Tips for the Passover Break
We are halfway through Phase 1 and have been doing “distance learning” for a total of 8 days! I know that for many it seems like months, but the reality is, it’s been 8 days. (A new 8-day miracle in my view….aren’t all our teachers true heroes and superstars?) We couldn’t be prouder of what they have launched in such a short period of time and I know for certainty they are ready and excited for a much-deserved break!
As we head into Passover, some families will be so relieved for the break, the downtime, and much-needed rest. While for other families, the lack of routine, consistency, and structure will be challenging. For those of you who were not able to attend the PTA virtual conversation last Wednesday, you can watch and listen here: https://youtu.be/B7ECq049xoU (There was a question about what to do over longer Shabbat weekends and breaks)
For those families who are looking for some more structure here are some tips:
- Involve the children in creating a Passover Plan
- Include their voice in including activities, games, topics they are excited about
- Brainstorm a list of “what to do during quiet time” ideas
- Create some structure, predictability and routine
- Have fun, laugh, relax and regroup and make meaningful memories as a family!
So what do I mean by involving the children in a Passover Plan? Explain that there is a 2-week school pause to celebrate Pesach and take some time to brainstorm what that will mean for your family. Children thrive on predictability and having control, so if you can build the Passover Plan together and share it with each other everyone will likely feel calmer. What can a Passover Plan look like? (Obviously, this is just an example – build one that suits your family’s needs). This is also a good opportunity to “catch up” on school work teachers have posted during the soft launch and during Phase 1 that some have not gotten to yet.
7:00-9:00 Rise and shine – breakfast and get ready for the day
9:00-10:00 – “School like” activities round 1- read, math, science, art, social studies, French, Hebrew (there are so many resources available now that it would be easy to sneak in some really fun learning for this one hour – GIVE LOTS OF CHOICES and let them choose a different subject each day.
10:00-10:15 – Healthy Snack
10:15-11:00- Body Break – Gym, dance, yoga, walks, obstacle courses, bikes, scooters, outside fun!
11:00- 12:00 – Free choice – games, puzzles, computer fun, cards, building, toys, imaginative play
12:00-1:00 – Lunchtime – help with the cooking
1:00-2:00 – “School Like” activities round 2 – read, math, science, art, social studies, French, Hebrew (there are so many resources available now that it would be easy to sneak in some really fun learning for this one hour – GIVE LOTS OF CHOICES and let them pick a different subject each day.
2:00 – 3:00 – Learn something new time – brainstorm something each one wants to learn – art, science, music, knitting, building, baking, creative writing, poetry, learn a new language, take a virtual field trip – whatever it is that you’ve always wanted to do but haven’t had time!
3:00-3:15 – Healthy Snack
3:15-4:00 – Quiet time (alone time) – find something quiet to do – screens off!
4:00-5:00 Body Break – Gym, dance, yoga, walks, obstacle courses, bikes, scooters, outside fun!
5:00-6:00 Dinnertime – help with the cooking
6:00 – bedtime – Family time! Choose family fun activities to do together
Here are a few resources that you may be interested in exploring (and again, there are a million ideas online as well – this is just to get you started…)
50 Enrichment and Hands-on activities
From Ed-Helper – lots of different activities
Some Judaics/Hebrew links and ideas
As always, let me know if you have any questions about any of this. I wish you and your family a Chag Sameach!