How to Help: Teacher-Approved Ideas for Parents

When it comes to interior design, we have our wits about us. When it comes to being thrust into homeschooling our kids with no background in education, we do not. That’s why we asked the experts! 

We spoke with a few of the amazing teachers in our lives and put together a list of resources and suggestions for any parent who needs a little help! We’ve geared ideas toward kids ages 8-12, but these recommendations can be adapted for younger kiddos as needed. 

Online Resources for Kids: 
Hey, kid! Are you bored?

A list for your littles to work from when inspiration isn’t striking!


  • Read your favorite book.
  • Read a book to your sibling.
  • Read a book to a friend via Facetime.
  • Call a relative and read them a book.
  • Create a poster about a book you love. Include the who, what, where, why and when in your poster. 
  • Discuss what you read: Who was your favorite character? Least favorite? What happens after the book ends?
  • Reader’s Theater: write a short script based on a scenario (you come downstairs to a brand new puppy) or a summary of a book. Practicing re-reading your script with expression. Perform your script for the family at dinner. Bonus points if you Facetime a relative for the big premier! 


  • Write a letter to your teacher.
  • Keep a journal while you’re at home. You’ll be glad you did when you’re older. Use the prompts below if you get stuck: 
    • Write a biography about yourself. 
    • Research a family member and write a biography about them.
    • Write a biography about a famous person.
    • Write a persuasive story.
    • Write a scary story.
    • Write a funny story. 
    • You just won a million dollars! What do you do?
    • Write a story using these five words: car, orange, wallet, eleven, brick
    • If you could have any secret super power, what would it be and why?
    • Write about the best day of your life. 
    • What’s your favorite animal? Why?
    • If you had one wish, what would it be?
    • What are the top three places you want to travel in your life?
    • If you could have any pet what would you have? Why? What would you name him/her?
    • What do you want to be when you grow up?
    • If you could be on any TV show which one would you pick and why?
    • Write about a time someone was kind to you.
    • Write about a time you were kind to someone else.
    • What does it mean to be a friend?

Math and Science: 

  • Do some fast facts on Freckle! 
  • Practice your multiplication tables. Time yourself to see if you can get better each day! 
  • Write out a real world word problem for mom or dad to solve. 
  • Have mom or dad write a real world word problem out for you to solve.
  • Have a family member give you a pop-quiz! If you get every question correct they have to do a dare of your choosing.
  • Count all the steps in the house. Add 358. Subtract 22. Show your work. 
  • Research your favorite animal. Become an expert! Play “I’m thinking of an animal” and make your family guess the animal you picked based on what you learned. 
  • Research five different plants and veggies that thrive in Michigan. Make a blueprint for your dream garden. 


  • Write a letter to someone who lives far away.
  • Write a letter to your best friend. Ask them to write back. See how long you can keep the streak going. 
  • Call your grandma/grandpa/relative and ask them what they liked to do when they were your age. Take notes on what they say and share them at the dinner table. 
  • Help a family member cook a meal.
  • Feed a pet.
  • Take a pet for a walk.
  • Run around the house and have someone time you.
  • 10 jumping jacks! 
  • Draw a picture of your mom or dad.
  • Draw a picture of a dolphin playing.
  • Draw a picture of a bear eating pizza.
  • Create a coloring book for a friend or sibling; you draw the outlines, they’ll color it in
  • Organize your t-shirts by color
  • Plan your outfit for tomorrow 
  • Write a list of 20 questions for someone in your house to answer. Give them their “homework” and a reasonable deadline.
  • Ask if your mom or dad needs help with anything
A final note to moms and dads: 

Most importantly!

Try not to stress too much. The #1 piece of advice the awesome teachers we spoke to gave us was that everything will be okay and that they will adjust curriculum to fit the needs of students when they return to school. Don’t worry if your kid regresses a tad while they’re away from the classroom. Teachers are pros and will work with them to make sure everyone gets back on track. Focus on family time, staying safe, and loving each other.

Be as patient as you can, you’re doing a great job!

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