Homeschooling Your Children? Here’s What You Need to Know While Working Remotely
Are you considering homeschooling your children for the upcoming school year or are you currently homeschooling? Working from home and homeschooling can present some unique challenges, but it is also a great opportunity to ensure that your children receive a quality education while remaining under your care. To help you with homeschooling while working remotely, here is an overview of what you need to know.
How to Set Up a Schedule That Works for You
Start by evaluating your work schedule and family commitments, as well as the learning needs of each child. If you have multiple children, try to find a schedule that works best for them and is least disruptive to your daily routines. For example, if one of your children needs more guidance or has difficulty with certain subjects, then consider scheduling extra time for them during the day. You may also want to consider having different schedules for different days of the week. This can be helpful for parents who work on different days or have varying work hours. You can use this strategy to prioritize particular topics or activities on certain days.
Once you’ve determined the framework of your schedule, create a daily routine with designated times for schoolwork, playtime, meals, and other important activities. It’s important to also include breaks for both you and your children so everyone can recharge and relax throughout the day. Try to keep a consistent routine as much as possible. Establishing clear expectations and boundaries around school time can help to ensure that the entire family is on the same page. Additionally, you may want to designate specific “school hours” that you stick to each day, even if they look different from a traditional school day.
Finally, consider incorporating extracurricular activities into your homeschooling schedule. These activities can be anything from online classes, to arts and crafts, to physical education. Allowing your children to explore their interests outside of the core subjects can help break up the monotony of their day and give them something to look forward to. Additionally, this time can be used for you to get work done.
Tips for Successfully Homeschooling While Working Remotely
- Establish a routine and stick to it. Set clear expectations, designate specific times for each subject, and create a timeline for when tasks should be completed. Also set the routine for when you will be working and should not be disturbed.
- Set boundaries between work and school. It can be difficult to separate work and school when you’re in the same space, so make sure you create designated zones for each activity and provide your child with structure and supervision.
- Utilize online resources. Take advantage of online courses, videos, and educational apps to supplement your curriculum and keep your child engaged. Our own supportive Facebook group can be a wonderful place to ask your fellow moms for help in this area as well.
- Make time for breaks and physical activity. Make sure you build in time for movement and breaks throughout the day so that your child can stay focused and alert during lessons. These breaks are good for you too!
- Talk to your child about their feelings. Check-in regularly with your child to gauge their emotions and comfort levels regarding their homeschooling experience. If they are feeling overwhelmed, consider taking a break or exploring other learning activities. You can also do this with your own work, so that you can communicate any struggles you are facing while balancing work and school so that your employer can help.
- Stay organized. Staying organized is key when homeschooling while working from home. Use a planner or calendar to keep track of your child’s assignments, deadlines, and progress and how those fit into your work calendar.
- Utilize technology to connect with other homeschoolers. Online communities for homeschoolers are great for finding support, sharing ideas, and helping your child stay connected with peers who may be experiencing similar struggles.
- Take advantage of one-on-one time with your child. Working from home can create unique opportunities for quality time with your child. Make sure you take advantage of these moments to bond and engage in meaningful conversations with your child as they learn.
Do you homeschool your child? Tell us your favorite tips and tricks for balancing school with remote work!