Many of you are probably in the same boat as I am. You are now helping your children with homeschooling. I have homeschooling tips from somebody who has never homeschooled. This week was our first week with distance learning. We are all adjusting to this new learning environment and how it fits into our lives.
Have a Schedule
It’s just as important when working from home, and now homeschooling, to have a schedule. This is true for your bedtime schedule also. We are coming across some struggles where Adrienne is doing her homework very late at night. I wasn’t aware of her work requirements.
It’s important to have a schedule for the day so everyone is aware of the expectations. What I’d like to try for our family is:
- 8:30 a.m. – Wake up. The kids have been setting their own alarms and getting themselves set up for the day
- 9:30 a.m. – Check In to school. Log in and start schoolwork.
- 2:00 p.m. – School Day ends. Check in with mom and dad to inform them of any assignments due that night.
- 3:00 – 8:00 p.m. – Free Time
- 8:00 p.m. – Homework
Have A Designated Workspace
It’s important for the kids to have a workspace in the house set aside for their learning. Our kids had a space when school started in the fall. Then the room became a landing space for other things in the house. Eventually, the desks were overwhelmed with “stuff” and they were using the kitchen table instead.
During the pause in school, while all of the COVID-19 situation was being worked on, the kids and I cleaned up the office and cleared out the area around their desks. They both have their Chromebooks and now have a divider between the two of them so they can work in the same room as each other but have some privacy to help cut down on distractions.
Check-In With Your Kids
It’s important to understand what is required of your kids. Distance learning is also teaching them how to be more independent in this new learning environment. But they do still benefit from some adult guidance.
Also, make sure they are drinking their water during class time, getting up to stretch from time to time, and that they have the appropriate ergonomics and eye protection while they are sitting in front of a screen for much longer than they are used to.
My daughter suffers from migraines, so I am checking in with her often to make sure she is not getting a headache from the increase in screen time. When school is over, I am also making sure they are both limiting their screen time on their other devices.
Coping Strategies
Take A Break
If anyone starts to feel overwhelmed, it’s important to take a break. This goes for the students and the parents. From my understanding of our own town’s distance learning requirements, they are not required to be on their computer for 6 straight hours. There are study periods and breaks built into the schedule.
Use School Resources
For us, the school has shared its resources available to both the parents and the students. We can reach out to them and the kids can also reach out to the social services team.
This new learning environment for the kids will take some time to adjust to. I want it to be successful for the kids. I also don’t want them to feel stressed or pressured by it. We are all going to do our best to make it a positive environment for them.
Go Outside
After school is over, put away the electronics and go outside to play. Unplug for an hour or more and get some fresh air. Go for a bike ride, play in the woods, take a walk around the block, play with the dog, or shoot baskets in the driveway.
It’s so important to get a change of scenery. It’s good for their eye health and it is good for their brain and their bodies.
Homeschooling Resources
I have many blogging friends who specialize in homeschooling. Here are a few resources for you to look into for additional help from the experts who know about homeschooling. These resources include activities, online stores for support materials, and general things to do with your kids.
- Kreative in Kinder
- 5 Exciting Digital Learning Experiences Your Kids Will Love
- Disney’s Imagineering In A Box
- The Primary Parent Connection
- Go On A Bear Hunt In Your Neighborhood
How has your week been? Are your children doing distance learning now? How are they adjusting to the changes? I’d love to hear what is working and what isn’t working for your family! Please share in the comments.