Virtual School while working.......

Homeschooling or Virtual School is hard for those of us new to it.  While working, it can be a true challenge for the mind and patience.   

Many of us are not used to having our children all day every day.  However we have been confronted with choices we must make.  In person school is as hard of a choice as Virtual, parent led.  

Holy Moly, I realize what all the teachers are doing and am so grateful for their input and help.  

Are you transitioning to in-home schooling?  So far I have some observations that may help.  From setting up a drive file for each class to submitting your precious students' work------to zoom meetings......let's get through this together.  

Do you have tips that may help?  Share them in the comments section!  

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1. Set up a Schedule:   Make it the same everyday.  It will help with the arguments and the "I am bored comments" or, "I didn't know I had this assignment due" questions.  
2. Accountability:  It is not my job to make excuses for you.  Your work is your own and a direct representation of your participation in class.  Make GOOD choices.  
3. Be ready to sit and re-read many chapters with your child.  Put on your patient hat:  Remember that this is day by day.  Some days productive and promising.  Some days not!  Take advantage of the good days to inch in more work and assignments.  
4. Make time for play!  Go to the park!  Finish that cooking lesson in Art Class.  It may be more fun and rewarding than you think it is.  Bonus points.....as a parent you could use the ten minutes of no questions the moment they get to the park.  Enjoy it.  Breathe.  Breathe again.  
5. Read their assignments.  Preferably the night before.  The day of?  No problem.  Understand what the actual assignment is.  
6. Set Boundaries!  No boundaries mean no productivity.  Reward when work is done!  A small treat or an outing is appropriate for my almost 9 and almost 12 year old.  
7. Don't take yourself too seriously.  Give yourself and your children Grace.  
8. Set up your Zoom meetings the first day of the week.  Have a weekly agenda.  
9. Set up a drive to store your student's work.  You will thank me later when those assignments did not get submitted by the student exactly as was deemed appropriate.  You can use these moments as learning moments.  Spend time showing them exactly how to set up their files and classrooms.  You will be surprised how quickly they get it.  Consistency.  
10. For me:  Check your student regularly.  They may be sailing off into youtube land.  Catch it quick so your whole day is not delayed.  
11. Reward, Reward, Reward.  Have treats and down time ready for accomplishments or intervals of time.  Give them an opportunity to earn free or extra time.  
12. Finally.  Have grace with yourself and them.  Remember that this is one year (possibly) of their life.  There is not a one size fits all approach.  Have the ability to let some things go that are not important, and accept what they "can do" now.  Work from encouragement, acknowledgement, and grace.  You will succeed.  

Having two children in school is a challenge.  Keeping my sanity is as much of a challenge.  Offer many opportunities for grace and listening.  Explain again each topic.  Find the patience needed for your children's skillsets.  Do Not allow yourself to get trapped in a daily plus or minus.  Know that each day is progress and enjoy and reward those days that really fly high in achievement.  

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Here we were working on an art project "believe it or not".  It may be late, but we are carrying the lessons from class into our evening.  Find a way to make it all mesh together and fun.  My son wanted to cook, so cook he did.  

Can't cook a meal for art?  Have them grab some pastel chalks and make a few drawings.  There are so many ways to bring their class assignments into the home environment.  

What are the shortcuts for schooling you have learned?  Share them with me!  

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