Homeschooling may seem like uncharted territory, especially during adaptation to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. It is absolutely normal for you to feel stress, uncertainty, and exhaustion for the days ahead. While homeschooling can be a bit unpredictable at times, you can do your best by developing a simple routine and not putting too much pressure on yourself and your children.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Adapt Your Mindset
Step 1. Seek support from other homeschooling parents and teachers
If you have finished school a long time and suddenly find yourself in the role of "teacher", you are likely to feel very overwhelmed. Fortunately, there are many resources that you can take advantage of. Post in forums or join social media groups dedicated to homeschooling during the pandemic. These people can offer valuable knowledge and important support.
You can also talk to parents whose children are homeschooled to get a better idea of their schedules and learning goals
Step 2. Remember why your children are homeschooled in the first place
Rather than viewing the situation as "homeschooling," consider it a necessary part of keeping your children safe during the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. It is normal that you have some difficulties, but the most important thing is that your family is healthy.
Homeschooling can be difficult, especially during adaptation to a crisis like the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. On the most stressful days, remember that you help your children receive their education and adjust well during an uncertain time
Step 3. Practice gratitude daily with your family
Take a moment with your children to write or sketch something that each of you is grateful for. Also, plan one thing they want to accomplish during the day, along with one thing they stop worrying about.
For example, you can write something like "I appreciate the opportunity to spend more time with my family. Today, I will help my children with a science experiment. I will forget any stresses and crises from yesterday, and I will make today the best day possible."
Step 4. Adapt your expectations on a daily basis
Don't set too high standards for yourself or your kids. Homeschooling is complicated, and it will only seem more stressful and overwhelming if you set unrealistic expectations. Accept the fact that your children may not be as productive as you would like them to be, which is fine.
For example, don't expect them to sit down for eight hours every day. Instead, focus on providing them with a comprehensive and participatory education that fits well with your work schedule
Step 5. Change the teaching style if your children show no interest
Pay attention to their reaction and participation in each class. Certain teaching styles may not resonate well with your children. In this case, don't be afraid to make a change. Prepare more practical classes or include more visual guides. Pay special attention to your children and the types of classes that resonate best with them.
- For example, if they don't like reading aloud very much, have them listen to audiobooks.
- If they are not so interested in reading, add some posters and visual aids.
- If they seem bored or closed off, hold classes on the front porch or patio for a change of scenery.
Method 2 of 3: Reduce Stress with a Routine
Step 1. Create a rough schedule for each day
Develop realistic goals for your family and each of your children, since it will allow you to know what to focus on each day. With the whole family in mind, plan a schedule that you can realistically manage and in harmony with the rest of your obligations, such as your job.
For example, you can start the day with breakfast and cleaning. Then have the kids work on the assignments while you focus on your work. At this point, they can have lunch and then study some more or have some quiet time. End the day with an entertaining or social activity (like going for a walk or kicking the ball outside) to keep the kids busy
Step 2. Divide the day into large blocks, rather than specific classes
Rigorous classes and segments can seem overbearing and overwhelming, as well as adding unnecessary stress to your schedule. Instead, make your children's homeschool hours more open. Do not program subjects in a certain block. Instead, give them an open time to work on different subjects.
- For example, you can schedule a "block" of time between 8:30 a.m. m. and 1:00 p. m. Instead of planning strict schedules, they can work on math, reading and writing problems in this period. In the afternoon, you can create a second block between 2:00 p.m. m. and 5:00 p.m. m. to focus on science and history.
- Blocks offer more flexibility within the schedule, which can help reduce stress.
Step 3. Give yourself more time than you really need for classes
Anticipate obstacles that may arise throughout the day, such as a very difficult class or a tantrum. Add extra time to the schedule so your kids aren't too late in their studies, in case a major distraction arises. Don't be hard on yourself if you can't keep a perfect schedule. It is absolutely normal for unexpected problems or surprises to arise every day.
For example, if you need three and a half hours to teach your children math, reading and writing, set aside four and a half hours for that block
Step 4. Multitask if you have more than one child
Prioritize your younger children, as they will need more supervision and concentration. Encourage the older ones to do their homework independently while you figure things out with the little ones. Include naps and breaks in the schedule so your kids are refreshed and ready to learn.
- For example, if you have three young children, you can encourage two of them to play together while focusing on one of your children.
- Teens can generally work more independently than younger ones, so they may be able to complete a task on their own while helping your other child.
- If you have a baby at home, take advantage of breastfeeding time to tell stories to your younger children.
Step 5. Be flexible with your daily routine
Don't be hard on yourself, especially if things don't go according to plan. Prepare for the unexpected, especially if you're juggling a full-time job and other responsibilities alongside the obligations of homeschooling. Change your study schedule and give your kids more time to finish homework if they struggle to get it done in just one day. Going with the flow is a normal part of homeschooling, and there is nothing to be ashamed of.
Being flexible will not affect the quality of your children's learning
Step 6. Make time for yourself
Once your work and school day is over, set aside a small block of time to breathe, relax, and do whatever it takes to calm you down. Go for a walk, enjoy a hot bath, read a book, or do something that allows you and your children to relax and organize your thoughts.
If you are single, create a block of time for yourself after the children go to bed
Step 7. Spend quality time with your partner, if you have one
Schedule a time at the end of the day to relax with your partner and exchange impressions about their days. Offer support and an ear to your partner's concerns, and share some of your stressors and concerns you have regarding homeschooling. These types of conversations can help relieve stress on a daily basis.
For example, you can say something like, "I am concerned that the children are not really involved in the curriculum. How do you think I can make things more interesting?"
Method 3 of 3: planning for tough days
Step 1. Identify the root of your children's problems as they arise
Don't see seizures or tantrums literally. Instead, think about the stressors that contribute to your children's behavior. Separate yourself from the problem and understand that your children's difficulties are independent and alien to you.
- For example, if your child has a tantrum, his emotions may stem from feelings of stress or overwhelm.
- If your teenager is very moody, he may miss his friends or his extracurricular activities.
Step 2. Write a list of relaxing activities for you and your children
Sit down with the children to think of some activities to help them unwind and relax. They do not have to be complex or sophisticated things. Instead, think of them as lifesavers rescuing them from a difficult situation. Post the finished list where everyone can see it, like the refrigerator.
- For example, some relaxing activities might be going for a walk, listening to soothing music, or playing with a favorite toy.
- If your child is having a seizure, you can give him a few minutes to do a calming activity and relax.
- Teens can feel good about texting friends or playing a video game.
Step 3. Calm your children before disciplining them
Don't lash out at your kids when they have a tantrum. Instead, help them calm down, like with some free time. Express empathy for them and explain that you understand how they feel.
Don't say things like "You can't behave this way!" Instead, you can say something like, "I understand that you're upset, but yelling won't fix things. Let's take a deep breath together."
Step 4. Practice mindfulness throughout the week
Pretend you are an outside observer of the situation in your mind. Instead of addressing negative or stressful thoughts in your mind, watch them and allow them to float away. Focus on being in the present, rather than thinking about the past or the future.
For example, if a thought comes up related to concerns about the week's schedule, allow it to pass instead of focusing on it
Step 5. Ask your friends and family for support, if necessary
Call or text your loved ones if you are having a bad day. These people will offer you an ear and some advice, especially if they also have children. Above all, focus on the fact that you are not alone and that you have many loved ones who will help you overcome the challenges of homeschooling.
Advice
- Talk to your children and work to create a successful routine.
- Encourage your kids to make video calls with their friends who are also home schooled.