This summer will be a little difficult for me, but I want to continue the efforts that I put in with my children as well as stay as healthy as possible. Disabled or chronically ill individuals often suffer from balancing their time and having a regular energy level. I struggle with this, but still, try to use every straw to be an active participant in my family's life. I have 3 beautiful children ages 4, 6 and 15. My 15-year-old will be spending her summer working. We are still in the process of filling out applications. I am hoping for the best for her. My 4 and 6-year-old will keep me on my toes or strolling quickly in my wheelchair.
Just like any other parent, I worry about my kids losing knowledge or consuming an overload of technology. I do not have a definitive plan for this yet, but I plan to call on family members to help me. I also worry that my son may not be as equipped for first grade if I do not put in the extra time with him this summer. My tentative plans are to break up the day into sections consisting of learning activities for 20 minutes at a time. Below are 5 ideas that may work for your children as well or feel free to tweak them. After reading through these, please leave a comment below.
5 Things to Keep Education Alive:
1. Project Learning Science Activities: I have access to a lot of old science books and one of them is called Environmental Education Activity Guide, which can be found here: https://www.plt.org/curriculum/environmental-education-activity-guide/
This book is full of hands-on science activities ranging from Pre-K to 8th grade. As a disabled mom and teacher, I will take the time to prepare these activities at night (this is when I have most of my energy). We plan to start by exploring our five senses. Some of the activities require that I go outside, which is no problem now that I have my motorized wheelchair and ramp.
2. Create a YouTube Channel: My kids are gluten and dairy free. This is not by choice, but I found out early on that they were allergic to both. My son and daughter kept getting eczema and serious allergic outbreaks that had us in the Emergency Room a few times. I'm not looking for major followers with YouTube, but I think our channel or shows will be for educational purposes. I plan on having the kids taste different gluten-free snacks from Whole Foods, Aldi and Walmart and rate the snakes using their five senses.
3. Old School Clipboard and Paper: Instead of the Nintendo DS, Tablets or other devices, my kids will be carrying a clipboard and paper on our road trips. If we go to the park, I will stop and have them describe and draw what they see. I know there will be some resistance and tears at first, but this will inspire a broad view of the world and require my kids to use creative and critical thinking skills. I will try to come up with some questions using Blooms to spark those higher level thinking skills.
4. Volunteer: Yes, I have said this before, but this is so important. I know this may not be feasible for some disabled individuals, but guess what I am going to make this work. Since we will spend a lot of time outside, I will have my kids put on gloves, take a trash bag and pick up trash. I will tie this into a lesson about helping the environment and working together and helping our community.
5. Free Days at the Library: I can feel the air conditioner now! The local library is so nice. There are so many free events at the library including story time, book clubs and just old fashion sitting in a cozy corner with a good book.
Summer is quickly approaching. I know that some of these things won't work for chronically ill people, but I will try my best to implement most of these. Some of these activities can be done on the couch or in bed. Just remember to go at your own pace. Remember to take care of yourselves and be there for your family in any capacity that you can. Check out my Teachers Pay Teacher Store for more cool Summer ideas or cool things for the classroom.
Just like any other parent, I worry about my kids losing knowledge or consuming an overload of technology. I do not have a definitive plan for this yet, but I plan to call on family members to help me. I also worry that my son may not be as equipped for first grade if I do not put in the extra time with him this summer. My tentative plans are to break up the day into sections consisting of learning activities for 20 minutes at a time. Below are 5 ideas that may work for your children as well or feel free to tweak them. After reading through these, please leave a comment below.
5 Things to Keep Education Alive:
1. Project Learning Science Activities: I have access to a lot of old science books and one of them is called Environmental Education Activity Guide, which can be found here: https://www.plt.org/curriculum/environmental-education-activity-guide/
This book is full of hands-on science activities ranging from Pre-K to 8th grade. As a disabled mom and teacher, I will take the time to prepare these activities at night (this is when I have most of my energy). We plan to start by exploring our five senses. Some of the activities require that I go outside, which is no problem now that I have my motorized wheelchair and ramp.
2. Create a YouTube Channel: My kids are gluten and dairy free. This is not by choice, but I found out early on that they were allergic to both. My son and daughter kept getting eczema and serious allergic outbreaks that had us in the Emergency Room a few times. I'm not looking for major followers with YouTube, but I think our channel or shows will be for educational purposes. I plan on having the kids taste different gluten-free snacks from Whole Foods, Aldi and Walmart and rate the snakes using their five senses.
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| Teacher's Helper YouTube |
3. Old School Clipboard and Paper: Instead of the Nintendo DS, Tablets or other devices, my kids will be carrying a clipboard and paper on our road trips. If we go to the park, I will stop and have them describe and draw what they see. I know there will be some resistance and tears at first, but this will inspire a broad view of the world and require my kids to use creative and critical thinking skills. I will try to come up with some questions using Blooms to spark those higher level thinking skills.
4. Volunteer: Yes, I have said this before, but this is so important. I know this may not be feasible for some disabled individuals, but guess what I am going to make this work. Since we will spend a lot of time outside, I will have my kids put on gloves, take a trash bag and pick up trash. I will tie this into a lesson about helping the environment and working together and helping our community.
5. Free Days at the Library: I can feel the air conditioner now! The local library is so nice. There are so many free events at the library including story time, book clubs and just old fashion sitting in a cozy corner with a good book.
Summer is quickly approaching. I know that some of these things won't work for chronically ill people, but I will try my best to implement most of these. Some of these activities can be done on the couch or in bed. Just remember to go at your own pace. Remember to take care of yourselves and be there for your family in any capacity that you can. Check out my Teachers Pay Teacher Store for more cool Summer ideas or cool things for the classroom.
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