Schools will be closed and a travel ban in place from Wednesday as SA tries to curb the spread of the Coronavirus. On top of this, all gatherings of more than 100 people will be “prohibited”. President Cyril Ramaphosa made these announcements as part of the country’s fight against the spread of the Coronavirus, which at this stage has infected at least 61 people. That means your kids will have a lot of time cooped up at home, likely restless and bored at times. When they are not busy with distance learning, it will be important to keep them occupied. Below is how you can keep children entertained and educated at home during Coronavirus shutdown:
- Create a daily or weekly schedule with your children in mind. With your help, they can create one too! For the children, this is a great example and also an opportunity to learn to follow a schedule of their own.
- Even if you are not going out to the office, get dressed and do the same with the children. The idea of working while wearing pyjamas may sound great, but it communicates to your brain that you are ready to rest. Getting dressed as if you were going to the office can make a big difference in your energy level and attitude.
- Puzzles, board games and books are excellent ways to keep children occupied at home. Avoid simply giving them the iPad and letting them use it all day. The same goes for TV and video games. You can help them learn a new language or research a new country.
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- Listen to an audiobook. If your children are too young to read independently, pick up audio versions of their favourite books. Let them sit down and turn the pages while listening to a friendly voice reading to them. Or, if you can’t find a recording, use your phone to make one yourself.
- You can even make your kids help you with the chores around the house, such as giving a hand when you bake or cook. This is also an interactive way to bond with them and know what their interests are.
Get creative!
Text by WANDILE JAMA
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