the learnIng curve ALISON BOGLE Bogle is an Austin-based freelance writer and mom of three.
Learning Together at Home For many Austin families, summer came
They are also a great way to unwind and
before we expected it. Not the summer
connect at the end of the day. Not only
of pool parties, sprinkler playdates, and
does sharing a podcast and encouraging
highlights exciting new research about
sparklers with neighbors after dark, but the
discussion afterwards help parents and
space, dinosaurs, animals, technology, or
summer of lots and lots of unexpected family
children bond, it is also a sneaky way to
human origins, and is communicated in
togetherness. When you add in anxiety about
strengthen your child’s comprehension and
an entertaining way.
the state of the world, an open-ended call to
vocabulary.
Wow in The World – Each episode
• Sesame Street Podcast – Lovable
socially isolate, and the pressure of juggling homeschool and work, many parents are left
especially enjoy this podcast. •
monsters teach lessons of friendship, • Circle Round – Created by parents of
reading, patience, and caring.
wondering just how they will make it through
young children, Circle Round adapts
these next weeks, possibly months.
folktales from around the world for kids
ONLINE RESOURCES
aged 4 to 10. Each episode ends with an
Your family may be stuck at home, but these
If you are one of the lucky ones, your child’s
activity intended to encourage deeper
online resources provide you with the ability
school has provided you with resources
conversation between parents and kids.
to virtually escape. There is something for
for learning at home. However, even after
• Peace Out Podcast – A short story
everyone – you can tour an art museum,
schoolwork has been taken care of for the
podcast for kids, which helps them calm
spy on animals at the zoo or take drawing
day, it is likely that you still have time on your
down and relax by through visualization
lessons from an award-winning author
hands. Thankfully, a number of organizations
and breathing exercises. Great for
and illustrator. Let your child choose what
learning mindfulness and self-regulation!
interests him and follow his lead. Showing
have created fun, engaging activities for families to enjoy together at home during
• Story Time – Original bedtime stories
you care about what your child is interested
these unusual times. Gather your loved ones
are released every two weeks, but these
in sends a positive, loving message that he
and check them out!
engaging stories can be listened to at any
matters. We can all use a boost of security in
time of the day. Prior episodes are also
these uncertain times!
PODCASTS Podcasts can be a lifesaver when you need
available. • Short and Curly – A fun-filled ethics
Ranger Rick - The National Wildlife
a minute to make a phone call without being
podcasts for kids and parents with
Federation has made all of its Ranger
interrupted, or you’d just like to enjoy lunch
“curly” questions that spark thoughtful
Rick digital magazines and content free to
together without the usual fifty questions.
discussion. Kids aged 7 – 12 will
families through June, as well as its curricula,
10
May 2020 austinfamily.com
View the magazine online at austinfamily.com.
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