I’m living the new reality many parents here are facing—children learning from home. I was terrified (yes, even as a teacher) of how my child would learn. As a person who likes to have the class syllabus before class even starts, I was not comfortable. My daughter could see this as I didn’t have the answers to, “what are we doing today?” That being said, the school district we attend has sent out a newsletter with a simplified daily schedule. I sighed with relief when I said that. Still I know that this semester, and possibly year, is going to be challenging. However, after speaking to my learning and mentoring community, I feel a bit better. This is going to be a change but we are a community and we can do this together.

What I’ve learned through my own experience last semester is scheduling is key. You would think as a teacher and director of a business I would know all of this. NO! I looked at my child as my child I have home between school. The child who we don’t live on schedules because home was where we relaxed. I learned to say the least. Our sleep schedule was all off and even her eating changed. I knew I now had to be a teacher and a mom. Something I have never done. It was one or the other, never both. However, I am learning and working on it but my step one was SCHEDULE!

As you build your children’s schedule, keep in mind that it needs to help you and your sanity.

• You are able to get your work done.
• Your children are able to get their schoolwork done.

Some days one of the goals might be met… might.  Most likely your priorities could shift day to day; make sure that your schedule reflects that.

Considerations for building your schedule

Work Style

The first question you have to ask is how do you work? Are your meetings in the mornings? One after lunch?  This is where you plan your schedule and like I said it can change day to day but try and stay consistent with the activities that happens. If your schedule is flexible then look at your students schedule that the district is providing and make a schedule off of that. I do not know a single person right now who isn’t aware that meetings might be canceled due to a students needs. However, you can prepare yourself for the the best outcome possible with a schedule. One of the first things I learned, never have a painting activity when you need to be in a meeting… it won’t be as distracting or safe as one might think.

Learning Activities

The types of learning activities that your children will be engaged in also have a big impact on your schedule. Asynchronous activities have been planned by my district and I know others have done the same as well. Once this starts you will learn you student’s ability to function on their own and what activities help the best.  Do they love science? Math? English? During this time find something that is really interesting to them. This will keep them engaged and possibly give you time to make that call.  Synchronous activities such as live online classes or meetings will need to be incorporated into the schedule. These will be times that you might have to be the IT guy. One button touch and a scream from the other room that they can’t see their friends is extremely distracting right when you settle into something.  Once they are settled into that session they will be interacting with their teacher and classmates. These will be scheduled and it will be a nice relief from the times you might have to be sitting with them every second.

Ages of Children

This is kind of a “well yeah…” moment for me. My children are younger and will need a lot more help with their school. However, any age does well with a schedule. It can be difficult when you have a child wanting to use the bathroom every five seconds so they don’t have to work on their assignment. Trust me, just because I taught high school students didn’t mean it was any better. Students were expected to follow a routine at school and now they need to do it again. There will be push back but they know what to do.

The older students need to have structure as well. Keep check in times on them. Ask them deeper questions like “can you show me that assignment?” this doesn’t have to be accusatory. You are asking so when their teacher asks you how they are doing, everyone is on the same page.

While older students are capable of monitoring themselves that doesn’t mean you should just let them go. Students of any age can be overly driven or hyper focused on their task. Take snack breaks together or walk outdoors. As parents we have to model a healthy work/life lifestyle now more than ever.

Tips for success

Keep The Schedule Simple

Do not Google school schedules! I made this mistake… brain overload. There were items on some schedules I laughed out loud. Make this schedule yours. You know how long it takes for your kids to wake up and eat breakfast. Now that they know they don’t have to catch that bus, how long is it going to take? This will take some time. Keep the schedule simple and change it as you get into the groove. Even the regimented first week of school anywhere has hiccups and will be changed around. You will find your stride

Expectations and Practice

Remember coming home and teaching your parents about a home fire drill? No? Well this will be your family fire drill. Before setting the schedule, run through it with your family, make sure that they know how to access all assignments and activities (and what buttons to not touch), and review daily expectations. Be patient as this will take time for your children.  Be patient with yourself as well. This will test your patience.

Set a boundary for yourself. As a parent you are always there and students have unblocked access to you. They need to learn the importance of your work space and schedule as well. This can be a simple sign on your door or if you have your headphones on. They need to know the queue that you are not available.

Be Flexible

If there is a day where you cannot be there during the asynchronous learning and the only thing you can give them in screen time, DO IT! You still have to work and meet the expectations of your boss as well. Let your children know that it won’t be every day but that you must work with no interruptions. Some days lunch might look more like a snack bar. So be it. Teachers do not adhere to their lessons 100% of the time. They know their students need a break or they need a break. This isn’t any different to you.

Share the Workload

I know of parents in my neighborhood that are forming pods, if you feel comfortable do that. This is the time to reach out to your neighbor. Don’t mind asking them if they are wearing masks or where they choose to go. This is your family and you get to determine who or where they can go safely. If you have a spouse, lean on them. Create a clear workload and don’t stray from it. Is there an older child in the neighborhood that you trust? Lean into them and help them realize their own potential.

Don’t Overdo the Academics

Yes, we know that school lasts 7 hours. No, they are not stuck with their heads in a book the entire time. You should be the same way. They have so many other outlets during the day.  Just because you can sit though that many hours of being stuck at a desk in a meetings does not mean a child can. Remember that. They need to move, breathe and get their feelings out. Some days learning might be a struggle. As adults we might eat more chocolate that day ( I know I do) but students do not have the self regulation to know that. This can come out as screaming or a fit. Know that sometimes they need a “sick day” and let them have it. We all played hooky from school at any level and it is no different being home. The assignments will be completed and they will learn.

Final thoughts…

Be kind to yourself. This is going to be frustrating and new. No one is going to be perfect or even close but the love you have for your child will drive them forward. As parents we want only what is best for our children. You got them this far and you won’t quit. Now go have a piece of chocolate (I know I will) and know we are all okay.