I’m a HUGE believer in the idea that we are each other’s biggest resource right now and surviving school at home is no exception! I’ve come up with a few things that we are doing to make things go better for us and I’m sure you all have ideas. What are you doing that helps? Let’s all share here and make this easier and happier!
Things I’m learning about making school at home work for us:
1. So many emails! It is hard to keep track of it. I made an email folder for each kid and labeled it just for this schooling. Name it something like 2020 Kaleb School so they are all at the top. Move each email to the right kids folder and things are so much easier to find.
2. Headphones – use them on everyone. Most of the kids have them for playing video games. Bringing them out for school solved a ton of problems with them annoying each other. Plus everyone watching lessons is much easier when only that child is listening.
3. Keep all of the needed supplies together in one spot. Each kid is responsible for their stuff but I’m reminding. Have them include everything they need for every class plus a book to read.
4. Spiral notebooks are low tech but awesome. I gave each kid a spiral and they have to keep themselves organized. First page they listed all of their classes and where to access them and needed user names and passwords. They also have a page where they are to write problems they are finding or things they need help with. The middle school assigned each child an aide who will contact them a few times a week. That child now has a page to keep track of questions for the aide. The can make pages for just about anything. Plus it serves as scratch paper for math.
5. Have them locate and make a physical note on how to contact each teacher. Methods vary so this is a good idea.
6. Have a plan for problem solving. Hint: the first step isn’t asking mom. Research on google, ask a sibling, reread the assignment or lecture. If it needs to be figured out later, write it down.
7. Have them check their school email 3 times a day. Morning, midday and evening. More than that feels like too much but check less and they will miss important updates from teachers.
8. Remind them to advocate for themselves just as if school was in. Ask teachers about unclear instructions or anything that seems unreasonable.
9. Pick a time to try and start each day. Kids are used to a schedule at school so try to make one at home. Easier said than done but we are trying.
What are you doing? I’m sure I’m missing some brilliant and helpful ideas!
(I know that this is easier because my kids are older. The youngest is in 6th grade. We’ve got 5 students (6th grade – college aged) and one work at home mom here all day. I think these ideas could be adapted for almost any age.)
