SUGGESTIONS & TIPS FROM OUR ELEMENTARY SUPPORT TEAM
Dear Parents:
In an effort to support our students and families through the “uncharted waters” brought about by the Coronavirus, the Elementary Student Support Staff would like to offer the tips and resources on this page.
We appreciate your support in maintaining your child’s social and emotional well-being during this stressful time, and we look forward to being back together in school soon!
Stay safe and healthy, Akron Elementary’s Student Support Staff
Please note that our emails and voicemails will be accessed and responded to regularly during normal school hours throughout the duration of this school closure.
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS FOR URGENT MATTERS:
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988
Crisis Services: (716)834-3131
Kids Helpline: (716)834-1144
National Parent Hotline: 1-855-427-2736; M-F 10am PST to 7pm PST
Spectrum Cares: (716)882-4357
Texting option: text the word “CONNECT” to (716)741-741
Miscellaneous Service Needs: Dial 211
KID-FRIENDLY APPS
Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame
Calm
Ninja Focus
Zones of Regulation
CREATE A DAILY ROUTINE
We cannot stress enough the importance of a consistent, yet flexible, daily routine. Routines provide security and stability for children and make expectations more predictable, which, in turn, reduces anxiety and problem behaviors.
HERE IS A SAMPLE SCHEDULE APPROPRIATE FOR CHILDREN:
Before 9:00AM - Wake up, breakfast, get dressed
9-10 AM - Exercise/Active Time (i.e. take a walk, ride bikes, yoga for kids, etc.)
10-11 AM - School Work (i.e. from assigned packet, flashcards, journaling, etc.)
11-11:30 AM - T.V. or Tablet Time
11:30-12 PM - Lunch
12-12:30 PM - Chores
12:30-1 PM - Read (together or independently)
1-2 PM - Creative Play or Activity (i.e. craft, baking, building, etc.)
2-3 PM - Online Learning (see resources on school website or from your child’s teacher)
3-5 PM - Free Play (i.e. outdoors, toys, video chat with family and friends)
5-6 PM - Dinner and Clean-Up
6-7 PM - Family Time (i.e. board games, movies, outdoor walk, etc.)
7-8 PM - Showers/baths & PJs
After 8 PM - Reading and/or Bedtime
PREPARING THE AT-HOME LEARNING ENVIRONMENT
“Set Up” Before “Sit Down”
Set the scene - Does your child need to be alone or have more activity to concentrate? Set up a space at the kitchen table or an out of the way spot depending on your child’s preferences.
Make the space comfortable - Pick a spot that will keep your child relaxed, focused, and alert.
Spread out - Make sure your child can arrange his or her work and there aren’t piles of papers everywhere.
Stock up - Create a supply station of pencils, pens, colored pencils, markers, crayons, scissors, glue, rulers, and paper so that the essentials are in one spot.
Talk - Whenever possible, talk to your children about the work they are about to do BEFORE they begin. Ask them questions about what they know, or what they think they will do. Ask them how long the task will take. This will prepare their minds to do the work. VALUE this work and this time with your child. It will be difficult for them to see the value without a classroom, without their teacher PRESENT.
