MANY of us out there have found ourselves in a situation we NEVER thought we’d be in - teaching our kids at home! While it us such a blessing that in one way shape or form our kids can still get an education outside their classroom, it can also be a little stressful. We didn’t have weeks/months to prep, some of us have other jobs that still need our time and attention, some of us have “littles” at home, some of us are schooling multiple kids, some are teachers pulling double duty teaching their class and their own kids, some of you have to work outside the home and cannot be home with you kids, and the list goes on!
Here is a copy of the Instagram post by Mandy at learningbeautifully that I think will speak to EVERONE’S heart right now, even if you don’t have school-age kids.
Ps - I HIGHLY recommend that you follow her if you are are on Instagram!
a few tips for schooling at home... unexpectedly 👀😷😬
🌿set realistic expectations:: lay out any simple chores you want done + big picture goals (learning to read, ride a bike, memorize multiplication tables, etc.)
🌿 wake before they do:: read, workout, shower, or drink coffee before they rise if possible 🤪 - you’ll be happier + more patient for it! 🌿 set the mood:: candles, diffusers, music, pillows + blankets all help set the stage for comfortable at-home learning for us!
🌿feel the rhythm:: establishing a rhythm that feels natural + breaths life into your family will prove invaluable + add peace during these stressful days 💆🏻♀️
🌿get outside:: take advantage of the spring weather + let nature be their classroom whenever possible! fresh air, sunshine + even puddle splashing lifts everyone’s moods.
🌿 let reading rule:: even if all you do during the day is read to them or allow them to read on their own, count it a successful learning day!
🌿 explore handicrafts:: take them to the store (or order from amazon 😷) + let them discover a new passion or skill with the extra free time! sewing, woodworking, water coloring, + learning the ukulele are just a few things on our family’s list
🌿 spend time with family members:: use it as an opportunity to spend time with relatives who are healthy + able. if you have friends or family willing, plan a few special hours together!
🌿 khan academy:: you most likely have videos to engage with from the school, but keep the khan academy in mind for any supplemental learning, even for littles! it’s by far the best free learning app out there ✌🏼
🌿 tackle a project together:: build a raised garden bed, redecorate that bedroom, redesign your outdoor space, build a cool bird feeder + buy kid binoculars for hours of observation! use the extra time as a family to be productive together!
🌿 introduce a new family member:: adopt the puppy or kitten your kids have been begging for, hatch chicks, release butterflies, grow tadpoles! or surprise everyone with a new baby in 9 months with all your extra free time 🤷🏻♀️👶🏻😆
🌿 when all else fails, embrace the slowness + extra time together - it is certainly not being wasted! 💛