In the midst of a global pandemic, many parents find themselves unexpectedly taking on the role of homeschool teacher. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and your kids aren’t exactly thrilled with their new instructor, you’re not alone. If you have questions, we’ve got answers!
Dear Home Insemination Kit,
My children’s school shut down two weeks ago, and I’m drowning in the chaos of homeschooling. I lack any knowledge about teaching third-grade math, and my kids refuse to listen to me. Within half an hour, we’re all either shouting or in tears. Can you provide me with a quick guide to homeschooling?
I completely understand your situation. The stress of a pandemic is already hard enough—being confined with family, worrying about loved ones’ health, and possibly facing financial hardships, only to add homeschooling to the mix? It feels like a cruel twist of fate.
Unfortunately, this is our new normal. You’ve been thrust into an unrequested role with little preparation, akin to that nightmare where you realize you’ve missed an entire semester before finals. Panic is inevitable, but there’s no time to waste; the clock is ticking, and you’re holding the proverbial pencil.
The reality is that many of us are not equipped for this role, and some of us may not even want it. Personally, I’ve always been a rather impatient teacher. I once tossed a pencil across the room in frustration while attempting to help a classmate with math—definitely not my proudest moment.
However, we must adapt to homeschooling our children for the foreseeable future. Here’s the silver lining: homeschooling doesn’t have to mirror the traditional 6.5-7 hour school day your kids are accustomed to. Most experienced homeschoolers suggest that just a couple of hours a day (or even less for younger children) can suffice.
Moreover, the flexibility of homeschooling is a significant advantage. Your children can explore topics of interest and learn in ways that resonate with them. While you’ll need to follow any e-learning guidelines from their school, beyond that, the learning environment can be as unique as your family. You can incorporate math through baking, engage in reading by writing fun poems, or explore science by playing outside.
After a few weeks of chaos, my family is attempting to establish a routine (and I say attempting because, let’s be honest, there’s still a fair amount of whining and yelling). Our current approach includes regular chores, completing school-required activities (which surprisingly takes less time than expected), a daily ten-minute journal entry (where kids can express their quarantine feelings), 30 minutes of free reading, and a shared family reading time (we’re currently going through a fascinating book by Trevor Noah). Additionally, my youngest is diving into the history of the NBA.
Keep in mind that younger kids may need more hands-on help, but the essence is this: schooling can take whatever shape works for you, not what you think it should be.
Teachers emphasize the importance of easing the pressure. Lily Jackson, a high school educator, shared on social media, “You are doing great. Your child is too. The specifics of their education matter less than their emotional well-being. Create an environment that works for your family, and don’t beat yourself up over mistakes—your kids will be just fine.”
Even if structured homeschooling doesn’t pan out for a few months, your child will still learn valuable life lessons during this extraordinary time. They will gain insights into conflict resolution, the importance of self-care, and the strength of community during crises. Academic subjects will catch up eventually.
So, take a deep breath, parents. We’ve got this!
For more insights into parenting changes during these times, check out this resource. And for additional tips, you might find this blog post engaging. If you’re navigating the complexities of home insemination, this link offers excellent information.
Summary:
In the face of unexpected homeschooling, parents are encouraged to embrace flexibility and creativity, creating a learning environment that works for their family rather than adhering to rigid structures. With patience and understanding, both parents and children can navigate this unique educational landscape together.