This year has thrown many curveballs, especially for parents with children who go to school. I’m fortunate to have been able to be a preschool teacher for seven years and become a stay at home mom. Now that my son has turned two, I began rearranging my room to incorporate a play space/homeschool area. Below are five tips I recommend to any mama who wants to homeschool as well:
1. Have a Designated Area For Learning
This allows children to learn what areas are meant for eating, learning, relaxing, playing, etcetera. It’s the same concept as distinguishing the kitchen is for cooking and eating, the bedroom is for sleeping, and so forth. Consider having separate learning areas, such as a “cozy corner” for reading, a shelf for science toys, a bin full of vehicles, a basket for dolls. Even though Auggie’s “homeschool” is in our room, he knows that it’s learning time when I bring out my DIY Circle Time board and have a basket of art utensils on his Creator Table. When I take the table away, I take it as “free play” for him and let him play with any of his toys.
2. Set A Routine
It helps your child expect what will happen next and will make your day flow easier. It’s okay to also be flexible, like if a project takes longer to finish or if you don’t start your day until later because your child slept in longer. Make sure to incorporate 15-30 minutes of educational activities throughout the day, and 30-60 minutes of outdoor time. Keeping your routine simple is perfectly fine. For example, a meal routine can include eating, taking the dishes to a sink or the trash to a trash can, and washing your hands.
3. Explore Based On Their Interests
It’s easy to plan educational activities based on what your children are interested in. You know them best, so you can get creative when you want to introduce new concepts. Dramatic Play is a great type of play where children can act out roles and expand their imagination.
4. Use What You Have
You don’t have to buy a bunch of new, expensive toys and gadgets to have an educational activity. Get crafty with the materials you have around the house, and buy simple art materials you may need (I.e. crayons and markers). One of my favorite activities is filling up a bin with soap + water to encourage my son to wash his toys. You’d be surprised at what you can also do with a brown toilet paper roll, craft sticks, or even paper bags!
Instead of buying a pretend kitchen, you can have your children help you bake a treat. Let them taste the ingredients, stir, scoop, pour. Cooking is always fun for children since they can learn about measuring, the name of foods, and so forth. I let my son help me cook every day, whether it’s mixing scrambled eggs or putting sliced fruit onto his plate.
5. Be Present
Unplug from your phone and be present with your children. Ask them open-ended questions (if they’re older) or describe everything you are doing with your children. If Auggie reaches for a toy, I name the toy repeatedly so that he learns what the toy is (example: car, book, cup, crayon). Time flies by so fast, soak in all of these moments you have with your littles.
There is so much pressure as a mom to have everything together, but be easy on yourself. Whether you decide on homeschooling, virtual learning, or distance learning, there is no right or wrong decision. You do what’s best for you and your family. xx Krystalyn
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Thank you Krystalyn for taking the time to share your tips with us. Best of luck to every mom embracing homeschool this year. You've got this!
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