Tips for Homeschooling your children during the coronavirus

We’re in an unprecedented time – due to the coronavirus pandemic, businesses and schools are closed all over the world. In the Dallas area, schools have been closed for a few weeks already, and the closures are likely to extend at least another month.

With all the schools closed, parents are now finding themselves in the unique situation of forced homeschooling. It’s a difficult transition, especially for parents who are still working from home.

We’re all going a bit stir crazy, and with the added stress of homeschooling, it’s easy to feel like things are out of control. We wanted to share these simple tips to help everyone stay on track with school, keep their kids engaged, and keep everyone sane.

You don’t have to be perfect

No one expects you to handle the transition without any hiccups. Aim for survival, not perfection. Everyone is stressed, and no one expects you to be the world’s greatest teacher. If you need a break, it’s perfectly OK to take one. Need to put on a movie to keep the kids entertained while you handle some work? that’s fine too. Remember – this situation is more of a marathon, so don’t burn yourself out treating it like a sprint.

Stick to a general schedule

You don’t have to be locked in to a rigid learning schedule. You really only need anywhere from two to four hours of learning time – not a full 7 hour day. It’s totally OK to let your kids sleep in – that gives you time to take care of other necessities, and keeps them well-rested.

Set up a learning space

A little structure goes a long way. Set a specific area for learning, and use a bin or basket to store all the materials and keep organized. Kids are more likely to focus if you’re using the same designated “school space” every day.

Understand how your child learns

If your kiddo is a strong learner, they’ll probably be fine with more independence and can work at their own pace. If they’re weaker learners, they’ll need more assistance and structure. Some children learn better by listening and watching, while others learn better by doing. If you know your child’s learning style, it’ll be easier to guide them through the homeschooling process.

Let your kids be creative

Let your kids spend time being creative – let them work on the passion projects they may have not had time for during normal school schedules. If they’re working on something they’re truly interested in, you won’t have to force them to work, and they’ll flex those creative brain muscles that help them learn.