Tips from an experienced homeschooler: How to survive your kids' distance education at home

Tips from an experienced homeschooler: How to survive your kids' distance education at home

(Ariana Reid)


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SALT LAKE CITY — You didn’t sign up for this, yet, here you are homeschooling your kids while a pandemic rages through the world — and it’s hard.

As a homeschooling mom of five, and having been homeschooled myself, there are several management strategies I’ve picked up through the years that I’d love to share. Hopefully, some of my ideas can be helpful during your sudden foray into homeschooling.

Learning can happen anywhere

Let your child study where they’re comfortable. I have one child who prefers to study at a desk in her room and another who likes sitting on the couch. However, my apt-to-get-distracted children know they must study in the kitchen, where I am, so I can keep them on task.

When the weather is nice, try letting your kids do their studies outside, on the porch, or in their homemade fort. If they’re getting their assignments done, then wherever they’re schooling is great.

On the other hand, if sitting next to their sibling at the kitchen table isn’t working, try something different. It can take a while to figure out everyone’s ideal learning spots, and they can change over time; just don’t give up.

It’s OK for school schedules to vary

Is your child a morning person, or do they naturally sleep in? Does your child thrive on completing tasks in a specific order, or do they prefer changing things up every day?

While many teachers are getting some online face time with their students, most kids have suddenly found themselves without the strict school schedules they were familiar with. Try playing around with starting your home school earlier or later to see which works best for your family. Depending on your work schedule, afternoon or evening school may work best.

Have your own school dress code

Should your kids wear their jeans, or is it OK to stay in their pajamas? If you feel like having your kids put their school uniforms on helps put their minds in the learning mode, then go for it. If your kids are motivated to study while in their soccer uniforms, then let them. Figure out which attire works best for both you and your kids.

Homeschooling with babies and toddlers

Teaching school-aged kids can be tricky when there’s a toddler or baby in the home. Try doing more intensive subjects when needier kids are napping or busy eating. Having a basket of busy toys for preschoolers — Legos, blocks, play dough or a tablet — can help keep younger children entertained while you focus on teaching another.

Don’t feel guilty about having an older child help with the younger ones. Have your reading-aged kids read to each other, come up with craft ideas, or play with the younger children for an hour. Child care is a good skill to have and educational in itself.

High schoolers

While most teens are familiar with technology, some are struggling with the basics of distance-learning software. Sit down with your teen and make sure they know where to turn assignments in and how to work their computer’s microphone and camera.

Other teens are finding themselves with nothing to do and lonely without their peers. Have a brainstorming session to help them connect with their friends and find purpose during this tumultuous time.

Take a break

When learning gets stressful, step away from school for a break. Eat a snack, go on a walk, make a craft, do some jumping jacks, or play a game together. Remind yourself that checking off school to-dos isn’t as important as helping your children know they’re loved.

Bring in the experts

Is there an assignment or subject that has you stumped? Connect with a relative, neighbor or friend who can help your child. I’ve personally outsourced lessons on business, science, history, home economics and math. Kids often give better attention to non-parents, so take advantage of the experts you know and ask if they can help tutor your child in a socially distant-friendly way via one of many available apps.

Give your child more responsibility

Because homeschooling takes so much time, I’ve assigned more cleaning responsibilities to my children. Explain to your kids that you need more help more around the house now that you’ve taken on this educational responsibility. While some kids may jump in and help, others may need to be assigned extra chores.

Learn on the go

Get out of the house and go somewhere social-distancing friendly. Kids can read and do many assignments in the car while you’re driving to and from your destination. Also, knowing they’re going somewhere new or fun can be a good motivator for them to finish their assignments.

Branch out

Don’t be afraid of leaving the lesson plans for a while and letting your child learn in a different way. Try one of the many 75+ online resources from this list or join an online group to learn more about companies continually adding free online educational tools for kids stuck at home during the pandemic.

Be honest

Sit down and tell your kids how new or unfamiliar this whole schooling-at-home thing is for you. Understand that while it’s a huge jump for you to do this, it can also be a leap for your children to see you as someone other than a parent/homework overseer. Ask what they think could be changed and, in turn, explain your expectations. Give everyone time and grace to adjust.

Embrace the experience

This homeschooling experience won’t last forever and will, hopefully, be a fond memory in your family. Document your experiences; take photos and videos of your successes and failures. Learn from today so tomorrow can be better.

What other tips with schooling at home do you have? Share your ideas in the comment section below.

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