Home Schooling is new to our family, as it is for many families. A common theme I am hearing from parents is that it is difficult to teach our own children. I have heard that many children are actually enjoying their online learning, showing us that children are more resilient than we think. Unfortunately many children are also resisting this new way of learning. Many of these children have previously had trouble in school and/or may have an IEP they rely on. Their teachers have adapted new ways for them to learn and it is hard for us to teach them the way they are used to. Now is not the time to push these children out of their comfort zone, but these children will benefit most from families implementing consistent routines, and learning new skills for their toolboxes. In my last blog post we talked a bit about how to mentally prepare families for home-school success, now I will share with you some ways to keep your family organized so that the day can go as smoothly as possible for Parents/teachers and your children/students.
My youngest school-aged child working on science in his grade 2 workbook.
Create a Plan:
-Schedule your day so that everyone knows what is expected of them.
-This will help you stay organized and accountable as the parent.
-It may also help reduce arguments with older children wishing to procrastinate.
-Plan break-times so you have something to look forward to while you get your work done.
-Keep a checklist and cross things off. This will provide a visual to-do list and keep them motivated.
-When you or your children become frustrated take a 5 minute break, try doing something active, going outside, or both! This way you can come back to it and tackle it with clear minds.
*Remember your schedule doesn't have to be fancy or rigid. Here is an example of our typical weekday:
Create a School Friendly Environment:
-Create a space that is free from clutter to ensure you and your children can focus.
-Turn off all noise distractions or use headphones to drown out other family noises… like toddlers.
- Have an easy to access designated spot for school materials.
- Keep electronics charged so they are ready to go when needed.
Reach out for Support when Needed:
-Don't get over-stressed. Stay calm and ask for help. This will teach your children to do the same.
-Teachers are available through email and other school apps used and there is access to online tutors
-You can find almost any lesson on the internet. If you are unsure how to do their work, research step-by-step instructions or a tutorial video so you can understand and help them.
Reward their Efforts:
Choose what works for your family. There are no wrong answers. Here are some ideas:
-Screen-time
-Baking with parent
-Board games
-Choosing dinner
-A small treat
* I know we aren’t supposed to reward our children with screen-time or food… but we also didn’t go to school to teach our children, so the rule book is already out the window. I say do what works for your family!
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