Due to Covid-19, all children were homeschooled because schools were closed. Primary schools in certain countries will open (in part) in May. Not all children will go to full school right away. For example, elementary schools cut classroom group size in half. About 50 percent of children go to school at all times. The other half of the time they attend homeschooling. Schools are now deciding how to best organize it, and parents will be informed about this after that.
Tip 1. Keep it achievable
Learning at home should also be fun, so that it can be sustained for children, but especially for you as a parent. To do this, it keeps you relaxed and does not increase your pressure.
Fixed rhythm
A steady pace helps make it fun for everyone. You can divide your school work throughout the day and alternate it with moments of relaxation, eating or drinking, and playing outside. Don’t drive the schedule too tight. When children wander or get restless, it can be good to start doing another activity.
The relationship between parents and children, as teacher and student, can create tension.
Be aware of the relationship change. As a parent, you are not trained as a home teacher and must combine this with work. If it doesn’t work at first, try seeking relaxation in other activities together.
Tip 2. Alternative work and exercise
It is important for all children to exercise during the day. Some children have a great need for exercise and sports. It is good to stimulate movement.
Fortunately, there are many sports clubs open where you can exercise outside. This means that many children will regain a rhythm in their weekly (sports) activities.
There are all kinds of fitness videos on YouTube for kids and teens. In ten minutes, these videos offer a little training. Of course, running or cycling is also an option.
Tip 3. Use teaching materials from school and beyond
A large amount of digital teaching material is now available. Elementary and middle school teachers often assign homework online. The work that children have to do is ready for them. That provides support and structure.
Teachers, of course, make sure that the material matches the child’s level. If you also use teaching materials from outside of school, it is important to be careful with this.
Tip 4. Talk to others about how things are going
Make sure there is space for everyone to tell how things are going and ask questions. Everyone is trying their best and trying things to find out what works. Sometimes it goes well and sometimes it doesn’t. It is helpful to share these experiences with others. Seek advice if things are not going well.
It is nice for children to talk after a few hours of work. For example, ask them what they have learned. Not to review them, but to show that you are serious about school work and that you get it done well together.
Tip 5. Organize aid on time
If homeschooling or receiving isn’t going well, it’s important to seek help. Sometimes distance education is not successful, because there are tensions at home or because there are no resources, such as a computer or the internet.
Even now that education is partially resuming, it can be difficult to organize activities during the week. Younger children may already be able to go to school and older children may not. Some of the children may be educated at school and some may still need homeschooling. Contact the teacher or someone else at the school if there are difficulties.
