During this Covid pandemic parents all around the world have found themselves morphing into ‘classroom’ teachers, whether adding another skill under their belt was desirable or not. Let’s be honest, it wasn’t a skill we willingly chose–myself included!
Many of us have been trying to juggle our jobs working-from-home whilst making sure the kids are educated, fed, entertained and the house doesn’t go up in flames.
It can be overwhelming! I know I struggled in the first few weeks – with a 6 year old needing undivided attention and ensuring I wasn’t dropping the ball with my corporate employment responsibilities.
In the early weeks I found it so disheartening to watch my little one go from a super active, busy scheduled, energetic little girl to one stuck in front of the TV, lacking the structure and routine she unknowingly desired.
I remember it like it was yesterday… the final “mummy I’m bored, what can I do?” that broke me!
I just knew it didn’t matter what I suggested, nothing was going to interest her.
I surrender!
Unloaded the treats from the snack cupboard onto her lap, plastered the tablet into her hand and stood outside for an almighty scream I mean breath of fresh air. It was in that moment that I decided enough was enough… I needed to keep my sanity, and for me that meant attacking this homeschooling like I would any other challenge – analyze, think logically and problem solve.
Much to my surprise, the turn-around was nothing short of a miracle! As if overnight, things took a turn for the better. She became way more engaged and interested during her lessons, and I was able to get my work done (with reduced stress). Home-life was generally better, more manageable and everyone was happier. Win win!
Now that’s not to say that a chaotic household during this pandemic is not ok – because it is! These are unprecedented times, and ultimately it is all about survival. We’ve all got to do what we have to do to keep our heads above water.
If you’re like me and need some help with homeschooling, here are some of my top tips to restore some order:
1. Schedule Schedule Schedule!
Probably the most noticeable change, and most important part! Take 5 minutes in the morning or at the end of the day and write out a homeschool schedule of the day. Entice them, use colourful pens, smiley faces and tick boxes.
Run through the schedule with you child so they are clear on plan and put it on their work station. The onus is on your child to ‘tick off’ tasks as the day goes by. You’ll be surprised how much pleasure this will give them, and how much more confident they will be to get on with their work on their own. I guess it’s just like crossing off those tasks on your to-do list.
2. Change it up!
Add some variety to the day and the week. Most Sundays I go through the requirements for the coming week and sketch a rough weekly timetable. Include subject headings and a brief description. This timetable is just for you.
Be smart about the location of subjects. Alternate days where possible to add variety as this will combat boredom and lack of enthusiasm.
3. Take a Break!
Don’t forget to schedule in those breaks, after all they have playtime at school. These breaks are vital for you both providing those invaluable rest bites. Be sure to write these on the daily schedule to be checked off. Your child will have something to look forward to and appreciate the importance you have put on their break.
Bonus Tip: Why not write what the break entails. Whether that be TV or arts and crafts or playing in the garden. Use it to your advantage!
4. Think about Productivity
If you know your child is far more productive in the morning or afternoon, utilize this. Schedule the subjects requiring more focus and attention for their most productive time of the day.
5. Flexibility
This may seem controversial to what I’ve been saying but it’s certainly a key component. There WILL be occasions when everything scheduled will not get finished or even attempted. Don’t panic and put additional unnecessary pressures on yourself or your child. The world isn’t going to end – or so we hope! Pat yourself on the back for even making it this far!
Do some shuffling and just move the subject. This is where that weekly schedule you did on Sunday comes in handy. You should be able to easily figure out where you can squeeze it in without potential overload.
6. Share the Responsibilities
I like this one – yes Dad’s I’m talking to you! Ladies, get them involved (if they are not already). Use each other’s strengths in subjects and balance out the workload – around your personal schedules, of course. Currently, I tackle the mornings as this is when little girl is most productive, and I have the most energy (and patience). Matt takes the afternoons, usually packed with the more fun, creative subjects. Strategically so, as Daddy is essentially her entertaining toy she can boss about.
Bonus tip – If you fancy going a step further (and have the time), why not link your laptop to your TV. You can present to your child as if they were in school. They will love it and will make the whole experience more interactive.
Homeschooling alone, why not get creative. Email work to grandparents, set them up on video call and leave them to it. Since my mum’s first language is French, she’s been giving my cousin daily French classes over the phone.
7. You Have To Listen Too
Listen to your children! Sometimes they actually know more than us. Our way isn’t always the right or easiest way and can cause frustration for everyone involved. Watch their behaviors and pick up on the signals for when to stop a subject or even call quits on the day.
8. Reward System
Again, so handy and another one your child will look forward to. Those gold star stickers are popular, but it doesn’t have to be savvy. I just put an A4 sheet of paper on the notice board and used a simple tally system. At the end of the day, look at the schedule and the ticked off subjects. Write a personal message to your child letting them know how proud you are of their hard work during the day and reward them with some points.
Believe me, they look forward to this and won’t let you forget – so be warned! Key here is to reward them with something they are aware is coming or even better, a surprise!
I hope this helps those parents who feel as helpless as I did.
From one homeschooling parent to another…
“Motherhood is the greatest thing and the hardest thing.”
Ricki Lake