Homeschooling

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a major disruption in education worldwide, and homeschooling has become an increasingly popular option for parents who want to ensure their children’s education continues during this difficult time. With many schools and universities closed or operating remotely, distance learning has become the new norm. As the pandemic continues, it is important to reflect on the lessons learned from homeschooling and identify best practices for distance learning.

Lesson 1: Flexibility is Key

One of the most important lessons of homeschooling during the pandemic is the importance of flexibility. Parents have had to adapt to sudden changes in schedules, teaching methods, and curriculum. The key to success is being able to pivot quickly and adjust to new circumstances.

Best Practice: Create a Flexible Schedule

To create a flexible schedule, parents should prioritize the most important subjects and allocate time for each subject based on their child’s needs. It is also important to include breaks throughout the day to help children stay focused and avoid burnout.

Lesson 2: Personalized Learning is Effective

Another important lesson from homeschooling during the pandemic is that personalized learning can be highly effective. Homeschooling allows parents to tailor the curriculum to their child’s needs, interests, and learning style.

Best Practice: Customize Learning

To customize learning, parents should get to know their child’s learning style and interests. They can then design lessons that cater to their child’s strengths and preferences. This can include incorporating hands-on activities, games, and projects that make learning fun and engaging.

Lesson 3: Collaboration and Support are Essential

Homeschooling can be a lonely experience for both children and parents, and it is important to seek out collaboration and support. Homeschooling networks, support groups, and online communities can provide valuable resources, advice, and emotional support. Not to mention it can be a great way to gain help in places you are struggling with,

Best Practice: Seek Out Support and Collaboration

To seek out support and collaboration, parents can join local homeschooling groups or online communities. They can also connect with other parents who are homeschooling their children and share tips, resources, and ideas. You never know what kind of life long connections you can make when creating a local homeschooling meetup group! There really is something magical about sharing knowledge with others.

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Lesson 4: Technology is an Important Tool

The pandemic has accelerated the use of technology in education, and homeschooling is no exception to this rule in fact I find we use it a lot more than other students. Technology can provide access to educational resources, facilitate communication between parents and teachers, and enable remote learning. You can even use gaming as a learning tool, like Minecraft, which has given us incredible hands on ways to learn that both my boys already enjoy. Learning about Ancient Rome? Get your kids to create a ancient roman town with emphasis on architecture design.

Best Practice: Use Technology Effectively

To use technology effectively, parents should explore online learning platforms, educational apps, and digital resources that are tailored to their child’s needs. They can also use video conferencing tools to connect with teachers and other homeschooling parents.

Lesson 5: Self-Care is Crucial

Finally, homeschooling during the pandemic has highlighted the importance of self-care. Homeschooling can be a demanding and stressful experience, and parents need to prioritize their own well-being to ensure they can support their child effectively.

Best Practice: Prioritize Self-Care

To prioritize self-care, we should make time for activities that promote relaxation and stress relief, such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies. They can also seek out professional support if they are struggling to cope and is a great way to encourage their personal interests and to pursue their own passions.

Homeschooling during the pandemic has provided valuable lessons and insights into best practices for distance learning, especially for our family – granted it took lots of trial and error. Knowing that flexibility, personalized learning, collaboration, technology, and self-care are all essential for success and have been our main focuses for keeping our sanity during this journey together. Tell me, if your family started your homeschooling journey during COVID, what did you learn?

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