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Anyone managed to improve any child's skills during this?

48 replies

Echobelly · 06/05/2020 22:58

This kids at home thing is a 'mare when you're both working and one is not old enough to self-study (and TBH the older one may not be doing as well as we thought on her own and we need to sort that out). DS has a pending ADHD diagnosis and one way or another, definite attention problems, more than usual for an 8yo boy and his writing in particular has been very bad.

Bizarrely, however, looks as though this situation might prove a boon for him - we can't fit much learning in per day and can hardly do any of the stuff the school sends (they're not insisting on it), DH has been doing a lot of work on handwriting with him and it actually seems to be paying off. Honestly, if we can send him back with better, consistent handwriting this whole thing might turn out to be a blessing for his education. Not critical of the school, he's one child in 30 and (having seen the work turned out by the rest of his class) they've all moved way beyond needing to learn to write and they just can't give him that attention. It's sometimes a bit shouty and stressful doing it DH's way, but I gotta say it's worth it. Basically, DS could not remember how to form letters consistently and couldn't get anywhere near joined up but he is mostly forming consistently now and starting to join up - I hope he can keep this up because we have been worried that Y5 (which his also bright but with no difficulties sister found the hardest year of all) from September is going to be massively hard if he can't write fluently.

Anyone else found something that they've actually been able to improve during this time, even against the odds?

OP posts:
Cressless · 06/05/2020 23:03

We moved countries at Christmas, so poor DS (8) had less than three months of school using a new language — we’ve concentrated on that.

BookSkark · 06/05/2020 23:04

Yes, I think so. I'm working FT so mostly relying on DD (9) doing the work school have set her. But at the start of lockdown, we weren't sure how good school would be, so ordered some 11+ style books off Amazon. And just spending 30 minutes with her 1-2-1 going through the results is really helpful - she's remembering techniques, and new things I've taught her.

That's about it though, and I suspect those of her peers with SAHMs are doing better with the school work side. But I'm okay with that - she's going to be sitting grammar school entry exams next year, so if I can focus on those, I think that will be worth it in the long run.

Ilovesausages · 07/05/2020 02:30

DD seems to have become very good at Roblox.

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Camomila · 07/05/2020 05:58

DS1 is 4 (in nursery not reception), he's been baking with me a few times a week and is getting pretty good at cracking eggs and sifting stuff for me, we've also been practising riding his bike with no stabilisers Smile

He still hates crafts though so I'm very jealous of people that have managed to make any of the lovely craft ideas I see on fb.

ClaraEccles · 07/05/2020 06:03

DD seems to have become very good at Roblox

😂👍🏻

Danetobe · 07/05/2020 06:04

Ours have mastered hand washing 🙂

HollyBollyBooBoo · 07/05/2020 06:07

Yep, DD (9) can now make a great cup of tea and a perfect Pimms for her Mum.

Helmetbymidnight · 07/05/2020 06:11

DD seems to have become very good at Roblox

dd here got a unicorn in roblox - which is excellent apparently.

Noteventhebestdrummer · 07/05/2020 06:11

I'm seeing super progress from lots of my online students - violin and singing - it's a real benefit having parents able to see some lessons and to encourage practise!

pinkazing · 07/05/2020 06:15

We finally taught DS to ride a bike it got put on hold when he broke his arm and then he was too scared to try. But finally at 8 he can ride, thanks to me being furloughed and actually having the time together.

He’s taught me how to win at FortniteBlush

Porridgeoat · 07/05/2020 06:16

Mine have played lots with Lego and a zoo set. Cooked or baked often. Got better at room tidying. Gardening. Walking without moaning

SparkyBlue · 07/05/2020 07:10

My DS aged 4 has mastered using the Xbox. While initially I was very dubious about it his hand to eye coordination has improved massively. Also lots of great LEGO stuff being built and DD aged 7 is doing great in her bike as she had been very nervous until recently . Also both out walking longer distances without complaining so much. DD has also started really to enjoy reading for pleasure .

Dk20 · 07/05/2020 07:12

Were the same with ds 6 (asd), weve made great improvements with his handwriting and colouring

horseymum · 07/05/2020 07:14

Their instruments definitely, a weekly lesson that never gets cancelled due to stuff on by us or teacher. Loads of time to py

Sirzy · 07/05/2020 07:15

Ds (10) is autistic and has a lot of other related issues. We have really managed to focus on getting basic skills with him now. So he can (with supervision) make his own drink now which seemed a long way off for him. We are also managing to do a lot more baking which is making him a bit more adventurous when it comes to both touching things and eating them

TwelveSocks · 07/05/2020 07:15

My dcs have learnt how to self study and how to research. I think they’re great skills to learn.

Sipperskipper · 07/05/2020 07:16

DD (3 next week) seems to have got better at playing independently. She would usually struggle even for a couple of minutes, and want me to play with her or read constantly. Lovely, but a lot of whinging and crying when I have to do the washing or anything else. Pre lockdown we would be out a lot. Nothing fancy, just the park / seeing friends / swimming etc. I think being at home most of the day every day has meant she just has to get on with it more. Now she goes and plays with her toys straightaway whilst I clear up from breakfast etc. I love hearing her little imagination working!

I’m happy about this as DD2 is due in August and I was worried about not being able to constantly play!

WoeIsMee · 07/05/2020 07:20

Mine. I’ve been appalled at how behind they were and have worked hard to get them caught up.
Not happy with the school tbh.

Snowdrop30 · 07/05/2020 07:21

DS (10) has ADHD and has never been able to handwrite well - I have taught him to touch type. But composition is still a major struggle.

CoffeeRevelLove · 07/05/2020 07:22

My dd can do a front flip on the trampoline Grin

fartyface · 07/05/2020 07:24

My 4 yo has figured out how to not soil himself. I am over the moon

IAmLegendaryExtra · 07/05/2020 07:28

My DD is writing much longer pieces of work.

ShoeJunkie · 07/05/2020 07:30

DS1 can now ride his bike and make a cup of tea.

AssangesCat · 07/05/2020 07:31

Massive improvement in handwriting and spelling here as well. 11 year old with ADHD. Turned out he didn't know how some letters were meant to look. The whole thing was such a mess before you couldn't tell.

He has also spontaneously devised a chore rota for the family, and started washing up and dusting. I think before we used to get most of the housework out the way when he was out at a club so he wasn't conscious of it.

Burplecutter · 07/05/2020 07:32

DD (6) is now a dab hand at slither io, top of the class at kicking up a massive stink about extended writing tasks school have set even tho we've said she doesn't have to do them and she's actually asked to do them, a stink still gets an upkick until we refuse to let her do them.
She's better at her times tables tho and she can afford to drop back a little on writing for the sake of our sanity. We are both working full time from home and have more work than we can handle full time in the office never mind at home.
Today she's gonna master the skill of screwball scramble (altho I've not given her that yet).