The Christmas break is over. It’s January and for many students is the beginning of another school semester. Due to COVID-19 many are still home schooling. I am sharing great advice from a friend of mine about teaching children at home.
“As a long-term homeschooling mom of 7 children. I have a few of my favorite tips to share:
#1-Take care of yourself!!! Come up with a plan and do it, non-negotiable!
#2-Teach by example...meaning what are you learning about or new/increasing skill? And share it with them. Your excitement, challenges, struggles, and victories. It doesn't matter if it's baking bread, embroidery or Spanish.
#3 Have a daily quiet time! Even if no one naps, off to their rooms for 1 hour to give you peace and everyone a break. They can sleep, draw, read whatever, but they leave you alone During this time...don't do housework, use this time for self-care, reading, relaxing, connecting with a friend, etc. basically anything that fills your cup.
To parents out there who will be teaching their children at home for a little while –
Know that children learn through play. Get them thinking and let them teach each other. Let them explore, discover, wonder, ask questions. Make it interesting to them. Have them design a project that will involve writing, art, computing, scientific discovery, discussion, dance etc. This is a great opportunity to bond together. Make it fun!!
#1 Do not... I mean, DO NOT EVER bring your kids home and try to recreate public school. It. Will. Not. Work. You will hate it. They will hate it. I repeat - it will not work! Ask for help from those who have done it!
#2 To start - just read. Pick some of your favorite books and just snuggle up and read to your kids. Take a break and discuss things. Don't ask them questions about what color the dog in the story was to see if they were listening. Ask them questions that will make them think - that will allow them to make connections with themselves and the world around them. Encourage them. There are NO WRONG ANSWERS here. Refrain from answering your questions, yourself.
#3 If you and the kids aren't having fun - you're not doing it right. Don't just print out worksheets. BORING! MIND-NUMBING. Especially for math - They call them "real numbers" for a reason. Make them real. Play games. If your kids aren't having fun with math. If they don't love it. It is not being taught correctly. Learning math should be some of the most fun they have at school... and I HATED math growing up.
#4 Invite your children to go on an educational journey with you. Create a vision of what you can accomplish together. Create an educational environment by tuning out the distractions.
#5 Use morning for quieter work, reading, writing, etc., and the afternoons for working on projects and personal goals.
#6 If you have an active child, do 20 minutes of schoolwork, then 20 minutes of play. Repeat.
#7 Be the example you want your children to see. Pick up a book and read. Share with them what you are reading. Share your joy in learning - even if it is a new recipe.
#8 Do not hesitate to let your child take the lead. If you've planned to teach something for the day and your child says they really want to learn about rockets -- drop absolutely everything and learn about rockets. Use the internet, books, etc. (You can make one with a bike pump, needle, cork and 2 ltr bottle). Learning doesn't take place when the teacher is teaching - but when the student is WANTING to learn.
#9 Have faith, not fear! You were made for this! Your children were given to YOU for a reason. You have every skill and ability (or the capacity to learn them) that you need, and you have Heavenly help because you are doing His greatest work in raising and teaching your children.
#10 Maintain the relationship at all costs. Math isn't more important than your child. What he won't pick up after three day’s work at it - he will pick in 15 minutes on another day. I've seen it happen over, and over, and over again. “
My hope is that you can do more than survive your homeschooling journey!!! Good luck too you!
Con amor,
Vero
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