10 Tips for Homeschooling in the Times of COVID 19
In these unprecedented times with so much uncertainty around, we often lose control of our routine chores that we were efficiently performing in the pre-pandemic days. One such area is our children’s school and academics, especially those in the early years.
It was all set; 8 -1 pm life, lunch time, nap times, QTAs and play time — all was perfect until one fine day, everything crumbled upon us.
And here we are today, struggling with a new challenge every day whereby homeschooling tops it all.
Getting to make a child sit, those young ones especially, and using tabs for lessons is a task in itself. A lot of us are struggling with setting their routines, understanding the assigned tasks, dealing with 98363 tantrums and boredom attacks, losing control and getting panicky ourselves.
So brace yourselves moms and dads, here I present to you some quick tips to take it easy and take it one day at a time;
1. Remember, the current scenario is as difficult for the kids (maybe more) as it is for us. We may be able to understand the complexities of this time, but our children may not. So rule number 1, always be gentle.
2. Prepare a makeshift homeschooling area. A place that has no noise and where your child can keep all their study material. This way, they’ll find it much easier to focus and rest of the family can continue with their life as normal.
3. It’s important to set a ‘timetable’ for the day. Without the structure of a school day, motivation and energy can take a dive. Divide the day between study time as well as active breaks. Make sure child moves and gets a physical break, eat meals on time and engages in conversations.
4. Don’t forget to keep your phone away during lesson time so you can give them undivided attention. Remember! If you are distracted, they’ll be distracted too.
5. Don’t make the lesson unpleasant by criticizing little mistakes and ‘chill out a bit’
6. It is absolutely not necessary to complete all the tasks in one sitting. Don’t forget to give them a brain break to keep their attention span intact. Incorporate lots of breaks in the instruction.
7. If something isn’t working for you, give it one more try and then move on. Homeschooling and parenting are all about flexibility.
8. Don’t forget to focus on supporting the mental health of your child. A child is far more likely to thrive in a calm, supportive and enjoyable environment than under strict and constricted circumstances. If a child is happy and the soul is happy then a child is receptive to everything and will automatically be receptive to learning whatever is put in front of them.
9. Take this break as an opportunity to nurture their emotional and mental wellbeing. Indulge in small, simple conversations with them, talk about feelings, discipline with respect, listen first and talk second. Allow plenty of time for play and love them unconditionally.
10. And last but not the least, don’t forget to take it one day at a time. It’s hard for all of us but remember, we are all in this together!
Happy schooling from home!