Weaving Through the School at Home Maze

How do you homeschool when you didn’t plan on schooling from home?

At the end of the day on Friday, the whole world seemed to flip upside down. Instead of worrying about carline, you now had to worry about getting school done, feeding the kids all day (because let’s not kid ourselves, it’s never just three meals a day), and still do all you need to do to keep the plates spinning.

That would have been bad enough, but the normal release during normal breaks are being discouraged. DON’T go to the bowling alley. DON’T go to the museums. DON’T have play days.

What do you do when everything you thought last week is suddenly different today?

Tips for School at Home

• 1. Relax. If things are too crazy to get anything done then don’t try to get anything done. If they miss a day or two of schooling, so be it.

• 2. Focus on things you can get done. Do what you can do or what absolutely must be done. Let the rest wait.

• 3. Prioritize your list. Last week you may have planned to spring clean this week, but under the circumstances, you may need to rearrange the plan. What MUST be done needs to go to the top of the list?

• 4. Think outside the box. Let learning come from a different angle. Feed the birds (and identify your visitors). Have the kids help out around the house or teach them to cook dinner. Make your life the classroom for the moment.

• 5. Get outside. Sunlight is good for the heart, the mind, and the immune system. Try to get outside at least 30 minutes every day.

• 6. Listen to your school directions. Some schools are moving classes online. Some aren’t. Follow the guidelines provided and you will be okay.

• 7. Learn together. Take an online class together, try out a new hobby, or dare to tackle a new skill (it’s the perfect time to create a container garden).

Ultimately, the key is to not get caught up in the chaos no matter how much the chaos is determined to disrupt your life. Do what you can do. Accept that you can’t do it all. And above all else, find a way to enjoy the journey.

It doesn’t have to be all fun and games, but it should be all smiles and adventures.

How are you finding your way through the schooling at home maze? I would love for you to share your tips and ideas in the comments below.

The Mom

For the record, we homeschooled for 17 years before the two oldest graduated and went to college and the youngest decided to go to traditional school. I have been involved in just about every form of homeschooling imaginable. But despite being home school veterans, I was caught off guard. Don’t feel like you are alone if things are a little wonky.

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