Even though the B.C. teachers strike has delayed the start of school there are still ways students can continue learning in the meantime. With summer time coming to a close students might even be excited to get back into their school routine. Here are some ways to keep students learning during the B.C. teachers strike.
1. Set aside learning time at home
Since kids have been preparing to go back to school for the past few weeks, now is a good time to encourage some independent learning at home. Set up a station either at the dining room table or at your child’s desk for them to work on some educational activities. Math workbooks provide prepared pages for your child to work on, and an older child or parent can review their work and help make corrections. Students can also spend time doing silent reading and writing in their journal. Local homeschooling stores are great sources for finding workbooks for all grade levels.
2. Government funding during the B.C. teachers strike for child care options
The B.C. government has been providing parents with $40 a day for each child under the age of 13. This 40 dollars can be used for childcare or for educational activities that your family chooses. One great way to use the government funding is to arrange child care groups where kids can gather together to play and also do some group educational activities. Some neighbourhood babysitters may be willing to do group child care for neighbourhood kids. This will help prepare young children to re-enter the school setting once the strike is over.
3. Use $40 a day for private tutoring or group tutoring
Another way to use the government funding during the teachers strike is to use it for tutoring services. You can arrange for your child to have private tutoring sessions with a certified teacher tutor. You could also sign up for group tutoring with other students who are at your child’s same grade level. This will keep students learning and prepare them to get back into their daily school routine.
Regardless of how long the teachers strike continues it is always beneficial to encourage your child to do educational activities outside of school. Take advantage of the extra time you have with your children this summer but be sure to keep promoting learning in your daily routine. Once school is back in session your kids will be ready to go!
