As we navigate these unprecedented times marked by a global pandemic, many families are experiencing school closures, prompting parents and caregivers to take on the role of educators. Embracing homeschooling can be a challenge, especially when trying to establish a productive routine that supports children’s learning and emotional well-being.
To help you in this temporary teaching role, we’ve gathered insights from a seasoned educator, Anna Brooks, a teacher and mother of three from New York. Anna has crafted a sample schedule to aid parents in creating a nurturing and structured environment for their kids, promoting a sense of normalcy during these unusual circumstances. She has also compiled a list of useful resources and activities. For families with neurodiverse children, Anna suggests utilizing this social story, which can assist them in understanding the current situation surrounding COVID-19.
While this schedule serves as a helpful starting point, Anna emphasizes the importance of flexibility. “Kids might need time to adjust to this new learning mode, so be gentle with yourselves and your children,” she advises. “Increased screen time or unstructured play is perfectly acceptable. Tailor this plan to fit your family’s needs and allow for downtime in your pajamas — just do what feels right for you.”
Here’s Anna’s recommended homeschooling plan:
6:00-7:00 AM — Wake Up
Start the day with some quiet time while parents gradually wake up. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule can significantly benefit children’s mental health.
7:00-8:00 AM — Breakfast
Involve your kids in breakfast preparation by assigning them small tasks, like setting the table or helping with cooking, to keep them engaged.
8:00-8:30 AM — Family Circle Time
Gather everyone to discuss the day’s agenda and check in with each family member’s feelings. Monitor the weather and discuss the clouds visible outside (The Center for Science Education has a fantastic cloud guide!). Encourage each person to set a daily goal, which can be documented for motivation.
8:30-8:45 AM — Family Stretching and Yoga
Movement is crucial for younger children. Kickstart the day with light stretching or yoga. Cosmic Kids Yoga offers excellent sessions, and GoNoodle provides fun fitness activities suitable for kids.
8:45-10:00 AM — Learning Time
Set up various learning stations around the house for subjects like math and literacy, rotating every 20-30 minutes to keep kids engaged.
10:00-10:40 AM — Snack and Recess
Take advantage of outdoor space if available, or let kids engage in free play. For a fun workout, try some kid-friendly exercise videos.
10:40-12:00 PM — Finish Learning Rotations
Encourage independent reading or engage younger children with letter coloring activities.
Noon-1:15 PM — Lunch and Recess
Let the kids help with lunch prep, and mix up the order of lunch and recess to keep things lively. For indoor fun, consider games like freeze dance or learn a new dance together.
1:15-1:30 PM — Rest Time
Encourage everyone to rest; if any of your kids still nap, now’s a good time for it.
1:30-2:15 PM — Specials
Dedicate this time to art, music, or physical education activities.
2:15-2:30 PM — Clean Up
Get the kids involved in tidying up after activities. Listening to music during cleanup can make it more enjoyable!
Recommended Educational Resources
Here are some valuable resources that Anna recommends for various subjects:
Literacy:
– For early learners, check out this comprehensive packet from Amber Charter School.
– GreatSchools.org provides a wide range of worksheets by grade level.
– K5 Learning features grade-specific worksheets and engaging short stories.
Math:
– K5 Learning has excellent math worksheets perfect for practice.
– Kidzone offers fun, skill-based games and worksheets tailored to different math concepts.
Science:
– Tinkergarten encourages outdoor exploration with age-appropriate activities.
– GreatSchools provides printable science worksheets for basic learning.
Social Studies:
– While some resources from NewPath Learning are paid, many free worksheets are available.
– Check out Easy Teacher Worksheets for lessons geared towards older elementary students.
Art and Music:
– Good Housekeeping offers 50 DIY craft projects to keep kids entertained.
– Classics for Kids has a variety of music lesson plans centered around different composers.
For additional engaging content and activities, consider visiting this insightful blog post or checking out Make A Mom’s guide for comprehensive resources. Also, for those pursuing pregnancy resources, NHS’s IUI guide is an excellent reference.
Navigating the world of homeschooling can be daunting, especially if it’s new territory for you. However, as Anna highlights, the most important thing is to find what works best for your family. With this schedule and these resources, you can create a customized plan that suits your needs and, hopefully, enjoy the process.
Summary: Establishing a homeschooling routine can be challenging, but with a structured schedule and engaging resources, parents can create a productive learning environment at home. Emphasizing flexibility and support will help children adapt to this new way of learning.
Keyphrase: Temporary homeschooling guide
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