Emergency Homeschooling? Where do I start?

Schooling is coming into a new season. There is much uncertainly and fear as situations around the world change daily. With the COVID-19 pandemic, many are choosing to keep their children home from school, and are facing the challenge of suddenly homeschooling. It is my hope, that this space can provide some reassurance and peace, as well as a manageable framework for those finding themselves ‘emergency homeschooling’.

Parents facing the immediate situation of homeschooling their children may have a range of concerns and questions. Will my kids fall behind? What subjects should I cover? Where do I get resources and school supplies? How long can I sustain this? How will I ever have time to teach my children, while maintaining laundry, meals on the table, attending to little ones, cleaning etc, etc. Where to start??? Be confident that you are the best person to be navigating your children through this time of uncertainty.

Can I encourage you to take a few deep breaths, make a cup of tea and read on…..

So, where do I start? ‘De-schooling’

I believe a helpful place to start is to release yourself from the pressure of educating your child institutionally. As most of us were raised in school, and have sent our child to school, the idea ‘itself’ conjures up a variety of responses. If we think of homeschooling in the same way, it becomes the equivalent of a full-time job. Adding this to your existing job of being a parent with various household tasks and potentially other work, the task is close to impossible!

The first mindset shift needed is to see ‘education’ as growth in all aspects of life. Yes, academics are important, but it is only one part of education.

The beauty of homeschooling is that it provides the freedom and flexibility to spend time on the basics (e.g. academics), enjoy the free time to pursue areas of interest and create family memories.

What next? Set some goals

Take some time to consider the bigger picture. This season of homeschooling needs to be both sustaining for you and your family with the hope of filling in the ‘schooling’ gap until things return to normal again. Ask yourself: What is important to us as a family? Or, what are some things that I would really like to do with my children that I haven’t had the opportunity to before? It may be reading stories together, cooking together, planting a garden, putting into place some household chores or routines or taking a daily walk. Also ask the question: What are my skills and interests that I want to share with my children?

Ask your child(ren) what they would like to do during this time together. They may be interested in a particular country or author or topic. This is the perfect opportunity to take on a new project together and enjoy the freedom and flexibility of natural learning in this season.

Create a list of goals and ideas that you will use when you start to plan your weekly rhythm.

Be sure to factor in your own needs for self-care in this season!

Here’s a few ideas to start building a new rhythm….

In times of craziness in our lives, we’ve found a few anchors to keep us grounded. It is my hope that these ideas help you towards peace, calm and rhythm in your home and family.

1. Fun

Make time for fun. Spend time doing things you both enjoy! You could play games together, go for bike rides, listen to music, look through family photos or be creative (draw, paint etc.). Carve out time each day to have fun together.

2. Connection

I have found that the amount of learning success in our home is often dependent on the health of the relationship I have with my children. So, before you even think about teaching your children ‘school subjects’, spend time connecting with them.

When I am struggling with teaching or relating to my children, I realise (usually after way too long), that I haven’t spent much time with just them. Try to spend time each day with each child, doing something they enjoy. It could be as little as 15 minutes a day. Ask your child what they would like to do with just you! Sometimes I will play a game of UNO, read a chapter of a book, draw a picture or go for a swim with my child. When the relationship between you and your child is in a healthy place, learning comes so much more easily.

3. Nature

Being in nature fosters a sense of peace and joy to us! When things turn pear-shaped, we often head straight to the beach, to look out at the expanse of the ocean, breathe deeply and feel refreshed and calm. Where is the nature close to you? Is it the ocean, a mountain, the bush, a lake or a nature reserve? Or if you are homebound in this season, spend time in your backyard, garden or neighbourhood collecting and observing nature.

4. Weekly flow / rhythm / routine

Now we are ready to think about a new weekly rhythm. Look at the list of goals/ideas that you made for this new season at home with your children, and list them in order of priority. Then, when you are ready, start slowly with one thing at a time. In our house, we often start with morning routines: breakfast, make bed/tidy room, hang washing and clear kitchen dishes etc. Once the morning is flowing reasonably well, we add the next thing and maintain that for a few days or so before adding in another layer to our day. Set aside some time for ‘schooling’ which I will talk about next. If it’s helpful, draft up a timetable of elements of the week. Remember to set aside time for play, connection, fun and caring for yourself!

5. Schooling - Focus on the Basics

Once things around the house are running reasonably smoothly, then you can turn your thoughts to schooling. Identify what the basics are for your children– it might be a little maths, reading, and perhaps some spelling, number facts or writing. Bring home the books that your child was using at school - these can become your resources to be used during homeschooling. Your child’s teacher may be providing some online support or guidance about the basics that they would like to continue during this season.

Once you’ve identified the basis, start with one at a time. For example, in our home, we start with reading a chapter from their reader each day and some mental maths . Once those are established and the children are comfortable and content, we add in something else – like writing. So, identify the basics, then start SLOWLY add one thing at a time.

It is my hope that this has been a blessing and encouragement to you. Hang in there! Be confident that you are the best person to be navigating your children through this time of uncertainty. Relax, enjoy your children and remember to make time to care for yourself! Stay tuned for 10 of my family’s favourite homeschooling ideas that you can add to your weekly rhythm.

Penny