This school year many parents are finding themselves in the position of homeschooling their children in some capacity. Although many schools are providing virtual lessons and remote learning strategies as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the reality is that a lot is falling on parents.
Whether it is setting up the home “classroom,” making sure students log into their virtual classrooms or lessons on time, coordinating breaks and lunch time, or navigating interactions between siblings, parents have a lot on their plates. This is especially true if one or more parents are working full-time or working from home.
To help parents maintain their sanity during this strange time, here are our top Do’s and Don’ts for surviving homeschooling this fall.
DO designate a quiet school space that is free of distractions.
DO set reasonable expectations.
DO schedule breaks and set aside at least 30 minutes for lunch.
DO use the opportunity to better understand your child’s academic and social needs.
DO be flexible.
DO validate your child’s experience.
DON’T expect it will all go smoothly.
DON’T punish children for getting distracted or frustrated.
DON’T compare yourself to other parents.
DON’T be afraid to ask for help.
DON’T neglect your own mental health.
Remember this is a challenging time for teachers, parents and students alike. The same expectations and standards may not apply in the middle of a pandemic.
We developed TeachPar as a way for parents and teachers to get on the same page and communicate more effectively. The virtual classroom management platform allows parents to receive notifications about assignments and due dates and see everything teachers create. To learn more about our time-saving features, visit www.teachpar.com.