This past week, the mother of a 4th grader reached out asking for Grade 5 textbooks that she could use in order to ensure her child doesn’t fall behind. Schools have been on lockdown for 3 weeks now. I hear the mother. I understand her concern. Her apprehensions arise from genuine despair. I empathize. She’s not alone. 

I’ve also been in conversation with several teachers and parents who have shared their concerns about online schooling, screentime wars, being college-ready, and balancing work and home. 

The uncertainty of our times may sometimes rob us of our ability to hope. For this reason, I am looking at activities that will rekindle our hope in an unforeseen future. 

DAY 1: MAKE A VIDEO

Making videos will probably be something your adolescent child will enjoy. But I have a theme in mind for each of the videos: Staying Apart. Being Connected.  There are several stories across the globe of people connecting with neighbors by just singing from the quad or playing bingo from their balconies. We have the #TogetherAtHome concerts by various musicians. These stories bind us with a common thread – Enduring and overcoming a global crisis together. 

Look through the stories with your teen. Help them collect stories or create their own. Have them curate pictures, quotes, background music or voiceover and string them into a short movie. And be ready to learn a thing or two from your adolescent child during this process. If you have questions on making a video, this might help. 

In the past, I have used Windows Movie Maker and Powtoon to make some of my videos. But I would love to hear what apps your kids like to use to make their videos. Maybe something on the phone? Or another free web app. 

DAY 2: TELL A STORY WITH NUMBERS

Last week we started to flex our brains to be less fearful of Math. Continuing on that trajectory of ensuring we are growing with numbers, I’d like to share an activity created by Youcubed.

The activity is called, What’s Going On Outside Your Window?  The creators of the activity are also on lockdown. Like most of us, the only thing we can do is look out of our windows. This gives your tween or teen a reason to look out the window. Encourage them to tell that story unraveling outside their window using numbers. The video in the link has several examples to help you get started. For instance, one of the creators identified the different types of trees visible outside her window. But she didn’t stop there. She went on to show how many of each of those trees covered her landscape. 

This activity was surprisingly calming for some of the learners who tried them. Despite the heaviness of a lockdown, the idea that life continues to bloom was reassuring. Share your stories and how you chose to represent the data. Pictures are strongly encouraged! 

DAY 3: COOK A FAMILY RECIPE

I know! Ingredients are on short supply. And yes, so is patience. But this is an incredible opportunity to pass down something of importance to you – a link to generations past. Or it may be a way to create a new tradition – a link to future generations. Either way, it is a really good opportunity to bond with your kids of all ages.

Once again, keep it simple. Plan based on the ingredients available. And if possible, get the whole family involved. This is also a great way to get picky eaters to try something new. 

Print or create a blank recipe card that can be passed down. 

April showers have brought us some respite from the blistering summer heat. A chill breeze hovers in the evenings. I’m thinking of mulled apple cider and I found a recipe from Sally’s Baking Addiction that is closest to the one I make. This recipe can also be made on the stovetop on low heat instead of a slow cooker. 

Here’s to creating traditions!

DAY 4: LEARN A NEW LANGUAGE

Some schools have fixed choices for learning languages and these decisions start in Elementary school. If you have chosen a school that has a four-year language immersion program, then you are probably considering options and making informed decisions with your kids and their teachers. Duolingo is a great way to see which language you want to pursue. The free version has many beginner-level lessons and the progression is simple and easy to follow. It is available on Android, iOS, and Windows. 

I personally have no reason to promote Duolingo. My kids use it extensively and enjoy practicing French and German with it. If you have another resource to share with parents everywhere, please feel free to add a comment. 

Learning languages as a skill is something I highly recommend to help bridge divides between two people groups. A sure sign of respect is to learn and communicate with people in their language. So, give it a try and learn a new language.  

DAY 5: GO TO THE MOVIES

I’m sharing this idea from my own experience this past week. A friend and fellow teacher has been recommending I read the book by James Bowen, A Street Cat Named Bob: How One Man and His Cat Found Hope on the Streets. I suppose she gave up trying to persuade me to buy the book and so she nudged me to watch in on Netflix. It was probably the best few hours I spent with my 14-year-old this week. 

Spoiler alerts: There are moments of dark truths about addictions and homelessness. But it only made for some seriously grounded teaching moments. It even led to conversations about family members who been on pain medication for a long time and their behavior patterns. We were engulfed and captivated by the rawness of the truth. And we hope you will be too. You can extend the activity to journal entries in your previously created dialogue journals. 

Borrow, rent, or buy, I recommend you get some popcorn and tissue and watch it with your teen. 

If you have a movie you’d like to recommend, please pass it along. You can make an activity out of it and have your child post a movie review as well.  

THE END

This is the last of the Summer Camp series. All the activities I’ve listed over the last four weeks can be mixed and matched, repeated several times, and modified easily to suit your family’s needs. My hope is to get you started on creating a safe and fun “summer camp” routine during the lockdown. Don’t rush to start home schooling. Don’t rush out of panic. Don’t rush because your school district is demanding it from you. Experiment, reflect, and allow yourself to fail. Then make adjustments and keep moving forward. Most of all enjoy the process with your tween and teen kids.