A huge takeaway from Covid-19 for parents is just how thankful we need to be for our teachers. As schools shut down and continue to extend their closure lengths, we are learning that this whole pandemic-homeschooling gig is something to start getting used to and maybe even getting good at. Whether you have preschoolers, high schoolers, or some of everything in between, nobody was prepared to become a last-minute teacher and we can use all the tips and tricks we can get our hands on.

Look to the “Professionals”

There is lots of room to learn when it comes to figuring out how to teach children, especially your own children. Don’t do it on your own! There are tons of resources online from mom’s who choose to homeschool full-time and year-round. They’ve survived the trial and error period and have figured out how to thrive in this environment that is so new and foreign for all of us. The great news is that a lot of these moms are more than willing to share their knowledge. In fact they love nothing more than to offer their best tips to those of us who are struggling. Find their blogs, their Pinterest boards, and their Instagrams and start taking notes. Find someone’s account or post that you love? Be sure to share it with the rest of us, we are all in this together. 

Use Your Resources

Who knew middle school math could be so hard? When math, science, etc. haven’t been a part of your life for who knows how long, helping with upper level math classes and other harder subjects can seem impossible. Luckily we live in the age of the internet. One of my personal favorite learning websites is Khan Academy. They have free videos and lessons on everything from math to art history to grammar to physics. They have extensive information and resources that can truly save your life when stuck on a tricky problem or question. Try reading the lessons and watching the videos together with your child so that you both learn and you can better help them with these topics in the future. There are tons of other useful resources for free or small subscription prices, so don’t be afraid to turn to Google and get more help.

Hold the Whole Team Accountable

Start each “school” morning with a team meeting. Get the whole family together whether it be over breakfast or at your makeshift “classroom” and have a daily meeting. In this meeting, go over the schedule for the day and then go child by child and run through what needs to be done for the day and ask them what everyone can do to help them. By holding your child accountable for their tasks, but also helping them feel like they have the support of the family underneath them, they are oftentimes able to stay on task and be more productive. It also helps you stay organized and stick to the schedule that your children will now be holding you very accountable to. They will never forget lunch break or P.E., trust me. 

Use a Reward System

Nothing motivates me like knowing I will get a reward at the end of something hard. This works the same for your kids, just do it wisely. Rather than tempting them with candy, video games, or other temporary and quick fixes, help your children to work towards a common goal. As a family, decide something fun that you want to do this summer or even just as soon as the quarantine is lifted. It could be a bigger event like a camping weekend or a trip to your local amusement park or something smaller scale like a rock climbing or bounce house day. These are things that are impossible to do right now so it will feel like an extra treat when the time finally comes to go. Try printing out an empty thermometer and taping it up on the wall. When an achievement is made or good behavior is displayed, allow them to color in a small portion of the chart until the thermometer is all the way filled up and the reward is achieved. 

Hopefully these tips and tricks can help you homeschool a little smarter and keep you from totally losing your mind. These are unique and confusing times. So much has changed and continues to change, just do your best and don’t forget to cut yourself some slack. We are all learning and adjusting. 

Until next time, 

Liz