Homeschooling During COVID-19

Busy Idleness By Isaac Snowman

7 Years ago I made the choice to pull my children out of public school.  It has been one of the best decisions I have made for them and for our family.  I had time to pray about and research my decision and was able to have 100% control over what my children are learning.  I had the choice to pull my children out, many of you had that choice made for you.

Parents all across the country are faced with something they never thought they would be faced with...Overnight they have become principals, detention centers, and math teachers. Schools everywhere are closed due to COVID-19, parents across the country have just become teachers aids as they assist teachers in overseeing their child's education.

I feel your panic, I have been there and I have spent more than one day hiding in my room, wishing I had chocolate to drown my frustrations with.  

Change the Scene

 Right now it may not feel like it, but you have just been handed a wonderful opportunity. When the world has gone crazy, you can be there to soothe the fears of your children.   It will take time to adjust to being home with each other all day.  I know it took my kids time to adjust, they were not friends and didn't know how to get along. They were used to spending the majority of their day outside of the home.  I learned that when the fighting started, it was time to change the scene.  When the close encounters seem too much, go outside, take a nature walk, go on a hike.  Fresh air and sunshine go a long way in soothing the soul.  If you can't go on a walk because of stay in restrictions, find another way to change things up like play a game, bake a treat, watch a documentary together or learn something new like how to watercolor. 

Let them sleep in, within reason of course.  I am not saying let them sleep the day away. I have one that could do that.  It is important that you and your children get the recommended amount of sleep to help ensure the health of your family.  Sleep also helps to reduce anxiety so don't fret if you don't start your school day at the same time as the public school did. You've got all day to get it all done.

Read, Read, and Read some more
This is a great time to gather your loved ones close and read uplifting literature to them. Reading is a great way to teach character without lecturing.  So many lessons can be learned from reading great literature and discussing the truths found within.  Some great books to start with are Pollyanna, Pollyanna Grows Up,  The Little Britches Series,  Heidi, Treasures of the Snow,  Dr. Suess Books, The Chronicles of Narnia, Red Scarf Girl,  Number the Stars, and  Just David.  You can find a lot of the older classics on Kindle or Librivox for free.


Don't fight with your kids
It can be a battle to get all the school work done that teachers have sent home for your child.  Don't fight with your child over getting it done.  It is okay if the math homework doesn't get done as quick as you feel that it should.  Help your child learn to take ownership of their education.  Sometimes in order to learn, they have to fail first.   I really like the below quote:

Start Each Day with a Prayer and Devotional

Take the time to pray as a family and thank Heavenly Father for your blessings and ask for His guidance as you teach your children. This is also a great time to read the scriptures together or talk about your family values.  What do you believe as a family? What character traits do you want your children to work on? What is your family mission statement? Create one if you don't have one yet. 

There is no parent better than you for your children.  Hold them close and enjoy this added time with them.  Help them explore their interests and don't worry if they don't get all the assignments done today, there is always tomorrow. 

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