How to survive homeschooling

Over 8m children have been sent home from school to continue their lessons amid the coronavirus scare. While schools have done all they can, providing learning packs and online classrooms for pupils, parents – many now working from home – may feel overwhe

STRUCTURE THE DAY

Kids should wake up early, have a good breakfast, and get dressed as if they were going out. Maintaining a routine is crucial to keep motivation high and take the new set-up seriously. Provide a space, however small, where home schooling will happen. If children split time between two households, both parents must work to the same timetable, goals and schedule throughout the day, with the same rules and boundaries.

EXPECT TO BE TREATED AS A TEACHER

Explain that, during this time, you are the ‘teacher’ and in charge. Set clear rules, but you may also want to offer incentives to keep them motivated, much like a school merit system, and take away privileges if they do not. Don’t try switching between teacher and parent personas – it will become stressful and your child won’t take you seriously. Instead, be the most ‘teacher-like’ version of yourself during home-learning time. Many parents worry how to ensure their teens listen to them. No matter what they say, teenagers appreciate boundaries and structure. Make your expectations clear and remind them they have a responsibility to prepare for their future.

KNOW YOUR CHILD’S LEARNING STYLE

A child who is naturally more talkative will learn better through opportunities to chat about their thoughts. Likewise, a shy child

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may enjoy quiet to process their thoughts. Typically, children have a learning style which is one (or a blend) of the following: auditory (learning by listening), visually (by seeing), or kinaesthetically (by moving). Use this link – thevedagroup.com/learningstyle – for a quiz to determine the best approach for your child. It’s also important to consider the dynamic between siblings. If you know they need to be separated to concentrate, then have some tasks where they sit together and others where they sit apart. Having older ones help the little ones can deepen their bond, and gives older children an opportunity to show how responsible they can be.

TAKE BREAKS FOR FRESH AIR

Remembering to take breaks is important for maintaining momentum. For kids and adults alike, a lunch hour and small breaks allow an opportunity to let off steam and refresh. Fresh air and daylight are essential for our sense of wellness, ability to focus, and motivation. Let them spend time in the garden, if you have one. If not, make use of what you have. Open curtains and windows to maximise natural light and flow of fresh air. It is crucial for parents to remember their own wellness, too.

NURTURE THEIR SOCIAL BONDS

This is a confusing and anxiety-inducing time for kids, and keeping social relations going will help to curtail this. Setting up FaceTime/ Skype dates is an easy way to stay connected. You may also want to coordinate your homeschooling schedule with other families, and with this in mind, set up study dates where the children are working on the same things, with Skype on in the background to create the sense of a virtual classroom.

MAKE SURE THERE’S AN END TO THE DAY

Having a timed end of day, like school, is important for maintaining separation between “school life” and “home life”. This is crucial for keeping everyone mentally well and happy, and avoiding burnout. Cabin fever may set in, and it may put pressure on, but it is only temporary. Maintaining perspective will be hugely helpful in stressful moments. And remember, this will pass!