Don't Panic - You Can Do This!

I've received a few messages about homeschooling in the last few days.  Many states are cancelling school for a few weeks and telling parents to teach their kids at home.   Understandably parents are panicking.  As a homeschool mom I'm here to tell you, if you taught your kids to use the toilet, tie their shoes or use basic manners you can do this!  First know teaching your kids at home isn't going to take you all day.  There will not be lines to stand in, bathrooms breaks all at the same time and discipline issues for 30 students.   Here are the suggestions I have to teach at home during your quarantine or really any time. 

1.  Read a chapter book out loud.  Pick a book you love!  Don't worry if you think its over a child's reading level, they can understand a lot more vocabulary from hearing rather than reading.  Don't think your kids are too old.  All 4 of my kids still listen to me read to them, even though they could read the book to themselves. 

2.  Take a nature walk.  Spring is just around the corner.  That means there is all sorts of stuff starting to sprout up.  Go on a walk and see what you can find.  Have the kids draw everything they saw when you get home.  I have a ton of other suggestions on my pinterest board.  Nature Study Pinterest Board

3.  Study an artist or a composer.  Here is one of my favorite sites for picture studies : A Humble Place Free Study 

4.  Bake something.  My kids love to be in the kitchen.  There is so much math to learn when  baking. 

5.   Virtual Field Trips - I was excited to see so many places are offering free webcasting since we are all stuck at home.  I haven't tired these yet but they sound like so much fun!  National Parks  Museums

6.  Try poetry tea time.  I have boys and they love it.  Make a special drink, make a special treat or take the girl scout cookies out of the freezer, and sit and read poetry. 

7.  Ask the kids what they want to learn about.  This is how rabbit trail learning happens.  Let them work on a special project that involves what they want to learn. 

8.  Write letters to grandparents or senior citizens from church.  Trust me everyone loves to get snail mail.  Have the kids practice writing in a fun way!  Plus, you get to brighten someone else's day too. 

9.  Watch a documentary.  This is a favorite at our house.  Ken Burns and NOVA videos are our favorite.  There are lots to choose from on prime and Netflix.

10.  Give the kids some type of challenge.  Give them random items around the house and have them create something with them or make the items do something.  It's a great way to encourage team building with siblings. 

11.  Play board games.  I know games don't feel like learning but they are!  Plus, its a fun way to spend time together.

12.  Have the kids pick a country on the globe and learn everything you can about it.  Maybe even bake some of the native food to try. 

13.  4H parents this is a great time to start working on all those projects!

14.  Let your kids get bored.  I know it's hard to listening to the whining when all they want to do is watch a screen.  Being board is healthy.  Watch how creative you kids will get when you are not entertaining them all the time.

Homeschoooling moms - What else would you add to the list? 

Public school moms - Do you find this list helpful?  Let me know if you try any of these ideas!