This is an alert to all families suddenly finding themselves home educating:
You are not a public school and you don’t have to imitate one. Breathe deeply, relax. This is not so hard.
For just a few days or weeks, you have the rare temporary opportunity to help your kids educationally pursue their passions in a fun and interesting way. As a former home schooling mom, let me encourage you to step outside the box for this brief time in a way that will be less stressful for all of you.
I would like to suggest that you ask your kids what they are interested in right now and frame the lessons around their interests. After all – the internet is your playground! Do they want to learn about insects? Space travel? Trains, planes, and automobiles? Marine life? The history of media? The culture of another country? Grab that topic and run with it! Search topically, download ideas, projects, discussion guides, books, artwork, videos, crafts. So many sites – so little time!
Our dedicated public school teachers must adhere to curriculum requirements that many children find challenging, so teachers often don’t have the resources to light the fire of learning in each student. You can help. First, your children will come to realize that you hear them and value their interests – a relationship goal beyond compare. In addition, you have this unexpected opportunity to kindle your children’s interests and show that learning is a lifelong process that can be fascinating. Having fun with your children by spending time helping them pursue their personal learning goals can also show them how regular studies provide the tools for learning beyond the classroom.
Go forth and have fun!
ImaginAgeless 