5 TIPS FOR BUSY PARENTS
End of your tether with homeschooling?
Hopefully it will be over soon, but in the meantime, these are few tips that could help you get to the finish line…. without committing a crime!
So let me once again swap my photographer’s hat for a teacher’s one…
WELCOME TO HOMESCHOOLING: MY TOP TIPS
So here are my top 5 tips for reducing some of the stress of homeschooling!
1. Get organised
Planning is key to a successful day.
Spending an hour at the end of the day getting everything ready for each child you are homeschooling – even if it is the last thing you feel like doing – will make your days SO MUCH easier.
Watch their videos in advance, so when they say “get your weighing scales” you have them ready to go!
Get all their books, pencils and any other objects they will need ready.
2. Have a school area
If possible, set up a school area with a table and chairs, learning posters around and make this the area that they can ‘come to school’.
Then when it’s break time, move away from this area to allow them a break from school.
This helps them to differentiate between school time and home life and focus when school is taking place.
3. Give some control to your children
In a time where we are all wanting some control, don’t forget children want some too!
So, you have to cover five different topics today, let them pick the order!
Obviously, if there are Zoom lessons they have to be fixed, but the rest hand the control over to them.
For those with Key Stage One’s at home like me, don’t forget to allow times for play throughout the day too!
These are just as important as the topics.
4. Have a back-up plan
It’s handy to have something up your sleeves.
Whether it’s a few sheets of Twinkl, some Play-Doh or ingredients to make a cake, it’s handy to have something to hand for if something is not going as planned, your computer freezes or your baby needs a clean nappy!
Most days we need this for one reason or another as something pops up unplanned.
A cake is a great option and can tie in to lots of different topics too; Maths, DT and Science!
5. Know when to stop and take a break –
Whether you need a break or the children need a break, know when to call time out!
We turn to Alexa and put a song on and dance around the kitchen (where our school area is) Superman by Black Lace is our current favourite actions and all! Then sit down and try again.
Just remember you can do this and you are in control!
YOU CAN DO THIS!
Considering what we are going through, staying sane and doing your best is all we should be striving for.
Some days my best is great… and other days it’s far from my ideal, but you know what? We are human.
Want to know more about my photographer’s hat?
Let’s chat! https://www.facebook.com/mariemyersphotography