Homeschool looks like it’s going to be the new reality for the foreseeable future. Although school boards are taking some pressure off with lesson plans, teaching at home is a daunting task (especially if you still have your regular work schedule to contend with). Lucky for you, we have tips and tricks to get you started!
Homeschool Doesn’t Mean Pyjama Day
Homeschool is not a pyjama party. Yeah, yeah I know, it’s a bummer for everyone. This one is so important though. Kids picture homeschool as a utopia. No early morning wake-up, no ‘school clothes,’ and no schedule. Right?
Wrong! Just like normal “brick and mortar” school, the homeschool environment requires structure (especially when kids already feel their routine has been uprooted). Getting dressed and looking presentable is part of that (even if you’d like to be in your pyjamas too).
Don’t let the Great be the Enemy of the Good
You may want your child to be ‘the best and brightest’ but be careful not to push too hard. If you finish a lesson early, a second lesson may not be better. If you overwhelm your little one they may come to find the subject stressful. Flashbacks to math-related meltdowns are proof that, sometimes, ‘good’ is good enough.
Make English a Group Activity
If you have multiple kids, this one is a massive time saver. Pick a book or novel which is age-appropriate for all your children. Read it together (potentially having older kids read aloud) then tailor the assignment to the individual child’s age. This way you only have one book on the go at once, and get some quality family time in too.
Don’t be Afraid to Outsource Homeschool Skills
If math isn’t your strong suit, there’s no shame in getting some help. There are lots of online resources you can use for various subjects, or just have a skype-lesson with a friend. Use the community to your advantage and ask questions when you aren’t sure.
Get Creative and Make Homeschool Fun!
We won’t lie. There are going to be times when you feel like homeschooling is impossible. There will be tears. Some of the tears may be yours. These are the times when you need to remind yourself of how lighthearted and fun homeschool can be. Make a new dish for dinner from the country you learned about in geography, watch their favorite cartoon in French, or let their imaginations run wild in art class. The beauty in homeschool is the endless ways to make it your own.
Create a ‘Homeschool Space’
Having a place in your home which is free from distractions and dedicated to learning is incredibly helpful. As much as my childhood self wanted to believe that I could do math in front of the TV, that simply wasn’t true (even if it was an ‘educational’ show).
Take Breaks!
Normally, your child might be at school from 8:00am until 3:00pm, but that doesn’t mean that homeschool needs to last that long. It’s important to remember that those seven hours include recess, snacks, gym, and lunch. Also, your child’s teacher is in charge of numerous other students as well, meaning that with the extra one-on one time, your little one may be done faster than you think. Try not to overload your littles with too much information, and keep their homeschool schedule realistic.
Use Daily Tasks as Homeschool Opportunities
Your life was already busy before you had to work from home with a little one to teach and entertain. This is where multitasking comes in. Teach fractions while making a recipe that involves measurements. Teach them about plant biology while working in the garden. Just find teachable moments and use them to your advantage. Education is all about preparing kids for the real world, so why not teach using real world applications.
Remember your Role as Mom
When you’re done homeschooling your kids for the day. Let it be over, because both of you need a break. Constant quizzing and reminders of schoolwork can take a toll on the mother-child relationship. Give hugs, have fun, and let their minds rest. Don’t let your relationship be consumed by lesson plans. At the end of the day, just be their mom.
Go Easy on Yourself
No one expects you to be perfect. A lot of parents were thrown into this situation with very little notice, and without a plan. Do your best with what you have, and make it fun. Sometimes ‘your best’ means sitting your child in front of the TV to watch a documentary. That’s okay, I guarantee the seemingly perfect ‘Pinterest moms’ do it too.
For more great tips check out Sam’s article on working from home with kids!
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