STUDYING WITH CHILDREN UNDERFOOT * Workshop: Feb. 16 th, Presented by: Erik Ashby, Coordinator Student Programs & Services Weber State University - Davis
PLAN TASKS WITH YOUR CHILD Silly Putty Etch a sketch Blocks Coloring books *Consider allowing only particular activities only while you’re studying. This makes it a treat for your kids to play with them.
CHILDPROOF A ROOM TO STUDY IN AND FILL IT WITH TOYS Set aside one room or area in your home for children. Childproof the area for safety Again, consider only using this area while you study
ALLOW FOR INTERRUPTIONS Schedule the kind of studying that can be interrupted. Flash card reviews / Key terms / definitions. Save the tasks that require sustained attention for other times.. After bedtime – before the children wake up – etc.
BUILD STUDY TIME INTO YOUR SCHOOL SCHEDULE Can you arrive 15 minutes before class? Can you stay 15 minutes after class? Study time in between classes?
USE TELEVISION / COMPUTERS WISELY Television/Computers makes a great babysitter Can you program the tv? Do you have the children’s favorite movies? Worried about your child becoming a “couch potato”? Purchase educational films / tv shows or computer programs. Ask them to color pictures about what they are listening to. Headphones can be a life saver.
MAKE IT A GAME The secret is to choose the kind of studying that your child can participate in. Example, while studying chemistry you can use funny voices and faces as you recite different elements on the periodic table. Draw goofy pictures and make up an exciting story about the process of titration. Ask them to hold flash cards for you. Play “school” and let them be the teacher. Invent rhymes, poems or songs for your children.
ASK FOR COOPERATION Sometimes we forget just how smart and caring our children can be. Ask them for help. Reward and praise them when they are quiet When children are included in the process, children are less likely to resent schoolwork as an activity that takes you away from them but something you do together.
PLAN STUDY BREAKS WITH CHILDREN Take a 10 minute break every hour. Or 15 on and 10 off.. Be creative. See what works best for you and your child(ren). Let your children in on the plan. Plan activities with your children that you can do when you take a break. Example.. Quick puppets out of paper sacks. Quick science experiment such as catching a ghost in a bottle. Children love visual reminders. Get a colorful oven timer. Let the child decorate and paint it.
DEVELOP A ROUTINE Children are creatures of habit. They love routine. This lets them feel more comfortable with the situation. Bargain with your children. Reward them for keeping the schedule. Children may enjoy receiving “credits” for this purpose. When they earn so many credits they earn a reward. Ice Cream with Dad Trip to the park Activity sponsored by the Nontraditional Student Services/Center. What motivates your child?
FIND A PLAYMATE Sometimes children can pair off with close friends and play for hours.
ASK OTHER ADULTS FOR HELP This can be as simple as asking a spouse / close friend or a neighbor to watch the child(ren) while you study for a big test. Some parents start a baby-sitting co-op. They’ll watch the kids for 2 hours Tuesday night while you watch them for 2 hours Thursday night.
FIND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES AND SERVICES Sometimes community agencies offer day care services Gym (put your notes on an ipod, drop the kids off at the child care and go walking on the treadmill while studying) Special events Storytelling hours at the library
WHEN YOU CAN’T DO EVERYTHING, JUST DO SOMETHING We all run into the mental trap of saying we can’t get everything done when the children are around. That’s OK… When you can’t everything done, just get ‘something’ done. Skim a chapter Read the introduction to the chapter But if you always study this way, your education will be compromised!
RESOURCES FOR CHILDREN ACTIVITIES
BEFORE YOU KNOW IT… YOU’LL FINISH THE RACE