the kids create what they saw or something that inspired them!

5. Scavenger Hunts And Obstacle Courses
Create a Scavenger Hunt inside of an Obstacle Course in your home. These are so much fun for both the creator and the detective. Using props and riddles is another layer of fun and learning. Ex: What’s the fastest animal in the world and what is its main diet? Where would we keep that?” Make sure there is a prize or privilege for the winner!

HOW TO CREATE A CURIOUS GARDEN

3/13/2021

contributed by Amanda Marasch

March is the time of year where I start to look forward to warmer weather and spring plants. My husband and I bought my son a book when he was a baby called The Curious Gardener, written and illustrated by Peter Brown. The story reminded my husband and I of one of our favorite date spots in NYC, High-Line Park. Reading the book with my son last year, we started to explore the ideas of what our garden will look like. I was raised with a large suburban garden full of tiny peas, vibrant green beans, bright yellow squash, tiny sour strawberries, and juicy tomatoes of all sizes and shapes. Last March my son was finally old enough for us to bond through this process together. Here is our step by step process of how to create a curious garden:

First, we draw what we want our garden to look like. We use crayons and colored pencils to sketch our dream garden. I then purchase the seeds we need to make it happen.
Place the seeds in a paper towel and fold the paper towel in half. Wet the paper towel so that it’s damp. Place the paper towel in a brown paper bag and place that paper bag somewhere that is dark. I usually place it under the sink in my bathroom.
Two days later, check on your seeds. If the paper towel is no longer damp, then re-wet it. If they have not yet sprouted, place them back in your dark undisturbed spot until they do! If the seeds have sprouted, then you are on your way.
Once you have sprouts, carefully open the paper towel on a flat surface. Some of the sprouts may have crawled through the paper towel and you will need to gently untangle them.
Now, plant your sprouts! We use tiny starter pots and set them near our biggest windows with lots of water. We found a stack of these for a dollar this year and trays to catch the water run-off. We add 2-3 sprouts to each starter pot just in case a sprout doesn’t make it.
This is the time to sit with your loved ones and read a good book to your new sprouts. We also pick a song a day to sing to them… just for fun.
When the chance of frost has gone and the ground has thawed, your little plants will be ready to grow, thrive and fill your curious gardens. Enjoy!

ACTORS IN SCIENCE & DOCTORS IN ART

2/10/2021

Contributed by Amanda Marasch-Brinkman
In honor of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science

February 11 was International Day of Women and Girls in Science. During the past 6 years, the acronym STEM has morphed into STEAM, an acronym acknowledging that art and design have always been integral to the fields of science and technology. This month, I went on a journey to identify some gifted women in the field of science. In learning more about their lives and accomplishments, I learned how each was inspired into their field by their connection to art. I learned from these women that there truly is an art to science and a science to their art. Here are three women in science (and the arts) that I plan to incorporate into my son’s world. If you do not know of them already, they are a great place to start.

Ele Willoughby is a marine geophysicist. She is also a highly accomplished printmaker who creates screen prints, etchings and linocut prints of science in nature. "I'm rather passionate about the history of science, particularly physics and geophysics," Willoughby says. "I am more than happy to be sharing it through art—especially underappreciated female superstars.” I highly recommend taking just a few minutes to dive into the mind of a true hybrid scientist/artist and feast your eyes upon Ele’s art on her official blog.

Mae Jemison was the first African-American astronaut and the first African-American woman in space. She entered Stanford University on a National Achievement Scholarship and was very involved in extracurricular activities at Stanford, including dance and theatre productions, and served as head of the Black Student Union. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering from the university in 1977. She spent two and a half years as a Peace Corps doctor in Africa and she fulfilled a dream of hers by playing a role on Star Trek: The Next Generation. She went on to write her first book in 2001, Find Where the Wind Goes, which was a children's book about her life. Currently, Jemison is leading the 100 Year Starship project through the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. She is an inspiration to many women and little girls. Not only because of her accomplishments with NASA but because she has, in her years after space, excelled as a highly successful tech developer, businesswoman, and role model. You can read more about Mae Jamison on the National Women’s History Museum’s website.

Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya received her master’s degree from The Pratt Institute in NYC in communication and design. This followed her prior studies at Columbia where she studied to be a neuroscientist and worked in an Alzheimer’s lab. Her accomplishments include becoming a TED talk main-stage speaker, professor and award-winning Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) advocate. In addition, she founded a few companies including The Murdomo Institute, which combines STEM and design to empower young women and Atomic By Design, an after-school science club and space for girls to create. Learn more about Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya in this NBC interview which links to an engaging YouTube video to watch with your student.

Sources to Read more:
Puffles and Honey Adventures
National Women’s History Museum

2021 RESOLUTIONS: MY SON'S GIFT TO ME

1/14/2021

by Amanda Marasch

For most of us, plans for 2020 flew out the window. For me, it meant my career was quite literally cancelled for the year. I cautiously decided to take the opportunity to home school my son, hoping it was the right choice for our family. Spending all day, every day with my son helped me gain insight into what the year had left on his plate. Here are three resolutions, for myself and my family, I plan to carry into 2021.

1. Turn Our Anxiety into Our Advocacy- 2020 definitely took a toll on my son’s confidence. The past nine months found me saying, “Don’t touch anything” and “We need to keep each other safe” on a daily basis. My husband and I noticed my three year old son’s anxiety level increasing. Some days as soon as we put his mask on, he immediately shut down and wanted to go home. We had to stop seeing most people and as the months passed, my son started yelling “Can I say goodbye?” whenever I’m on the phone with anyone. The tipping point was a full blown meltdown when he did not get to say goodbye to a telemarketer last month. After this exchange, I started letting our friends and family know that he wants to say his goodbyes. I started giving him the phone occasionally. I can hear whoever is on the other line smiling through their interaction with him. This year, we’re going to focus on the things that make him, him. I am going to make sure to remind him that there is only one of him. Instead of apologizing for him simply wanting to say goodbye, I’ll give him the tools to manage his understandable anxiety. I will advocate for his perfectly normal impulses and thank him for giving the people on the other end something small to smile about.

2. Spend Daily Hours Outside the Circus Tent- I am lucky that my son loves to learn. He asks me to start school every day. Like many parents, the pandemic found me at a casting call auditioning to fill all the roles in my son’s life. There are so many days that I have felt unfocused and incapable of being mom, teacher, friend, and advocate all at the same time. Some days I’m the star juggler in this circus. Some days, I’m dropping all the balls. Many nights I’ve laid awake at night contemplating the fact that 2020 has been the year of learning how well we can juggle the concepts of life. In 2021, I plan to remind myself daily that no one purchased a ticket to this circus, I was never trained in this kind of balancing act, and that we’re all doing our best to improvise every day. This new year, we’ll spend three hours each day (not always consecutively) focusing inside the circus tent. That’s where I fill the role of his teacher, his school, his friends, and all the roles that I did not fill before the pandemic started. I’ll keep my phone far away and silenced. This way at the end of every day, when the circus animals are all sleeping and the big top is closed, I can rest. Those three hours happened for him, instead of focusing on all the dropped balls.

3. Move It or Lose It. My son is a huge fan of his theatre and dance classes. He was the youngest in his virtual class which worried me, but he magically would hyper-focus on the screen and would live for the moment his teacher yelled “Great Job, Buddy.” He would look at me with a grin that could move mountains. His teacher used brilliant verbal and physical games that helped him focus. They made pizza dough while stretching and collected things from the house to dance with. When the beautiful summer weather hit, we all wanted to be safely outside, or with friends in our bubble. We stopped our class and therefore lost the benefits that movement provided. I realized I missed the smiles that moved mountains and through that, I also realized how much I miss moving myself. As adults, we often focus on the fact that we “should” move without remembering the “why” that was so powerful to us as kids. This year, I vow not to lose out on the benefits we get from moving and remember the boost in mood, confidence, and overall wellness that staying active provides.

I am walking into 2021 with a sense of caution and just a teeny bit more clarity. I feel like much of 2020 was standing still and staying on the defense. Now into 2021, I am very hopeful that these 3 resolutions will help to improve my families’ lives with steps forward.

STAFF PICKS - BOOKS FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON

12/17/2020

STAFF PICKS - BOOKS FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON
Contributed by Brian Milauskas

At Kidstock!, much of our creative curriculum is inspired by children’s literature. Our office boasts a robust collection of books to choose from and our curriculum planning conversations often are filled with admiration for the power of stories and storytelling. This year, in celebration of the holiday season, I asked each staff member to share a favorite book from their teaching life or childhood. For our nationwide classroom community, if your child is a book worm looking to connect with friends, I highly recommend looking into our Backstage Book Club. I wish you all a warm holiday season and happy reading opportunities while safe at home!

Brian recommends A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
Melissa recommends Miss Twigley's Tree by Dorothea Warren Fox
Victoria recommends The BFG by Roald Dahl
Capt'n Bob recommends Encyclopedia Brown: Boy Detective by Donald J Sobol
Shannon recommends Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
Nicolina recommends The Dragon of Lonely Island by Rebecca Rupp
Jackie recommends Happy Birthday Samantha by Valerie Tripp
Mary recommends Junie B Jones by Barbara Park

KIDSTOCK-ING STUFFERS

11/30/2020

A gift giving guide for the creative child contributed by Colleen Hourigan

With the holidays just around the corner and the weather getting colder, getting creative is a great way to keep kids busy inside! This year, we are focused on gifts that kids will use more than just once. We have compiled a list of low cost, arts oriented stocking stuffers that can be reimagined over and over in new and exciting ways! Browse the list of creative types to find which one best fits your child and get inspired by our gift giving ideas.

Creative Writers
A simple yet extremely versatile gift is perfect for a child who best expresses themselves through words. Nothing is a better vehicle for creativity than a blank page! A whole notebook or journal of blank pages means endless possibilities for writing stories, songs, script ideas and so much more. Does your child struggle to get started? Consider this list of 55 free prompts to start each writing entry.

Artistic Creatives
There are TONS of options out there for different art kits and projects, but we encourage gifting your child different basic supplies and letting their imaginations drive their creations! Building your child’s collection of materials is the gift that keeps on giving, as they can continue to think up new ways to use them to create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. Looking for the lowest cost option? Our most popular supplies often go on clearance at craft stores after each holiday and are a great way to stock up on projects for the next year.

Some of our crafting staples at Kidstock are

Colored Tissue Paper
Popsicle sticks
Pipe cleaners
Colored/patterned paper
Paints and brushes
Foam
Googly eyes

Problem Solvers
There are so many options when it comes to small puzzles for all ages, not to mention all of the variations from your average jigsaw puzzle! If your child is ready to take the next step up in puzzle solving, consider a 3D puzzle or a blank puzzle where children can create their own. Puzzles are a great low cost gift that will develop critical thinking and problem solving skills in a fun and creative way. All puzzled out? Put one of those old jigsaws to use with one of these recycled puzzle ideas!

Detailed Makers
If your child is detail oriented and loves to create their own usable items, consider gifting them with sewing materials! There are many great kits designed specifically for young creators. With one of these kits, your child can make their own accessories, costume pieces and stuffed toys safely and without adult supervision.

Imaginative Storytellers
Puppets and dolls are a fantastic way to keep your child busy for hours indoors. Playing out different characters and stories helps kids with developing their social skills and imaginations both independently or with others. Consider steering away from the classic TV and movie characters and opt for more general dolls and puppets to encourage the creation of their own stories and characters. Some basic animal and human dolls/puppets will allow for endless possibilities when it comes to imaginative play. Having trouble thinking of new ideas? Use Scholastic’s free Story Starter’s wheel to help your child get their creative juices flowing.

Innovative Builders
Pre-designed block sets can be great for learning how to follow instructions or being used as an action figure or set piece for play, but consider giving your child an assortment of basic blocks this year. Instead of building a structure once without being able to modify what they built, children will have the opportunity to take apart their creation over and over to create something entirely new to play with to fit their narrative. Low on inspiration? Check out this pinterest collection we found with over 100 things you can make with simple, wooden blocks.

No matter the child’s age, each of these gifts give an opportunity to use their imagination. Did your child create something neat with a Kidstock-ing stuffer? We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected] or post in the comments!

BUT MY CHILD NEEDS HELP WITH MATH...

11/27/2020

contributed by Sarajane Mullins, LMHC, NBCC

The American education system has been a hot topic since March. How we educate our children, where we educate them, and how we do right or wrong by them has made headlines in nearly every US state since the Spring. The conversation has been at best, a controversial topic and at worst, a national crisis. In the midst of all the turmoil, there has been an entire industry of arts professionals who have jumped to the helm to support children with their pursuit of learning. With the theater industry almost entirely out of work, many actors, designers, puppeteers, and visual artists have taken to the internet to teach their craft. For some, it might be the need for income. For many, it’s a much deeper personal knowledge of how theater can open up skills for that child, no matter what that child may pursue.

If you want your child to succeed with skills, the research shows that access to theater arts programming gives them a boost. Any person who has spent time in theater arts can tell you how their experience in theater shaped their entire life, even if they did not choose a career in the arts. In fact, especially if they did not choose a career in the arts.

But doesn't my kid need to focus on math? Many parents, already frustrated with school districts both public and private, are struggling to feel confident that their child will get the education they need to succeed during the COVID 19 pandemic. Why should our children access arts education if they are already limited in how they access their “regular” subjects of math, language, and science? The answer is clear: when students have access to theater arts, they do better in other academic areas. The College Entrance Examination Board examined SAT test scores in 2001 and found that students involved in drama activities outscored their peers in both language and math sections. As if that was not enough, the board continued to examine the scores in 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2005 and consistently came to the same conclusion. The most impressive results showed that students involved in a drama performance scored 65 points higher in language and 35 points higher in math compared to their peers, who did not participate in theater arts activities (1). But, it's the exposure for students who were not interested in performing that is most compelling. Students who chose not to perform but still wanted to take classes in drama arts for the experience, still outscored their peers in language and math by 55 and 26 points respectively. Test scores are not the only evidence to suggest that the arts prime students for better learning. Enrollment in theater arts is also directly correlated with students' current ability and this is perhaps an even more powerful conclusion. In a 2014 peer reviewed study, authors determined that sixth graders achieved higher levels of literacy ability and mathematical ability if they were receiving theater arts interventions through school (2). The ability of their peers not receiving theater arts interventions was measurably lower.

So how did we develop the view that the arts should be separated from academics if the arts have been proven to help our kids excel? Part of the popular conception follows the notion that arts education falls tightly into the category of “enrichment,” a category that suggests the arts are superfluous and unnecessary. The term enrichment likely started as a positive, to imply that a life with art in school was more enriching or that an education is enriched through the arts. After school arts programs as well as daytime assemblies fall under the umbrella of enrichment for many schools. Yet, the term also implies to parents, school systems, and educators nationwide that the learning is extra, in addition to, and therefore not of primary importance to knowledge acquisition. This view is decisively disconnected from the research if we consider that a lack of engagement with theater arts is directly correlated with less knowledge and less ability. It means that when we do not offer theater arts, we possibly make the acquisition of language and math skills more difficult for that child. If we can see that students who have access to theater arts outperform those academically who do not have access, we can discern that the arts are not merely an addition to a good education but somehow a tool or pathway to helping achieve that good education. The arts are not an addition, they are a thruway.

While many agree that the arts are imperative for careers that require expression, communication, and empathy, it is easily overlooked that the arts improve our wider academic abilities. The benefits are not limited to expressive communications. The knowledge that theater can further the skills that students need in careers such as accounting, law, and nursing has the power to change the perspective of many parents. The next time you wonder how to help your future accountant prepare, consider the benefit of a drama class. Then, sit back, relax, and know that research is on your side.

SOURCES

American Alliance for Theater Education: https://www.aate.com/benefits-of-theatre-ed
Inoa, Weltsek, & Tabone: https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1050665.pdf

CATCHING UP WITH JANINE

8/5/2020

Singing, songwriting, & pandemic parenting
Contributed by: Sarajane Mullins

Janine DeSouza worked for Kidstock! for 7 years between 2006 - 2013 as a music director and songwriter. She currently lives in Berkeley, California where she continues her life as a parent, singer, and songwriter. Janine has that kind of affirmative energy that can wake you up and give you a boost, even during a global pandemic. I know because I had a chance to work with her several years back and no one ever forgets having that kind of uplifting joy in a colleague. Janine is a perfect example of someone who channels their energy directly into their creativity. Do yourself a favor and spend just a few minutes listening to her “Ad Demo Reel” on her website. You’ll hear exactly why marketing and advertising professionals gravitate towards her tunes to catch the attention of people in a positive, bright, and uplifting way. All this helps explain why I was so looking forward to catching up with Janine for this interview and knew she would have positive reflections to share about creating and parenting during a pandemic.

What is one example of how you use creativity in your current career or why you think creativity is helpful for success in your career?
Wouldn't our lives be so boring and uninspired without it? Creativity is essential in our lives! I think that it's really important to keep a sense of wonder, play, possibility and fun in whatever you do. It doesn't matter what the occupation! For me, it’s personally about how you get the best results when writing or co-writing a song. Working with my co-writers whom I adore, is pure joy! I love the process of creating a song: brainstorming, talking, and usually there is a whole lot of laughing too.

In other words, a sense of creativity helps envision or fuse together a final product?
It's incredible to take an invisible idea and create something out of it at the end. Finally, when a song really resonates with someone and inspires, entertains, and connects him/her, that is the absolute best.

Do you have a fondest memory from working at Kidstock! that you would like to share?
This is a hard one as I have many amazing memories over the 7 seasons that I worked there, but I would say that seeing my kids participate in the Kidstock shows when they were older was a real thrill and a wonderful experience. It was great to see them on stage, singing a song that I had written in their colorful costumes, dancing with their art project, and delivering their lines and a part of this musical theater magic.

Are there any skills you established at Kidstock! that you feel you took with you into your future?
I learned to think like a kid and enjoy your work! I can still hear Brian's voice ringing (nicely) in my ears each week saying, "I need a song about aliens on a beach dancing" or "I need a song about Italian tourists visiting Hawaii and there's a volcano erupting!" This was always followed by "Oh, and I need that done by Monday at 8 a.m." Those song assignments really expanded my thinking fast in the most fantastic and wonderful ways! There would usually be a few changes to the original song too which also taught me to have flexibility and that nothing is ever set in stone. It's a motto that I still subscribe to this day in trying to make a song the best that it can be! Finally, writing songs for kids really trained and taught me to write in a very singable way with catchy melodies which can be repeated and remembered easily. It taught me to write very clear and distinct verses and choruses that jump out. I still always ask my co-writers in our sessions, "How does that sing?" It's really important that the lyrics flow and are easily sung. These were lessons that I learned at Kidstock and I'm very thankful for that.

I like that you tie together the skills of Improvisation, Flexibility, and Clarity. Three such necessary skills for artists to have and yet sometimes these skills are so difficult to craft during certain moments of anyone’s career. Speaking of flexibility, anything you would want to share with other parents or artists on how you’ve navigated the pandemic?
Be kind to yourself and give yourself compassion, grace, and frankly, a break. In the big scheme of life, having a few extra slices of pepperoni pizza is perfectly okay. Everyone is adapting, coping, and figuring it out in his/her own way. For me, I try to get out of the house in some form or another each day whether it's a run to the grocery store, a family walk, or a quick run. I'm also trying to limit my exposure to the news....catch an hour of TV in the a.m. and then an hour later on for the wrap up of the day's events. I want to be informed and knowledgeable about what's happening in the world, but it can really cause a lot of anxiety if I watch too much.

Any creative ideas you stumbled upon?
A great idea that I heard about from a friend of mine was to ask each family member to write down something new and fun that he/she would like to try (Yes, you too parents!) and then every week, the family will pick one idea from someone's list and do it together. My friend was dancing in her very first Tik Tok video soon after! I thought that was very cool! This is also a great time for artists to create a treasure trove of new work. As for new skills, I'd like to learn how to play the ukulele and work on a screenplay/musical idea that I've been thinking about for a couple of years. Use your imagination and go for it!

ABOUT JANINE: An accomplished songwriter, Janine is a graduate of the Professional Music program at Berklee College of Music and holds an impressive list of pre and post-Kidstock! songwriting accomplishments. A Broadjam Top 40 winner, for the song, "What's It Gonna Hurt?" (Ft. Xander Hale) co-written with Russell Fogg and produced by Jamie Foulds, Janine and her talented co-writers/producers are also Finalists/Semi-Finalists of many other songwriting contests. Most recently, "Let's Go" (Ft. Goldduster) co-written with Cassandra Howell and produced by Bill Lefler, became the tune of a Regional McDonald's ad. The song, "Army of One" (Ft. Xander Hale), co-written/produced by Jamie Foulds and also co-written with Cassandra Howell, has also been used in the "Race the Storm" episode of "Bering Sea Gold (Discovery Channel), a musical she put forth called “A Brand New Day” hit the stage for her 40th birthday and the song, "Can't Break Me (Ft. Xander Hale) co-written/produced by Jamie Foulds and also co-written with Gil Polk, has been used in 2 online ads (Nova Scotia Tourism & Truman's Cleaning Products). Although Janine wrote all of her Kidstock! songs and many others solo, she loves co-writing and is the first to point out that it's a team effort involving many different elements from the very beginning inklings and concept of a song idea to the final lyrics, melody, vocals, and production. She is always incredibly thankful to everyone involved as the goal is to always create the best song possible. To read more about Janine and keep up with her after this interview you can visit her website at www.janinedesouza.com.

TOP 3 THINGS TO LOOK FOR IN SUCCESSFUL ONLINE ENRICHMENT CLASSES

7/30/2020

by Sarajane Mullins, LMHC
This blog article originally appeared here on the Act of Wellness blog.

While the uncertainties of public and private education will undoubtedly continue into the fall and beyond, one thing is for sure: online enrichment classes and activities will remain an option for many throughout the next year.

If it now suddenly seems that everyone is teaching online, it is because it’s true. Parents who were once limited to signing up for enrichment classes within driving distance now suddenly have thousands of classes to choose from in all 50 states. If you have searched for an online enrichment class for your child recently, you’ll notice that the search results on any parent website have extended either nationally or internationally to highlight the expansive options.

With so many opportunities, there are a few key things to consider and three imperative things to look for in the coming months. Online teaching isn’t new anymore and as we head into the 5th month of the pandemic, there are three key considerations of what to expect from experienced programs at this point.

Physical Activity
In a time where isolation and remote activities are going on far longer than any of us hoped, it’s no secret that it’s hard to be as active as we would be if we could do classes in person. Therefore, it’s important that any online class has a physical component. Last year, yoga got some good press for being widely utilized as a successful alternative to detention in schools. In fact, even before COVID-19, it was widely known that sedentary classroom setups were negatively affecting learning and working environments. We weren’t developing standing desks, bouncing chairs, and encouraging walks on lunch breaks just for the fun of it. Teachers who coach students through physical exercises and mindfulness techniques when their classroom learning is otherwise sedentary have more engaged, interactive students. Especially if the class is an academic topic that isn’t innately physically active, find out if the instructor incorporates a stretch break, some mindfulness, or anything physical.

Eye Health
The most experienced online teachers know that eye care is a big part of online teaching. Look for teachers who subtly work eye care into class for their students. At Kidstock! Creative Theater, instructor Mara Stewart has been leading her students of all ages through facial stretches. “I ask them to squint their eyes shut tightly, look up, look down, and right to left. These exercises are traditionally part of classical physical acting warm ups but they are even more necessary now for students who are spending hours online.” Stewart and her colleagues remind students to look other places during class besides the screen, often encouraging them to use the “whole room,” switch positions, or blink. All of these techniques are supported by the American Academy of Pediatrics as guidelines of what adults can do to help support the eye health of children.

The Device Gap
There is a huge gap between devices with platforms like Zoom. What one person sees on their Ipad can look entirely different on a Chromebook and even more so different on a laptop. While it’s important to know your own device, or your child’s device before heading into a Zoom class, teaching teams who are not aware of the device gap are significantly challenged. Before signing up for an online class, check to see if the teachers have any online policies or explanations of resources. If they do, they’ve likely thought ahead and been through this before. If not, you might be in for a rough first class with a dozen other families who are not prepared. Think of the literature that the teachers give out beforehand similar to the syllabus or the supply list that you might get before an in person class. It’s the sign of a well prepared, functional team and equates a group of families who have access to the info they need to start learning. Without this preparation, part of the first class may feel more like a frustrating group Zoom tutorial and this many months into the pandemic, that’s likely not the lesson you signed up for.

The
Creative
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The Creative Catch Up is a blog for people with creative interests in the greater Boston area. Posts are contributed by Kidstock! family, friends, & related creatives.

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