Tips for Homeschooling

During this difficult time in our country’s history, there are a lot of people who are homeschooling their children that have never even considered this before.

Here are some tips to help you navigate these unfamiliar waters!

You Need a Workspace

Set up an area in the house where you are going to do all of your work.  This is a good tip for kids and adults.

Make sure that your workspace is free of distractions.  Don’t set up your students to do their work right next to you where you will be having the news on the television.  This will make it challenging for them to focus on their work.

If you are dealing with a small space where this isn’t possible (as I am), make those working hours a screen-free time for the rest of your household.

Set a Schedule

Make sure that you have a schedule set ahead of time.

Setting a work schedule for yourself and your kiddos will help them know what to expect.  Students have a hard time adapting to major changes in their schedule and little things can help with this.

Set Goals

Having specific goals that you want to achieve that day will set a purpose for the day.  This helps your child and yourself to stay focused and to persevere through anything that may be boring or difficult.

If you say, we are just going to do these three things before we go outside and play tag, it will give them a goal and a reward.

Work Together

My sister has two children at home with her, four and six years old.  She has already arranged for FaceTime dates where we read books to her children.  You don’t always have to do the work for yourself.  Ask for help from friends and family who would love to help out.

Many companies are sharing their resources for free during this time.

Amazing Educational Resources has compiled a list of all of the educational companies offering services for FREE during the Corona Virus.

Get Creative

There are so many companies stepping up to help out.  It is actually really heartwarming to see everyone working together (even the politicians!).  USA Today has compiled a list of all of the museums that have online tours that you can take.  This would be a fun activity for you and your kids.  Heck, you can even call it a field trip!

Have Fun

This time spent at home with your children is still a rare opportunity to create lots of memories.  How often do you have weeks at a time at home with no one to hang out with but each other?

Make sure you are not putting too much stress on yourself or your child.  Make sure you are still playing outside if the weather permits.  It is a great time to do fun science activities, make homemade playdough, make a homemade volcano, get messy!

This is a very anxious time for everyone.  Just do what you can!