You’re DOING IT!!!
You’re homeschooling!
…I’ve been in your shoes!
I was a public-school teacher, a private school teacher, then I became a homeschool teacher. Eventually, I was even an online teacher. Now as a public-school teacher (again), I’m reflecting on what the parents of my classroom students (and YOU) are unexpectedly experiencing.
The joys of seeing your child learn something new and the feelings of despair as you referee between siblings are real. I put together a list of some of the lessons that I learned during my 13 years of homeschooling and I folded in some thoughts as a current public-school teacher.
- Pick a spot. A place for “school” to happen in your house each day will help keep everything in one spot and help your student be more focused. Even if it means clearing off some bookshelves, popping up a card table, or creating a cozy corner. Also, give each child a box, laundry basket, or some sort of container to use as their “locker”.
- Pick a time. A hard start and a hard stop. Your student knows he/she is your child. They understand that relationship. They most likely do not understand what it means to be your student. So, blocking off a start and stop time helps both of you manage your day.
- Write down the Learning Targets for today. Just give your student what you know that your child and your family can handle. Filter through all the school sends and do what you know is best.
- You are always “Mommy & Daddy.” Even when I was a full-time teacher for all 3 of my children, to them I was still “Mom.” Even if you spend hours with your “student” helping them learn and complete assignments, they are still going to expect to have “Mom” and “Dad” time with you. Your students’ days have been very compartmentalized and the adjustment to a blending of family life and school life is a steep curb to jump!
- Quiet time is essential. You need a break and they need a break. Our home school routine included quiet time. Every day after lunch we all went to our beds for one hour. Read. Nap. Play with Legos. But, stay on your bed. Your feet can’t touch the floor.
- Organization. Take a few minutes on the weekend to “clean out the locker” and help your child prep for the coming week. Simple tasks like stacking papers and sharpening pencils help to build anticipation of learning for the coming week.
We are living through all of this just as you and your family are. We don’t know what it means for MathTree camps this summer. All we know is that right now students and their parents need help. Let us hear from you! What are your challenges? Do you need some advice on how to teach a math concept? Contact us at info@mathtree.com.
We are here to help!
