10 things to do at home while social distancing
Are you social distancing or in self-isolation? Do you have a deaf child? Are you wondering what to do with the time? With what seems like half the world now isolating themselves during the coronavirus pandemic, and staff being asked to work from home as much as possible, some form of self-imposed quarantine is looking very likely for most of us. However, remaining indoors can offer you a great opportunity to be productive and perhaps, get something done that you didn’t think you’d ever have the time for. Whether you want to become more savvy or more sorted, we’ve got some great ideas for you.
Learn to use Cued Speech
You’ve got all the time in the world and you don’t need to go any further than your computer. You can learn Cued Speech with our Self-Study Foundation Training. Your deaf child will be able to see what you’re saying and it’s free of charge for families with deaf children. You can learn the basics of Cued Speech in the comfort of your own home at a time that suits you! We’ve even got a friendly and experienced team of CueTutors online, to chat with and to learn at your own pace. Perfect! Just see the contacts at the bottom of this post.
Tidy up
If you’re going to spend a prolonged time together in your household, you might as well start out with the whole place looking it’s best. Sort out those piles, rearrange your furniture and create more space to move around. In the words of Marie Kondo, if it doesn’t ‘spark joy’ let it go. Get rid of the things you don’t need. Go through your draws and wardrobes, to banish the items you haven’t worn for years. Throw out those items that can’t be repaired, the socks with too many holes and the threadbare undies. Why not have some fun and work out how to Cue each object. Your deaf child can see what you’re Cueing, and you’ll be able to play a ‘point to/fetch the… game’! You’ll be sorting, folding, and organising your way to total feng shui!
Read a book
Go on, it’s been there on the bookshelf for years. Pick it up and get stuck-in. That biography of your favourite celeb. The travel memoir, inspiring your wanderlust. The unputdownable page-turning thriller, to get your blood racing. Even the book with the dull cover, that you didn’t expect to be so good. How about sharing the wonder of books and reading to your deaf child? Using Cued Speech, you can inspire them with classic children’s tales and modern masterpieces. If you want to find some really great Cued stories, then look no further than CueTube on the Cued Speech UK Website. You’ll find great stories like Wonky Donkey, Mr Magnolia, Hansel & Gretel and much more.
Watch a great boxset
Did you ever get around to watching last year’s TV sensation? You can watch it now via your favourite TV provider, without any danger of someone casually revealing a spoiler and ruining the plot for you. Hours of drama, with no drama! If it’s a boxset for the whole family, don’t forget to turn on the subtitles for your deaf child. Certainly, if you turn on the subtitles for children generally, it doubles their chances of becoming proficient readers. Win-win!
Do a crossword
Engage brain! Challenge yourself by getting stuck into a great puzzle. Download a crossword or Sudoku app or look for online puzzles, there are loads to choose from. You’ve got plenty of time to solve the conundrums and you can find word and number challenges for your deaf child, to get them puzzling too.
Write a blog
Get in touch with your inner author and tell people about your message or idea. You can build a community around your love for a great cause, like Cued Speech. You can keep your new blog followers updated on your household’s fantastic success using Cued Speech and why it’s so good for families with deaf children.
Keep fit
Create your own home exercise routine. No need for expensive memberships fees at exclusive gyms. Squats, burpees and press-ups are all achievable without equipment. Or keep things tranquil and transform your lounge into a yoga space and stretch it out. Share your routine with your family and keep everyone active.
Learn a new language
What better time to take on the challenge of learning a new language? Spanish, Italian, French – and British Sign Language, naturally. There are dozens of apps and websites dedicated to helping you, with lessons, tips and games. Of course, Cued Speech has adaptations into all major languages and dialects and there are many families who use Cued Speech bilingually, so that their deaf children are brought up with a choice of language. What languages do you use at home? Share them with your deaf children, through Cued Speech.
Fix stuff
If it’s been wonky for years, now is a good time to fix it. If your DIY skills are good, use some of your free time to tackle those overdue interior improvements– freshen up your walls with paint, upholster that old chair or rearrange the front room. Your house will look fab! Remember your health and safety and don’t take on anything that’s too much for you!
Play board games
No reason to be bored, when you can play board games! Grab a classic and get gaming with the family; Chess, Cluedo, KerPlunk and good old Monopoly – you’ve certainly got the time. Why not use some Cued Speech in your fun and get your family to guess the word you’re Cueing!
Cued Speech UK would love to see what you’re saying! If you want to learn Cued Speech, please contact us on 01803 712853 or email us at [email protected], it’s totally FREE for families with deaf children.