Tips for Homeschooling
So schools have closed, you’re both working from home but of course, your children still need to be educated and entertained. How and where do you begin with home learning? Here’s some tips and guidance from teachers:
KEEP TO A ROUTINE
We all know children need structure and normality, so stick to a routine. It will help children realise this isn’t a holiday and that their teachers are expecting them to have this in place at home. It will ultimately help you too!
LET YOUR CHILD GET BORED
Let your kids enjoy themselves until they get bored, this is when they’ll then want to start learning and getting on with the work they’ve been set. Homework isn’t just there to set standards but to ease boredom.
GIVE YOUR CHILD SOME CONTROL
If you allow your child to come up with their own timetable or way of working, it means they’re combining their ideas as well. Obviously, if they schedule all day X-Box sessions then you’ll need to step in! But if you give them the option first, you’ll be surprised at what happens.
LIMIT SCREENS; TABLETS, PHONES, TV
It’s important for your children to keep in touch with their friends online, but try to avoid an unhealthy reliance on screen time. Too much screen time impacts on a person’s physical and mental health as well as their sleep. Keep it varied: reading, exercise, learning a new skill, cooking, gardening are all good ways to give screens a break!
KEEP UP LITERACY & NUMERACY
Make sure you’re continuing to practise English and maths, essential basics like sums and their times tables and encourage them to write, creatively, a story or diary or even making a comic.
FUN IS KEY
Remember learning is fun! So as well as the essentials, try baking or painting, or nature activities in the garden or arts & crafts.
BE ATTENTIVE
Your child wants you to listen to them. Show you enjoy listening to them and hear them talk about the challenges they face.
ENCOURAGE READING
Now is the perfect time to encourage reading, they can read to you, a friend, a sibling, a stuffed animal or you could create your own story-time with them, make your own DIY library with your books at home, anything that gets them excited about reading!
DON’T OVERDO IT
The younger the child, the less time they can sit and learn for. Make sure there are frequent breaks. Teachers recommend two hours of learning a day for children in key stage 1, which covers reception to year 2. Children in key stage 2 and above are able to do more, 3 to 4 hours. Tasks should include PE, arts & crafts, creative learning, and hands-on activities. Movement breaks are encouraged such as dancing to music, impersonating animal movements, chair push-ups - whatever works for your child.
MAKE USE OF OUTDOOR SPACE
Be it building an obstacle course or learning how to grow plants and herbs, make use of any outdoor space that you have. Being outside and active will keep your mind and theirs healthy.
PRAISE THEIR EFFORTS
Positive praise for behaviour and efforts is a powerful tool!
REASSURANCE
Effective learning happens when children feel safe, happy and secure. Keep providing your child with love and reassurance, bond with them by taking part in activities together, video chat with family and friends together, all of this will help bring you all closer and keep you feeling safe.
FOR TEENAGERS:
Try to keep to your timetable as much as you can, make the most of free learning resources online and ask your friends for any recommendations, stay positive - keep a journal, try some meditation online, ask your friends how they stay positive, ask your parents and teachers for any tips. Look after yourself by taking breaks from social media, washing your hands, getting some air in the garden. Try to challenge yourself by learning a new skill or find a new World Record you can try and break at home, pick a household chore and try to learn it.