The pandemic and subsequent quarantine has left many parents worried that their children have fallen behind, both socially and academically. While it’s been a year of unconventional schooling and limited interaction with their friends, there are still plenty of skills that they can work on this year that will set them up for lots of future success. Keep reading to discover some easy ways to get started.
1. Learn A New Language
It’s never too early to embrace bilingualism! In fact, it’s much easier for children to learn another language while they’re young. Enhanced creativity and mental flexibility are just two of the many benefits that come from being bilingual. In addition to these, children also establish a strong sense of identity, and they also experience improved cognitive function, critical thinking, and problem solving skills. Finally, little ones also become exposed to another culture, which is an incredibly enriching and rewarding experience. Ready to get started? Check out our Mandarin, Korean, Vietnamese, Spanish, and French classes! Offered at various levels, they’re the perfect way to introduce little ones to a foreign language in a fun and accessible way!
2. Embrace Their Creativity
Creativity is often an overlooked skill, and something that comes so naturally to children. While it’s not usually held in as high esteem as STEM or reading skills, it definitely shouldn’t be forgotten! Embracing creativity leads to increased confidence and self-esteem, and is a great outlet for expression. If you’re looking for some ideas, try this snow craft! Make sure to find all of the awesome activities we’ve compiled in our other Sandbox posts too!
3. STEM Skills
Covering a wide range of topics and skills, being introduced to STEM concepts will always be incredibly helpful for a child. No matter where your child’s interests lie, improving their skills in each area of STEM will undoubtedly prepare them very well for the future. We offer a wide variety of STEM classes that will get your little one hands-on and engaged! Does your child love science? Check out Earth Science, Mini Einsteins, Dr. Kid, Bümo Nature Explorers, and Chemistry Club. Have an avid math student? Try Mushy Math, Sticky STEM, Math-Mazing, Cracking The Code, Math Wizardry, and Chef Math! While each of these classes differ, they’ll help lay the foundation for your child to succeed!
4. The Importance Of Movement
While we’ve all been cooped up inside, it’s likely that your little one hasn’t been as active as usual. Plus, with colder winter months, it’s usually less appealing to spend time outdoors. Physical exercise, especially dance, is incredibly important for your child’s mental and physical health. With classes like Butterfly Ballet, Movers and Shakers, and BümoBoogie, it’s easier than ever for your little one to stay active while being indoors! Make sure to read more about all of the benefits of dance classes!
5. Learning To Read
Did you know that children who are read to 4+ times a week by a parent are twice as likely to score in the top 25%? Reading to your little one is a great way to instill a love of all things literary. However if they’re looking to boost their phonics and comprehension skills, look no further! Alphabet and Phonics, Reading Superstar, Readers Theater, and Sight Words Adventure, all aim to increase your child’s confidence in reading, while having tons of fun! Whether they’re just beginning to become curious about books, are avid readers, or are somewhere in between, these classes will ensure that they’re learning a lot!
6. Social Interaction
Much like exercise, it’s likely that your child has had very little social interaction with their peers for quite a while. Socializing with others is integral to their development, so it’s important to make sure that they’re getting this in some capacity. By hanging out with their friends, children learn such important skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and communication. Although virtual time spent with friends doesn’t replace the real thing, it’s a great solution! Our Live Online Classes provide an intimate class setting (no more than 6 students), where your child can develop an incredible relationship with their BümoTeacher! Not only will they learn about important topics, they’ll be developing their social skills and making new friends!
Although life still hasn’t gone back to normal yet and many things feel stagnant, these are skills that your child can improve on while learning virtually at home, and beyond! We want to make sure that you feel supported during this time, and our curriculum and classes are designed to do just that! Check out our Learning Program and our Foreign Language Program for more structured classes and daily, hands-on activities as well!
