By Ashley Borris
Project Officer, Reputation Management
Unit Trust Corporation
In a few months, we have seen our students move from a classroom setting to doing their schoolwork online. For most parents, this means balancing work, meal planning, handling household duties – and now teaching.
Though this may seem overwhelming at first, we know you’re up for the challenge. You’ve got this!
Yes, you can succeed at homeschooling! Whether your kids are finishing their first year of preschool or their last year of high school, we’ve compiled some tips to help you succeed and help them stay on track!
Accept our new world
We’re all adapting! It is okay for your child not to have optimal productivity at this time. It’s more important to help them get accustomed to a new way of learning. You can support their transition by:
Effective planning. – Setting a timetable for how their day should run, including regular breaks and online schooling.
Using this quarantine homeschooling opportunity to encourage your child to discover new passions.
Looking for ways to turn lessons into exciting, engaging, hands-on experiences.
Use online resources to enhance learning
There are lots of free online resources, available to support the learning journey. These learning platforms are equipped with age-appropriate lessons, games, videos and much more.
These sites have already invented the educational wheel, so let them help lessen your frustrations and provide an online community of support.
See infographic on “Resources for enhancing your child’s learning journey.” for more on this.
Create a balance
At school, there are scheduled breaks and extra-curricular activities. It is not all ‘book-work’. Therefore, at home do not expect your child to be submerged in a book all day.
Ensure adequate time is allotted for relaxation and play when planning daily goals. This helps to avoid your child feeling overworked or developing resentment towards their new ‘classroom’.
Monitor and ensure they complete the goals that were set. Home poses certain distractions. Your child may very much prefer to sit in front the television all day.
Make learning fun for your child. Try incorporating audio visual content such as educational shows, videos or games.
Source books on topics that would pique their interest.
Consider virtual classrooms
A work environment at home should not only take into consideration physical space, but mental space as well.
Human interaction is a major incorporation in the school environment that a home environment may lack.
This plays an important role in your child’s learning, furthermore, it’s the social environment that they’re accustomed to.
This most definitely aids in keeping students focused and mentally motivated, as well as accountable.
Arrange for your child to engage in a virtual classroom either full time or part time.
Feel your feelings
It’s an emotional roller coaster and we’re all on it, so it’s okay to acknowledge your own feelings during this time. It’s natural! Use this experience as an opportunity to become closer. You can do this by:
Enrolling in an online activity: dancing, exercising, learning an instrument or even vocal training together.
Taking part in an online yoga class or any activity that can clear your minds from stress or worry.
Doing something you both like such as baking or even cooking.
Together you can both overcome the anxiety. The goal post may have shifted a bit but mentally you both can shift as well. It’s time to score success!
