Having an immune suppressed special needs child, this COVID19 homebound learning situation is not my first rodeo. Also, 20 years of teaching under my belt helps out in situations such as these. So I have put together 5 of my top tips along with a section on some resources to help us navigate the home school process that is foreign to many.
1. BREATHE:
Take a deep breath and know you are not alone in this. You may be isolated at home, but we are in the same boat with needing to adjust and adapt to this new adventure. I literally take deep breathes and count to 10- try it- it does work. Invite your kids to do it as well before jumping in head first. Anytime you or your child(ren) are feeling frustrated or uneasy, stop, and breathe.
2. STRUCTURE:
Your child(ren) are used to a routine. Whether they like the routine or not, school is a safe place where they know what will be happening, and most likely many of us have home routines as well, or are making them now. Now, this doesn't mean the kids need to get up at the crack of dawn to begin learning and rush to get their school time in- you all will have to decide what works best for your child(ren) because you know best. Also- this is what a teacher does- they get familiar with each child and their learning style and do their best to adapt learning to fit as applicable. Here is a sample of our "schedule". Note that not every day looks exactly the same and your timing may look different- this is what we do and what works for us. Also- I have a 16 year old - tenth grade special needs child and an 8 year old main stream 3rd grader, so I get having to mix and mesh different grade levels and sometimes providing tweaks in the type of learning they each will do.
I let my kiddos sleep and wake up on their own *( note- I wake them by mid morning if they are sleeping really well) and have them eat breakfast and get their day going with self hygiene and getting dressed then I give them a 5 minute warning til Mama's School is in Session!
a. Yoga or Meditation : to get our minds right and day going to learn (* see resources)
b. Math ( *see resources) one day computer, skills, next day counting change in different ways and
flip flop
c. Lunch & life skills- the kiddos help make the lunch and this can also deal with math skills with measurements and reading recipes
d. Recess- if the weather permits- we live in Nebraska so every day is different- 20 minutes of outside time, or Wii time with bowling, or obstacle course inside that they create, or inside tag
e. Art- all kinds of how to draw skills online, (*see resources) make a card for someone to send in the mail ( also language arts), computer skills on paint or 3D drawing, watercolors, put together crafts, make things out of paper, toilet paper rolls and stickers,
f. Language /English : (*see resources) read a chapter to your pet out loud, create a story, write a letter, computer skills
g. Science; make your own hand sanitizer, make your own sanitizer wipes, experiment with cooking or baking, computer skills, watch live ZOO channel- lesson plans available or talk about what viewing
There ya have it- what we have been doing this week and we only spend from like 11-2 or 3 depending on the day. Then they can continue an activity, rest time, tv time, screen time, chores, etc...
3. FUN- keep it as fun as possible. Remember to breath. It doesn't always go smoothly and not everything do the kiddos enjoy- I have had a few eye rolls and awwws, but we talked BEFORE starting as a family about what our days would look like and the expectations. I hope you all find some of these things in #2 enjoyable with your kiddos as well and remember to breath in patience and let out positivity.
4. RESOURCES: 1st of all- don't expect to have to come up with this all on your own! Reach out to your schools if they haven't been in touch with you already like ours has and ask for resources and guidance and help. Our school district is rolling out E-learning next week to assist, but this week this is what we chose to do in the interim. Ask your churches, communities, friends and family for help as well if those are choices. Have them send you ideas and links and guidance.
Here are some resources we are using:
mo-willems lunch doodles
https://animals.sandiegozoo.org/live-cams
https://ebookfriendly.com/free-public-domain-books-sources/
yoga videos for kids
Online Events while at home
Learning Printables
Free Scholastic Resources
5. We are in this together- you are not alone. This can feel like a lot as we all navigate through this uncertainty, but remember we share in this, and can share what is working for us in our homes and be a part of the solution, positivity and light of kindness during this challenging time. This is not an exhausted list and again it may or may not work for you and your family- so through trial and error we can do this- TOGETHER as to not feel alone!
