Independent Activities Tip 4 - Virtual Playdates
Rainy day? No problem. Sick? No problem. Out of town? No problem. Your kids can still have fun play dates with their friends through a virtual meeting space.
You have friends. Your kids have friends. And homeschoolers love to socialize. Playdates, museums, hikes, trampoline parks, playgrounds, bike rides, we do it all - with each other! As homeschoolers, we love to experience the world while being in the world all throughout the school year...and we like to do all of that with each other. Us moms included. So, try virtual play dates on the sick and rainy days! And, this will allow you moms a break to do whatever it is you need to do during the date that is not homeschooling!
For reals though, I have not heard my 8-year-old daughter so excited for a play date, and her virtual play dates last about 2 hours each! They all run around with laptops showing each other their rooms, their toys, and even play with their toys together - just politely waiting their turn to talk. It’s super cute.
The politeness talk brings me to manners. Virtual manners. So, here’s a list of guidelines to review with your kids prior to any more virtual hang-outs.
For Children:
Wear appropriate clothing
Listen patiently and quietly. Do not talk over others. There is only room for one voice at a time.
Sit far enough away from the camera to see the entire face of everyone on the playdate from your home
Sit appropriately. Sticking feet and noses in the camera is not fun for others.
Be prepared with books, drawings, or anything you want to share with your friends so you don’t have to leave the playdate for necessary supplies. More supplies may include: clipboard, paper, crayons, pencils, pictures, etc.
Think of topics you want to talk about ahead of time. You can also plan activities like tic-tac-toe, an art lesson, show and tell or even a talent show.
For Parents:
Pick a location where privacy of others in the home is safeguarded
Confirm that the people on the call are in safe environments where your child will not be exposed to unsafe people or events
Check on your kids periodically to ensure safe use, safe sharing, safe and kind interactions.
Virtual playdates are the “in” thing now, and your kids are learning valuable communication and technological skills at the same time. Now, grab your wine, time for your turn!
