--- title: 4 Ways You Can Make Learning Count for Kids at Home description: Learn how to facilitate learning like a teacher with these activities. image: https://info.teachstone.com/hubfs/parent-building-with-child.jpg --- [![Teachstone Logo](https://info.teachstone.com/hs-fs/hubfs/TS_Color_Regist-3-1.png?width=150&height=67&name=TS_Color_Regist-3-1.png "Teachstone Logo")](https://www.teachstone.com/) - [Store](http://store.teachstone.com/) - [Support](https://teachstone.com/support) - [Login](http://dashboard.teachstone.com/) - The CLASS Framework - [What is CLASS](https://teachstone.com/class/) - [CLASS 2nd Edition](https://teachstone.com/class-2nd-edition/) - [For Leaders](https://teachstone.com/leaders/) - [For Observers](https://teachstone.com/for-observers/) - [For Coaches](https://teachstone.com/for-coaches/) - [For Educators](https://teachstone.com/for-educators/) - [For CLASS Affiliates](https://teachstone.com/for-class-affiliates/) - [For Head Start](https://teachstone.com/headstart/) - [Research](https://teachstone.com/research/) - Products and Trainings - [Getting Started with CLASS](https://teachstone.com/getting-started-with-class/) - [CLASS® 2nd Edition Infant-Toddler](https://teachstone.com/class-2nd-edition-infant-toddler/) - [CLASS® 2nd Edition Pre-K-3rd](https://teachstone.com/class-2nd-edition-pre-k-3rd/) - [CLASS Overview for Leaders](https://teachstone.com/a-class-overview-for-leaders/) - [CLASS 2nd Edition Intro to Interactions for Educators](https://teachstone.com/intro-to-interactions-for-educators/) - [CLASS Environment](https://teachstone.com/class-environment/) - [CLASS Environment Observer Training](https://teachstone.com/class-environment/#environment-observer-training) - [CLASS Environment Overview for Educators](https://teachstone.com/class-environment/#environment-educator-training) - Observer Training & Certification - [CLASS Train-the-Trainer Affiliate Program](https://teachstone.com/class-train-the-trainer/) - [CLASS Affiliate Trainer Recertification](https://store.teachstone.com/trainer-recertification-new/) - [CLASS 2nd Edition Measurement Trainer Program](https://teachstone.com/class-2nd-measurement-trainer/) - [CLASS Observer Recertification](https://store.teachstone.com/observer-recertification-new/?showHidden=true) - [CLASS Observation Certification Training](https://teachstone.com/class-observation-training/) - [Transition Supports](https://teachstone.com/class-observer-supports/) - [CLASS Group Coaching Transition Training](https://teachstone.com/class-group-coaching-transition-training/) - [CLASS 2nd Edition Observer Transition Training](https://teachstone.com/class-2nd-observer-transition-training/) - [CLASS 2nd Edition Trainer Transition Training](https://teachstone.com/class-2nd-edition-trainer-transition-training/) - [CLASS Trainer Add-Ons](https://teachstone.com/trainer-add-ons/) - [Program Services & Support](https://teachstone.com/program-services-support/) - [CLASS Coding Support](https://teachstone.com/coding-support/) - [CLASS Quality Improvement Subscription **New!**](https://teachstone.com/myteachstone/) - [CLASS Observation Services](https://teachstone.com/class-observation-services/) - [Custom Events by Teachstone](https://teachstone.com/custom-events/) - [Meaningful Interactions at Home](https://teachstone.com/meaningful-interactions-at-home/) - Coach Trainings & Certification - [CLASS Group Coaching](https://teachstone.com/class-group-coaching/) - [1-1 Video Coaching](https://teachstone.com/1-1-video-coaching/) - [Instructional Support for Coaches](https://teachstone.com/coach-feedback/) - [Interaction Essentials Trainer Program](https://teachstone.com/interaction-essentials-trainer-program/) - [Professional Development for Educators](https://teachstone.com/professional-development-for-educators/) - [Banking Time: Investing in Relationships](https://teachstone.com/banking-time/) - [CDA with CLASS](https://teachstone.com/cda-programs/) - [Instructional Support Essentials for Teachers](https://teachstone.com/instructional-support-essentials-for-teachers/) - [Interaction Essentials for Educators](https://teachstone.com/interaction-essentials-for-educators/) - [CLASS Supplies](https://teachstone.com/class-supplies/) - [CLASS Dictionary](https://store.teachstone.com/class-dictionary/) - [CLASS Interactions Dimension Guide](https://store.teachstone.com/class-dimensions-guide/) - [CLASS Manuals](https://store.teachstone.com/class-2nd-edition-pre-k-3-manual-options/) - [CLASS Observation Score Sheets](https://store.teachstone.com/score-sheets/) - [CLASS Strategy Cards](https://store.teachstone.com/class-strategy-cards/) - [CLASS Support Kits](https://teachstone.com/class-support-kits/) - Resources - [Resource Library](https://teachstone.com/resources/) - [Blog](https://info.teachstone.com/blog) - [Blog (Spanish)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog-en-esp?hsLang=en-us) - [Blog (French)](https://casiope.org/categorie/class/) - [Upcoming Events](https://teachstone.com/upcoming-events/) - [Community](https://community.teachstone.com/home) - [About](https://teachstone.com/about-teachstone/) - [Who We Are](https://teachstone.com/about-teachstone/#whoweare) - [Our Impact](https://teachstone.com/our-impact/) - [Partners](https://teachstone.com/our-partners/) - [Careers](https://teachstone.com/careers/) - [Certified B-Corp](https://teachstone.com/certified-b-corporation/) - [News](https://teachstone.com/news/) - [Connect with a Rep](https://info.teachstone.com/contact-a-teachstone-representative?hsLang=en-us) - The CLASS Framework - [What is CLASS](https://teachstone.com/class/) - [CLASS 2nd Edition](https://teachstone.com/class-2nd-edition/) - [For Leaders](https://teachstone.com/leaders/) - [For Observers](https://teachstone.com/for-observers/) - [For Coaches](https://teachstone.com/for-coaches/) - [For Educators](https://teachstone.com/for-educators/) - [For CLASS Affiliates](https://teachstone.com/for-class-affiliates/) - [For Head Start](https://teachstone.com/headstart/) - [Research](https://teachstone.com/research/) - Products and Trainings - [Getting Started with CLASS](https://teachstone.com/getting-started-with-class/) - [CLASS® 2nd Edition Infant-Toddler](https://teachstone.com/class-2nd-edition-infant-toddler/) - [CLASS® 2nd Edition Pre-K-3rd](https://teachstone.com/class-2nd-edition-pre-k-3rd/) - [CLASS Overview for Leaders](https://teachstone.com/a-class-overview-for-leaders/) - [CLASS 2nd Edition Intro to Interactions for Educators](https://teachstone.com/intro-to-interactions-for-educators/) - [CLASS Environment](https://teachstone.com/class-environment/) - [CLASS Environment Observer Training](https://teachstone.com/class-environment/#environment-observer-training) - [CLASS Environment Overview for Educators](https://teachstone.com/class-environment/#environment-educator-training) - Observer Training & Certification - [CLASS Train-the-Trainer Affiliate Program](https://teachstone.com/class-train-the-trainer/) - [CLASS Affiliate Trainer Recertification](https://store.teachstone.com/trainer-recertification-new/) - [CLASS 2nd Edition Measurement Trainer Program](https://teachstone.com/class-2nd-measurement-trainer/) - [CLASS Observer Recertification](https://store.teachstone.com/observer-recertification-new/?showHidden=true) - [CLASS Observation Certification Training](https://teachstone.com/class-observation-training/) - [Transition Supports](https://teachstone.com/class-observer-supports/) - [CLASS Group Coaching Transition Training](https://teachstone.com/class-group-coaching-transition-training/) - [CLASS 2nd Edition Observer Transition Training](https://teachstone.com/class-2nd-observer-transition-training/) - [CLASS 2nd Edition Trainer Transition Training](https://teachstone.com/class-2nd-edition-trainer-transition-training/) - [CLASS Trainer Add-Ons](https://teachstone.com/trainer-add-ons/) - [Program Services & Support](https://teachstone.com/program-services-support/) - [CLASS Coding Support](https://teachstone.com/coding-support/) - [CLASS Quality Improvement Subscription **New!**](https://teachstone.com/myteachstone/) - [CLASS Observation Services](https://teachstone.com/class-observation-services/) - [Custom Events by Teachstone](https://teachstone.com/custom-events/) - [Meaningful Interactions at Home](https://teachstone.com/meaningful-interactions-at-home/) - Coach Trainings & Certification - [CLASS Group Coaching](https://teachstone.com/class-group-coaching/) - [1-1 Video Coaching](https://teachstone.com/1-1-video-coaching/) - [Instructional Support for Coaches](https://teachstone.com/coach-feedback/) - [Interaction Essentials Trainer Program](https://teachstone.com/interaction-essentials-trainer-program/) - [Professional Development for Educators](https://teachstone.com/professional-development-for-educators/) - [Banking Time: Investing in Relationships](https://teachstone.com/banking-time/) - [CDA with CLASS](https://teachstone.com/cda-programs/) - [Instructional Support Essentials for Teachers](https://teachstone.com/instructional-support-essentials-for-teachers/) - [Interaction Essentials for Educators](https://teachstone.com/interaction-essentials-for-educators/) - [CLASS Supplies](https://teachstone.com/class-supplies/) - [CLASS Dictionary](https://store.teachstone.com/class-dictionary/) - [CLASS Interactions Dimension Guide](https://store.teachstone.com/class-dimensions-guide/) - [CLASS Manuals](https://store.teachstone.com/class-2nd-edition-pre-k-3-manual-options/) - [CLASS Observation Score Sheets](https://store.teachstone.com/score-sheets/) - [CLASS Strategy Cards](https://store.teachstone.com/class-strategy-cards/) - [CLASS Support Kits](https://teachstone.com/class-support-kits/) - Resources - [Resource Library](https://teachstone.com/resources/) - [Blog](https://info.teachstone.com/blog) - [Blog (Spanish)](https://info.teachstone.com/blog-en-esp?hsLang=en-us) - [Blog (French)](https://casiope.org/categorie/class/) - [Upcoming Events](https://teachstone.com/upcoming-events/) - [Community](https://community.teachstone.com/home) - [About](https://teachstone.com/about-teachstone/) - [Who We Are](https://teachstone.com/about-teachstone/#whoweare) - [Our Impact](https://teachstone.com/our-impact/) - [Partners](https://teachstone.com/our-partners/) - [Careers](https://teachstone.com/careers/) - [Certified B-Corp](https://teachstone.com/certified-b-corporation/) - [News](https://teachstone.com/news/) - [Connect with a Rep](https://info.teachstone.com/contact-a-teachstone-representative?hsLang=en-us) - [Store](http://store.teachstone.com/) - [Support](https://teachstone.com/support) - [Login](http://dashboard.teachstone.com/) # 4 Ways You Can Make Learning Count for Kids at Home March 26 2020 by [Krystal Wallick](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/author/krystal-wallick) - [For Parents](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/topic/for-parents) ![](https://info.teachstone.com/hs-fs/hubfs/parent-building-with-child.jpg?width=519&height=300&name=parent-building-with-child.jpg) Many of us are stuck at home with children out of school due to the coronavirus. With it came a slew of social media articles with tips, tricks, and activities for “homeschooling” during these times. These activities have been great for getting our kids busy and active during the day, but let’s take it a step further and talk about how to facilitate these activities like a teacher. When children go to school during the day, the teacher doesn’t simply provide them with directions and then sit back and watch. They facilitate learning and they are pros! Here are some things you can do and talk about while working through activities at home. ## 1. Write a Story A great way to keep children busy and learning is to have your child write their own story. Even the young preschool age children can do this by drawing pictures and verbally telling you what is happening in the story. Now to facilitate like a teacher, you can encourage your child to brainstorm and plan their story before writing it. Talk about the basic parts of a story like the characters, setting, and plot. Brainstorm ideas for stories, different characters, and how each characters might contribute to the story. You can help your child organize these ideas by writing everything down for them or having them write the ideas down if they’re old enough.  Then, once the story is written, you can facilitate a discussion about the story that they wrote. Ask [open-ended questions](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/open-ended-questions-in-the-classroom?hsLang=en-us)that encourage your child to think deeply about the story such as: - Why did you decide to write about that plot? - Why did the character make that choice in the story? - What would happen if…?  - Tell me more about this character. ## 2. Experiment with STEM Another activity that I have seen floating around social media is different types of science and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) experiments. These activities are a wonderful way to keep your children engaged at home. Now, how can we facilitate them like a pro teacher? Start by talking about the experiment and what is going to happen. What kind of experiment are you doing and why are you doing it? Then, guide your child to make predictions about different possible outcomes. I would encourage you or your child to write down the predictions, so that you can come back to them later. Talk about the steps along the way, what is happening as you go, and continue to make mini predictions as you go along. Once the experiment is over, evaluate what happened during the experiment and why that happened. Ask your child questions such as: - What was the final outcome? - Was your prediction right or wrong? -  Why didn’t this prediction work? - How did that happen? - What would have happened if… ? ## 3. Cook Together as a Family If I’ve learned one thing as a parent this week, it’s that the kids eat nonstop! Involving your children in the cooking is another great way to keep them learning and engaged. You can simply read a recipe and have them follow it, or you can facilitate [cooking](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/4-healthy-recipes-for-week-of-the-young-child?hsLang=en-us) like a pro teacher! For snacks, you can build in a learning opportunity by showing them where to find the nutritional facts and providing a directive of how to choose the snack. For example, with younger preschool children, you can have them find a snack that starts with a particular letter or is a particular color.  When it comes to facilitating like a teacher while cooking or baking, math and language are at the forefront. You can talk about the different measurements, what a dash is called and why it’s used, and why the order of the recipe matters. You can ask questions along the way such as: - What do you think the egg does to the recipe? - What would happen if we added too much/too little water? - Why is it important to mix the dry and wet ingredients separately before combining them? - Why do you think the temperature matters? What would happen if the oven/ stove temperature was too hot or too cold? ## 4. Small Interactions Matter Too Teaching and [learning](https://info.teachstone.com/blog/how-effective-teacher-child-interactions-can-impact-learning?hsLang=en-us) doesn’t have to be a big thought out activity each time. Here some examples to help you through the little daily tasks: - While getting the mail, talk about how many pieces of mail you received, the shapes of the envelopes, which is thicker/ thinner or smaller/bigger.  - During meal times, talk about your food, what you’re eating, and different adjectives to describe the food. Encourage your child to use their 5 senses while eating - talk about how it smells, how it looks, what it sounds like while chewing, how it feels, and, of course, how it tastes.  - If your child is engaged in online learning, have them talk about what they are doing and what they learned. Ask them what they already knew and what was new information.  - Go for a walk around the neighborhood and talk about the different colors you see and the different shapes you see. Then compare and contrast what you see. For example, the different shades of yellow houses, the different textures of leaves, what animals might live where, and why they’ve chosen that habitat.   ## Make Learning Count During these uncertain times, it can seem like a daunting task to continue working at home and playing the role of teacher for your children out of school. Activities and experiments may work for some parents, while just getting by might work for others. Regardless of your plans, embedding some questions and language throughout your day will help your children stay focused, engaged, and ready to learn. ## Subscribe to the Teachstone Blog [![Teachstone Logo](https://info.teachstone.com/hs-fs/hubfs/TS_Color_Regist-3-1.png?width=150&height=67&name=TS_Color_Regist-3-1.png "Teachstone Logo")](https://www.teachstone.com/) - - - [About](https://teachstone.com/about-teachstone/) - [About Teachstone®](https://teachstone.com/about-teachstone/) - [Our Partners](https://teachstone.com/our-partners/) - [Careers](https://teachstone.com/careers/) - [Resources](https://teachstone.com/resources/) - [Support](https://teachstone.com/support) - [Contact Sales](https://info.teachstone.com/contact-a-teachstone-representative?hsLang=en-us) - [InterAct CLASS Summit](https://teachstone.com/interact-class-summit/) - [CLASS en español](https://teachstone.com/collecion-de-productos-en-esp/) - [CLASS en Français](https://teachstone.com/class-en-francais/) - [Privacy Policy](https://teachstone.com/privacy-policy/) - [Terms of Use](https://teachstone.com/terms-conditions/) - [Web Accessibility](https://teachstone.com/web-accessibility/) - [Permissions](https://teachstone.com/permissions/) © 2026 Teachstone, Inc ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Krystal Wallick", "url" : "https://info.teachstone.com/blog/author/krystal-wallick" }, "dateModified" : "2023-04-12T17:24:00.508Z", "datePublished" : "2020-03-26T20:24:58.000Z", "headline" : "4 Ways You Can Make Learning Count for Kids at Home", "image" : [ "https://info.teachstone.com/hubfs/parent-building-with-child.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://info.teachstone.com/blog/4-ways-make-learning-count-for-kids-at-home", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://info.teachstone.com/hubfs/TS_Color_Regist-3.png" }, "name" : "Teachstone" } } ```