Navigating the unpredictable waters of parenting can be challenging, especially when you find yourself unexpectedly stepping into the role of a homeschool teacher. If you’re grappling with how to teach your kids at home during these unprecedented times, you’re not alone.
Dear Home Insemination Kit,
My children’s school closed its doors two weeks ago, and I’m in the trenches of homeschooling chaos. I have no clue how to tackle third-grade math, and my kids seem less than thrilled with their new instructor. Within 20 minutes, we’re either screaming, crying, or both! Can you give me a quick guide on how to make this work?
Oh, I understand your frustration completely. We’re all facing the stress of a global crisis: confined to our homes, overwhelmed with concern for loved ones, and possibly dealing with financial losses, all while trying to educate our children. It feels like a bad joke, but this is our new reality.
The unfortunate truth is that you’ve been handed a teaching role for which you never signed up, with little to no preparation. It’s akin to that nightmare where you realize you’ve missed every class leading up to your final exam. The clock is ticking, and you’re left holding a number 2 pencil with no idea what to do next.
Let’s be honest: we weren’t trained for this, and many of us aren’t particularly skilled at it. I can relate — I was never the most patient teacher, and I may or may not have launched a pencil across the room in frustration while tutoring a boyfriend in math back in high school. Totally not my finest hour.
But here we are, embarking on a homeschooling journey that may last longer than expected. The silver lining? Homeschooling doesn’t have to mirror the traditional 6.5-7 hour school day your kids are accustomed to. Many homeschooling families will tell you it only takes a couple of hours each day (even less for younger ones) to cover the essentials.
Flexibility is another perk of homeschooling. Your children can explore subjects that ignite their interests in ways that resonate with them. Of course, you will still need to adhere to the e-learning guidelines set by their school, but beyond that, you can tailor learning to suit your family’s needs. Lessons can happen anywhere and anytime because education is a constant. Math can be practiced while baking cookies; reading can be enriched by writing fun haikus or researching intriguing topics like the history of the NBA.
After a few weeks of adjustment, my family is finding a groove (though I admit there’s still plenty of whining and occasional tears). Our routine includes chores, school assignments (which take much less time than expected), journal writing (my kids express their thoughts on quarantine), 30 minutes of free reading (comics, novels, anything goes), and a family reading session (currently enjoying Trevor Noah’s Born a Crime).
Remember, school can look however you want it to, rather than conforming to what you think it should be. As a high school teacher, Lily Smith wisely advises, “You’re doing great. Your child is too. Whether or not they master improper fractions isn’t as crucial as making them feel safe and supported. Create a structure that works for your family and don’t fret about mistakes. Their education will be okay.”
Even if formal homeschooling doesn’t happen perfectly, your kids will still learn during this transformative time. They will grasp concepts like conflict resolution, self-care, and community unity in times of crisis. The academics will fall into place eventually.
So take a deep breath! We can handle this.
For more guidance on navigating parenting during these times, check out this insightful piece. And if you’re interested in improving your fertility journey, Make a Mom offers great resources. For additional support, Mount Sinai provides excellent information on infertility and pregnancy.
Summary:
Homeschooling during a global crisis can feel overwhelming, but it’s essential to embrace flexibility and tailor lessons to your family’s needs. Focus on creating a supportive environment rather than adhering strictly to traditional educational methods. Remember, your children will continue to learn valuable life skills during this unique time.
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