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Structure is Key - 7 Tips for Building Your Child's Schedule

Now that Spring Break is past and school is still out, it is time to start thinking about the daily routines of our new reality.  Although some of our kids are thrilled about this unexpected "summer like" break, the reality is, our kids need structure during this unprecedented time.  Many of you, like me, are working from home.  Not only do our kids need to be engaged in productive activities that keep them on track educationally, we need to be able to get our work done too. The key is to build a schedule for your you and your kids.

7 Tips for Building Your Childs At-Home Schedule

Here are a few tips to help you set up a schedule for your kids that keep them working toward the ultimate goals of being an educated student on the path to graduation.
  1. Build coursework into their schedule
  2. Match focused learning times with your child's developmental age and stage
  3. Alternate low energy and high energy activities
  4. Schedule breaks and meals
  5. Let your kids help you build their schedule, offering input on when to insert breaks and what order to schedule course work content.
  6. Use research-based, web-based educational courses to meet content area coursework objectives
  7. Allow for free time

Sample Schedules

Remember to adjust times and content to your child's developmental needs.  You might need to shorten timeframes for younger children and lengthen for older kids.



To select the most appropriate course content for your child, think about using web-based courses offered through SHADES of Development.  To access these research-based Everfi, Khan Academy and Readers Are Leaders classes facilitated by SHADES, please use the website and course codes listed below.  By enrolling in a SHADES class provided through Everfi, Khan Academy or Readers Are Leaders, your child's time and progress will be tracked enabling you to receive progress reports periodically through the course.   Note:  These course codes are intended for students enrolled in the SHADES Afterschool or summer program.  Non-SHADES students may access all Khan Academy courses through the Khan Academy Website.  

PreK - 2nd Grade Courses

Khan Academy Kids - This app is available in Apple or Google Store - Once installed on your Apple or Andriod device you will be prompted to set up a profile for each child in your family in this age group.  Once you have confirmed your e-mail and set up your child's profile, your child may either begin working in the auto launched content, or you may tap the purple book in the upper left hand corner to select content, e-books and more.  This is a great app to keep young students engaged in learning.
Word Force - This is a research-based, web-based adaptive learning literacy class for PreK-2nd Grade students that teaches students key foundational literacy skills. It includes 15 interactive games that offer opportunities for students to learn and practice skills for beginning reading, including phonological awareness, letter-sound/letter name correspondence, phonics, spelling, vocabulary, sight words, and reading comprehension. As the commander of the WORD Force, a motley group of superheroes, students will develop a strong foundation in key beginning reading skills. Browser Note: IE11 is not supported.  Website: https://everfi.com/  Class Code:  e11f1ef5
SHADES Math - K-2 - This research-based, web-base adaptive course content is offered by SHADES through Khan Academy.  Students will select the grade level content and work through the content with the support of a parent or older child.  Selecting this course will provide you with periodic progress reports to help you better understand your child's strengths.  Class Link:  https://www.khanacademy.org/join/ZGP2VVCD
SHADES ELA 2nd Grade - This Beta stage, web-base adaptive course content is offered by SHADES through Khan Academy.  Students will work through the content.  Selecting this course will provide you with periodic progress reports to help you better understand your child's strengths.Class Link: https://www.khanacademy.org/join/SMFZGRT9
GoNoodle Brain Break and Physical Activity - Our class uses GoNoodle to stay active and engaged in the classroom with dance-alongs, yoga videos, mindfulness activities, and other awesome ways to move while reinforcing educational topics. Great news! Your family can make screen time active and play GoNoodle at home for FREE!  Go to your Apple Store or Google Play Store to download the GoNoodle Video App and the Go Noodle Game App
Recommended Podcasts K-2 - Wow in the World!   Story Podcast  Circle Round  Noodle Loaf

3rd - 8th Grade Courses

The Compassion Project - This is a reasearch-based, web-based adaptive learning English Language Arts course that uses core Social Emotional Learning competencies to teach 3rd - 5th grade students how to practice compassion and empathy, identify emotions, and exercise growth mindset.  Website: https://everfi.com/  Class Code:  e0b27e20
Vault - Understanding Money and Spending - This is a reasearch-based, web-based adaptive learning course that introduces 3rd - 6th grade students to foundational financial literacy concepts like budgeting, saving, income and careers through interactive lessons and games.  this is a must take course for all intermediate grade students.  Website:  https://everfi.com/  Class Code:  61bd0047
Future Goals - Math - This is a reasearch-based, web-based adaptive learning math class for 3rd through 8th grade students.  Math & engineering concepts come to life through the fast-paced game of hockey. Everfi in partnership with the NHL developed this course to allow students to explore real world applications of STEM through sports.  Website: https://everfi.com/  Class Code:  67e9c282
Future Goals - Science - This is a reasearch-based, web-based adaptive learning math class for 3rd through 8th grade students.  Science & engineering concepts come to life through the fast-paced game of hockey. Everfi in partnership with the NHL developed this course to allow students to explore real world applications of STEM through sports.  Website: https://everfi.com/  Class Code: 60711a73
SHADES Math - 3rd-5th - This research-based, web-base adaptive course content is offered by SHADES through Khan Academy.  Students will select the grade level content and work through the content.  Selecting this course will provide you with periodic progress reports to help you better understand your child's strengths.  Class Link: https://www.khanacademy.org/join/5EZJMHY5
SHADES ELA - 3rd - 5th This Beta stage, web-base adaptive course content is offered by SHADES through Khan Academy.  Students will select the grade level content and work through the content.  Selecting this course will provide you with periodic progress reports to help you better understand your child's strengths.  Class Link: https://www.khanacademy.org/join/MBJWEWH4
Grammar - This research-based, web-base adaptive course content is offered by SHADES through Khan Academy.  Students should start by taking the course challenge a few times to figure out what they know and don’t know.  After takind the challenge a few time start working through the course content.  Following lessons by journal writing will help hone grammar and writing skills.  Selecting this course will provide you with periodic progress reports to help you better understand your child's strengths. Course Link: https://www.khanacademy.org/join/222EDSGP
GoNoodle Brain Break and Physical Activity - Our class uses GoNoodle to stay active and engaged in the classroom with dance-alongs, yoga videos, mindfulness activities, and other awesome ways to move while reinforcing educational topics. Great news! Your family can make screen time active and play GoNoodle at home for FREE!  Go to your Apple Store or Google Play Store to download the GoNoodle Video App and the Go Noodle Game App
Recommented 3rd-5th Grade Reading List 
Recommended 3rd-5th Grade podcasts:  Brains On!  Forever Ago  Story Pirates
Recommended Coding Courses: Code.org Express Course  Khan Academy Computer Programming

9th - 12th Grade Courses

Financial Literacy - 9th - 12th Grade - Updated and gamified - EVERFI: Financial Literacy for High School is a digital financial education program that teaches students how to make wise financial decisions to promote financial well-being over their lifetime. The interactive lessons will translate complex financial concepts and help students develop actionable strategies for managing their finances. Students will understand the different ways to acquire income, develop a savings and investing plan, create a budget, track expenses, make informed purchases, monitor and protect their money, and navigate financial institutions and financial products.  Website: https://everfi.com/ Class Code:  607f6a0c
Mental Health Basics 8th-12th Grade - This research-based, web-based course introduces 8th - 10th grade students to mental wellness concepts like coping strategies, stigma, emotional health, and how to find help for themselves or others.Website: https://everfi.com/ Class Code: 42d678f9
Algebra II - This reasearch-based, web-based adaptive learning course content is offered by SHADES through Khan Academy.  Students will work through the content.  Selecting this course will provide you with periodic progress reports to help you better understand student strengths.  Class Link: https://www.khanacademy.org/join/8RZAYKYC
SAT/ACT Prep - This reasearch-based, web-based adaptive learning course is offered by SHADES through Khan Academy.  Students should develop a study plan to work through the content.  Students should also schedule days to take the full practice test every week or two.  Selecting this course will help prepare students for the SAT and ACT.  In addition this selecting this course will provide you with periodic progress reports to help you better understand student strengths.  Class Link: https://www.khanacademy.org/join/6KR8VNU7
GoNoodle Brain Break and Physical Activity - Our class uses GoNoodle to stay active and engaged in the classroom with dance-alongs, yoga videos, mindfulness activities, and other awesome ways to move while reinforcing educational topics. Great news! Your family can make screen time active and play GoNoodle at home for FREE!  Go to your Apple Store or Google Play Store to download the GoNoodle Video App and the Go Noodle Game App
Grammar - This research-based, web-base adaptive course content is offered by SHADES through Khan Academy.  Students should start by taking the course challenge a few times to figure out what they know and don’t know.  After takind the challenge a few time start working through the course content.  Following lessons by journal writing will help hone grammar and writing skills.  Selecting this course will provide you with periodic progress reports to help you better understand your child's strengths. Course Link: https://www.khanacademy.org/join/222EDSGP
Recommended Podcasts:  RadioLab  Forever Ago  Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls Science Friday

There are a host of high school level courses on Khan Academy.  Check khanacademy.org to locate courses that match your class schedule.

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