What to Do When You’re Suddenly Homeschooling?

Suddenly homeschooling. Thanks to COVID-19, we’re all doing it. But how do we do it? For most parents, this is the first time we’ve had to homeschool our kids and thinking about what they’re supposed to be doing could be enough to make your head explode. But fear not.

Here are a few tips if you find yourself suddenly homeschooling your kids.

Set your homeschooling standards low

Don’t stress yourself out trying to educate your kids at home. It’s important to keep them learning, yes, but this situation is stressful for everyone. Don’t make homeschooling an added stressor. If they’re learning something, you’re doing fine.

Try to keep a routine, but don’t set a schedule

Schedules can be hard to follow, especially at home. They’re strict and rigid and don’t leave much wiggle room for the unexpected. Instead, try to go for having a routine. Setting a specific time frame or order for activities is a good way to help kids know what comes next. It gives them a little more predictability in their day and, whether you realize it or not, kids thrive in stable, predictable environments.

Utilize free learning sites for homeschooling

There are so many free sites out there that your kids can use during this time at home. If you haven’t seen your school post any, they usually have links on the school website. And I’ve linked a bunch here.

Don’t underestimate the power of fundamentals

If you don’t teach anything else, going over the fundamentals could make a huge difference for your child when they go back to school. Imagine being able to focus on multiplication tables or long division for 2 or 3 weeks. Kids would have a much better grasp of the basics and a better foundation to build on. Doing some basic spelling can’t hurt either. The best thing? No computer or internet connection needed.

Let the kids have a say

There may be some ‘required’ work on Google Classroom for your kids but beyond that, you are free to do whatever. Ask your kids what they’d like to learn about. If it’s something they’re interested in they’re more likely to stay focused and have fun with it.

Stretch lessons across grade levels

If you plan on teaching some lessons, try doing one lesson for all the kids then assign work according to age level. Maybe that’s a worksheet you printed or an essay about what they learned. Or maybe it’s just talking about it. But it takes the stress out of finding something different for each one, and I’m about that.

Use homeschooling to teach life skills

Get crafty and build something. Get your kids in the kitchen to cook with you. (Here’s a great recipe for granola bars!) Break out that sewing machine and make something simple. It’s never too early (or too late) to teach life skills. Use this homeschooling time to have some fun while teaching your kids some of the things they’ll need to know for adulthood.

Spend time unplugged

A lot of our learning has gone digital but make sure your kids are spending enough time unplugged. It will encourage creativity and honestly help everyone to chill. Turning everything off and listening to the quiet while everyone reads or the sounds of your kids playing in the next room will help to reset minds and moods.

A little goes a long way

Don’t worry that your kids aren’t busy all the time. A little here and a little there is enough to get you through. Remember, it’s temporary. Do what you can and don’t feel guilty about what you can’t.

We’ll make it

At the end of all this, we’ll come out with a fresh perspective on a lot of different things. Respect for our teachers should be one of them. And respect for homeschooling families should be another. We’ll make it. Be safe. Be cautious. But be a light in a dark world. Teach your kids that.

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

John 1:5 ESV