Tips To Make Homeschooling Process Easier.

At this time, due to the coronavirus and social distancing, we are all forced to homeschool our children. It can be a joyous bonding occasion or one that we want to rip our hair out from frustration. But no matter how we feel, it’s something we have to do. Here are a few tips that you can use to try to get you through this homeschooling process and hopefully it can become an enjoyable experience for both the parents and the kids.

Tips To Ease The Homeschooling Process

Parents wake up before the kids.

The moment of peace that we get from a silent house is everything. This time without the kids allows us to get ready for the day, prepare our mindset, say a prayer and have our coffee before the beautiful chaos begins. I also try to get a few things done before they wake up. Things like cleaning, doing my own work, maybe a load of laundry and etc.

Give the kids a checklist to follow.

A checklist sets up structure and teaches them responsibility. Being at home, my kids thought that meant youtube, games, t.v. and playing all day. I had to let them know, no no my little love bugs, we actually have things to do. I created the checklist below for them to follow and to give a little structure during this sudden change and it is working out lovely! If you need a little structure for the kids that think it’s playtime all day, use this checklist. You won’t regret it!

Set Up A Work Station

Giving them a study work station or area communicates to the mind that it is time to get to work. The child may be more effective at a work station than laying on the couch. It also keeps them up and more productive because their body doesn’t feel like it’s nap time. Now, on the other hand, you know your child and they are all different. Maybe sitting on the couch with pillows or at the kitchen table will work better. Just try to put them in an area where they can be the most productive.

Be Patient And Be Positive During This Homeschooling Process

This change is new for everyone and believe it or not, the kids respond to the parent’s energy. Be patient with your student, and when things get frustrating for them and you, be positive. Let them know they can do it. I’ve been telling my kids, “You don’t want to do this work and neither do I, but do you want to repeat this same grade next year?” 🤔🤷🏾‍♀️ It quickly changes their attitude. I follow that statement with, “You’ve got this, let’s buckle down together and get it done!” It’s okay for them to express their dislike, because it’s important for them to understand that adjustments must be made, even though they don’t want to. Sounds like a lesson for both the parent and the kid, huh?

Follow The Lesson Plans Given

From talking with my other mom turned teacher friends, the actual teachers did a great job giving lesson plans and setting the assignments up. This helps so the students know the assignments that need to be completed for that day. Try to follow these plans daily. It will help so there is not an overload and your student won’t fall too far behind with the homeschooling process.

Take Breaks

Breaks are needed for the parents and the kids. Use this time to allow the kids to play, eat, go outside, do arts and crafts, watch t.v. or whatever their little heart desires for that day. This time allows them to clear their mind and also allows you to break too. Know the signals of frustration and don’t be afraid to allow the kids (or yourself) to step away. No one can learn when they are frustrated. Unplug, reset and then recharge. Our minds can only hold so much. My kids have taken a break and are currently playing a video game as I write this.

Do as much as possible, but don’t overdo it.

If all the work can’t be completed that day, do it tomorrow. Don’t sweat the small stuff and don’t overdo it. Even if you have to do a little on the weekend, it’s better than making the kid’s brain explode in one day. Stay consistent and keep working, but know your child’s limit. Have a cut off time for each day, so they don’t feel their entire day is full of homework. Try to make this homeschooling process as enjoyable as possible.

Congratulate your kids on all their hard work.

This adjustment is probably not as easy as we would like, but a little encouragement on a job well done can go a long way. Once the work is done for the day, put it away and enjoy the rest of the evening. Now, pat yourself on the back, mom, and go pour your favorite congratulatory drink because you successfully made it thorough another homeschooling day!

Be encouraged and don’t give up on this new homeschooling process. We will get through it together.

💕Donna💕