No one will disagree if we say that this is such a crazy time.
‘Cause actually, IT IS! With all establishments closed, offices ceased operations, limited travels, curfew hours, even going out of the house is limited to one person from each household! How insane, right? We suddenly live our lives differently. And with the rise of COVID-19 positive cases every single day, we might be facing a new normal, which could last for who-knows-how-long!
Now you’re stuck at home with your spouse and your children -- you suddenly realize that the usual weekends with everyone home together are just not enough to keep your sanity. Your house is currently a mess with your youngest’s toys on the floor, spilled milk juice in the kitchen, crumbs on the sofa, unmade beds, your teenager’s soiled clothes hanging on the chair and on the floor seemed to have never reached the hamper! Now your home looks ransacked! And with the pantry constantly being raided especially by your middle child who has nothing to do but play Roblox, you are now doubting your budgeting skills! Your grocery items that are supposed “stock for 2-weeks” looks to be running out sooner than you presumed it would. You suddenly feel that a vacation would have been best during this time to save your house from such chaos... if not only for the lockdown. You’re now tempted to make a TikTok account for yourself as an escape. (That is if you haven’t yet! Lol.)
With all that, you fervently hope that this community quarantine doesn’t get extended. You worry that your kids - since classes were suspended - aren’t going to benefit much from this lockdown other than being safe inside of your home. And now, you feel burdened to teach the remaining lessons from the book chapters that were left untaught by the teacher, thinking that you haven’t received what you’ve paid for from the last enrolment.
Calm down, momma! Take a deep breath and pause.
Here are 5 top tips to start homeschooling (even when you feel you’re forced to).
1. Check out your child’s workbooks and notebooks and take a glimpse of where they left off. If you already know, then you’re 1 step ahead. If you don’t, reach out to your child’s class adviser and ask for the remaining lessons so you know where to start. Don’t worry, you don’t have to know everything. And you won’t need to be an expert on each subject!
2. Takedown the list of your child’s interests, hobbies, favorite games or all the activities you recall they do during their free time. You may also takedown of games and fun activities you enjoy together as a family.
3. Make a list of the household chores you do each day.
Only this time, make it a family activity (if it isn't already)! It doesn’t have to be every day. Some families make chores a bonding activity during weekends. Delegate the chores to each family member. Don’t forget to make delegation age-appropriate.
4. Incorporate lessons in each activity.
Now, try to incorporate each “supposed” lesson your child should be having in each activity you have as a family out of the lists you make on steps #2 & 3. The more fun it is, the more likely it is for your child to pay attention. Remember to make the learning sessions stress-free!
You know, learning doesn’t have to be boring. And it doesn’t even always mean workbooks and modules. Be creative. Have fun. Remember that children learn best when they are having fun.
Arts & crafts classes for the family - free until 04/09/2020!
https://www.mybluprint.com/
5. Work on your relationship with your kids.
Most of all, the most important thing to do is to work on your relationship with your child. As a Positive Discipline coach say, connect with your child first, then correct. Listen to your child. Let your child open his heart to you. That is the only key to get him to listen eagerly. Remember that the goal is not just his academic improvement. Encourage him so he will develop confidence and a love for learning. Let him be curious, think on his own. Let him be responsible and be accountable for his own actions.
Homeschooling doesn’t have to be taken literally as ‘school-at-home’. It rather has a deeper meaning and purpose. It’s flexible, spontaneous, holistic. It doesn’t need to be stressful as that exactly would take away the fun in it. All those awards, accomplishments you want him to achieve by the end of a school year? Those are all just bonuses. Homeschooling is a way of life. Focus on your parenting goals as a family. Focus on things that matter to you. Choose what’s best for your children & your family.
Keep safe, and enjoy homeschooling!
Jose R Velasco Ave,
Los Baños Laguna, Philippines
(049) 536 8316
Monday-Friday (7:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
Saturday and Sunday: Off