5 Tips To Homeschool/Virtual Learn with Your Child
Teaching kids at home isn’t easy, but it can be rewarding. Here are 5 tips that have helped me with my kids and getting everyone on the same page. Especially if you work from home too.
This post was originally posted on 3/20/2020 right at the beginning of the Pandemic. I wanted to share resources for you all that could help especially since not everyone had experience with kids at home while working at home.
The tips I’m sharing here are still valid whether you are homeschooling, even part-time homeschooling (which has become a big thing recently), or doing virtual school through the public school system. I have also made it even easier to grab the printable schedules by adding them to my shop (don’t worry, it’s still free).
As of 2023 I have re-read through it and updated it a bit for an easier read and included a table of contents to be more inclusive and helpful.
2020 Message (but still valid):
First and foremost, I just want to start by saying, you’re doing a great job. Now, take a deep breath and tell yourself that. This is a weird, and scary time for all of us, but we can get through this. You got this. OK, ready to homeschool your kid(s)?
This isn’t the first time schools have shut down amid an emergency, but it certainly has been a while. I’ve seen so many parents stressed, trying to figure out what to do, many not prepared to virtual learn or homeschool their child for obvious reasons. Most schools just closed within 24 hours, some schools aren’t even offering any schooling curriculum. This all escalated and happened so fast for all of us. I can’t even imagine being a school administrator or a public/private school teacher right now, trying to navigate through all this. So many are even unable to send home anything for the kids to do (due to the urgency of how quickly things have happened).
Many of you, I know, are also trying to figure out working your own jobs around offering some sort of schooling for your child. We’re all full of fear, frustration, exhaustion, and trying to move around these new boundaries.
Homeschool vs Virtual Learning
Let’s start with the basics, Virtual Learning is NOT Homeschooling.
Virtual learning is when a student is set at a computer for a certain amount of time, and a teacher, not the parent, is the primary resource and educator. Although this is a perfectly, acceptable option, and honestly, even pre-pandemic, this was a choice for many parents, but it is not the same as homeschooling. You have teachers that grade, teach and your student will go to them, for the bulk, of questions.
Homeschool is when you the parent/guardian, are the primary educator. You are the one sitting with the kids, assigning work, helping, and educating them through everything. The only person/people you answer to outside of yourself for the curriculum is your state (and/or city) to make sure you are following all laws and regulations for homeschooling.
schooling At Home is not easy
I’m not going to sugarcoat it, and for you out there that are trying to work while you homeschool or virtual learning, I feel you. I have done it all (except half and half). I have homeschooled, I have homeschooled younger kids while the older ones were virtually learning (Hello 2020) and I have sent my kids to both public and private schools. So trust me, when I say it’s hard. But homeschooling can also be very rewarding.
How do I know?
I started this blog when I was homeschooling my 2 oldest. I continued when my third was born. 5 kids, and a momentary effort of a handmade business with an Etsy Shop later, and well, needless to say, my “exceptional” organization skills pretty much went out the window. I eventually had to send the 2 oldest back to school (mainly, because I worried about what I could offer in the social aspect once they hit high school). So I kept the youngest home and sent the oldest to school.
Now, all but one of them are at our local schools, and honestly, the youngest will likely start in 4K when she’s of age. The school that I send my kids to I really enjoy (don’t get me wrong, every school has its ups and downs), but the success my oldest received gives me confidence in it.
My Pandemic Pep talk:
If you’re able to work from home with your kids, let’s just stop and think of the amazing gift you have there. Some are home with their kids, but have no work right now, which means no income. I know that working with kids in tow is difficult, but the silver lining, you’re still working.
Eventually, you will find a groove and everything comes together… well mostly (kind of like a homemade pizza your toddler helped you make. It looks a little sloppy, but still tastes AMAZING).
A Few Things That Have Helped Me
Even now, my 2 youngest are hitting the toddler stage. I started homeschooling my 2 oldest about 6 years ago (yes, I have 5 kids). About 3 years ago, my husband and I decided to send them to the local Catholic School. We wanted them to begin experiencing working with others in a different setting and learning that each place has different rules. I do have 2 more I currently homeschool, so even now, I still use these tips.
Trust me when I say that this is not out of my realm. Having 3 kids to take care of all day at home and running around for 2 others while running a handmade business and this blog can be hectic (dare I say even slightly disorganized). I also know many of you are tired and stressed about it (which is completely understandable).
A Few Things to help you Through
These are some basic tips that will hopefully help you. If you just want some go-to links for worksheets and activities, make sure to check out my Educational Resources for Preschool to Grade 5.
- Scheduling is key. When you have older kids, it’s easier. Teenagers for the most part should have a handle on what they need to do. But I still encourage a schedule. It’ll help you too, with getting work done. Maybe have a Google calendar that shows everyone what’s going on for the day. If you have younger kids I really encourage you to print your Google calendar. It helps them if they can see what the schedule is.
- You can also print the Class/Work Day Schedule OR a Daily Planner for each person in the house (if you don’t have a printer writing it on paper or a basic calendar also works. I found a daily schedule is best. Also, I recommend no more than a week’s worth of that schedule shown.
- Consistency. This goes with scheduling. When you have a schedule but don’t follow it, what was the point? I’m not saying that there might be changes here and there. Maybe you realized that playtime is right during a video meeting you have and you need to change it to reading time or nap time. What I am saying is to work with your family and find a good schedule you can keep (for the most part) during the work day. It also helps so everyone knows, “Mom has a Phone Conference at 2 PM you CAN NOT yell or be loud at that time”.
- Work Stations/Offices. This is key. In order for this to work, everyone needs to understand where work is done, where play is OK, and what the rules are. My husband has been able to work from home for the past 5 years and is almost always on the phone for his job. Currently, his office is in an area in our bedroom that is his dedicated “office”. When it’s 6 AM everyone knows this means he is on the phone and NO ONE can come in and there is no loud play or yelling until lunchtime and after work at 4 PM (or later). During the day, our dining room becomes the classroom. My younger kids know that when homework (or during these days, school work) is going on, that means it’s not time for tv or asking their older siblings a bunch of questions. I try to find them school work to do so they don’t feel so bored (Teachers Pay Teachers is a good resource). PBS Kids is a good one during your screen time (although to be honest, with this chaos going on, screen time has gone out the window). Khan Academy is another good one to keep them busy. It’s an app that goes on their tablets (or phones). It’s completely free and does fun age-appropriate activities that are completely learning-based. I also try to take advantage of this time and do some of my work as well. Something that I can break away from when they need me to stop and help.
- Breathe. I know this seems overwhelming, but you will get through this. It’s not perfect, but it will be ok. Nothing is static. And if they don’t get it all done in a day, then maybe cut back on the amount. It might be too much for them. If it is already assigned work from their teacher, contact the teacher right away to let them know and see what they suggest to help the student move along. If they get done quickly, that’s ok (as long as you see there is some challenge there). My homeschool curriculum actually doesn’t take the whole day, in fact, it only takes a few hours, but they are still getting everything they need. My oldest kids said other than getting used to moving around from class to class and the allotted time per class (because they basically took as long as they need in each class with me). They felt very prepared for school when going from homeschool to brick and mortar.
- Review. At the end of the week, I go over with the family what went well, what didn’t, and what the schedule is for next week. If you wait until Monday, you will feel overwhelmed, rushed, stressed out, and really won’t get much done. Take it slow and week by week. The whole goal here is to help educate your kids and still be able to work during these times. Those of us able to stay home have a blessing in disguise as well. An opportunity to be with our family more. Let’s use this time to get closer to our families and be there for each other in a positive way.
Here are those free Printables I was talking about:
You don’t need to sign up for my newsletter or anything to get these either. I want you to be able to get yourselves going as quickly as possible. The button does say “buy”, but they’re free. I promise.
Good luck. Remember to take it a day at a time and YOU’RE DOING GREAT! Feel free to contact me via Instagram, Facebook, or email with questions you might have about your new homeschool venture.
Looking for a Good Podcast?
I was contacted by someone that works for Michigan Virtual to check out this podcast. I did, and have to say that I enjoyed listening to it. They’re quick listens and full of positive vibes. If you’re looking for something positive to listen to and maybe help you through your school, this podcast is a great starter.
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