Home School Survival Skills A how-to guide for sheltering-at-home
with pencils and pens, pencil sharpener, paper, scratch paper, calculator if needed, ow that the kids are there with you every ruler, etc. Again, all of this helps get them morning, you are probably experiencing in a ‘school’ mode of thinking and learning. some ‘shock’ and wondering, “How do I 4. Most home school moms have found that do school at home?” Don’t panic. You can do they get all the academics done in three this. Here are a few strategies I’ve developed hours in the morning, 9-12 works well, with through ‘trial and error’ over the years in differlunch and then a play or quiet time break ent school-at-home settings: after lunch, maybe 12-2. Some moms find it helps to have everyone go to their room 1. Give your school a name, maybe a mascot, for one quiet hour to do whatever they a starting time, a permanent place in the want, but not computers or social media home, some ground rules, recess times, and — this gives mom a needed break to just lunchtime. Your kids are used to this kind ‘nerd out.’ (And the kids like it too, after of structure, and they will feel more secure they get used to it) in it. 5. Choose a good book that you will read 2. Before school, have kids (and you) dress for aloud to them every day, for 15 minutes or school, comb hair, make beds, eat breakfast, so — this is a real bonding time, and you just as if they were ‘leaving’ for school — all get to share the story evolving. this reinforces the fact that this is, indeed, 6. Fun activities can happen after the noon real school, even if it is at home. How about break. This ‘shelter-at-home’ season opens a flag salute at the beginning each day? the door to a lot of old-fashioned activiAnd, oh yes, NO TV on during school. ties: bake a cake, cookies or bread; have a 3. Each child will have their own ‘seat’ at your cooking contest, cook part of the dinner; school table, wherever it is. ( Just like at art projects galore and setting up an easel school, they get a sense of ownership and for drawing and painting; learn to sew territory for their spot.) School should not or embroider; glue pieces of scrap wood happen on the sofa or on the floor or in together; play board games; plant a garden their bedroom. Have school supplies ready from seed; learning to sing together (find at your school table: laptops, containers some old song books); puppet shows; create By Connie Pillsbury
N
April 2020 | Paso Robles Magazine
a mini movie that someone films on their iPhone; take a walk; make a nature scrapbook; take photos, and on and on. It’s amazing how creative kids can be when removed from schedules and computers and watching TV. 7. Speaking of computers, avoid the temptation to let the kids play computer games all day. I know, you can get a lot done while they’re absorbed but it can so easily become addictive and mindless. Computer games should be saved for the last hour before or after dinner, like 5-6, and limited to just that hour (Yes, you’ll have to be tough and consistent on this one!). 8. When in doubt, trust your instincts. You really can guide your children in schooling, and you’ll find you actually have a lot to share with them. Just your enthusiasm in being there with them and for them during this hiatus will really enrich your relationships. Be patient with yourself, don’t expect perfection, and smile a lot. Be long on praise and short on criticism. This time at home may turn out to build some of your best memories with your children. h Connie Pillsbury is an elementary teacher, resource specialist, home school mom and grandmom.
pasoroblesmagazine.com | 41
