So schools have officially closed their doors for the next two weeks, potentially longer. Since this is not technically a vacation, children still need to learn and guess who has no officially become the teachers. That’s right, us. The parents are now trying to help their children navigate what is going on in the world as well as educate them and make sure they are actually learning something. I for one have no idea how to homeschool nor have I ever wanted to (yes, I do love them) but this is now our reality for the next couple of weeks at least.
Since I also have to work (nurse here) there will be multiple people sharing the responsibility of educating and caring for my oldest who is in third grade. Since this is new territory for most of us I decide to put a little how to and schedule together to facilitate learning.
How to homeschool when you REALLY have no idea what you are doing
I have no clue what I am doing when it comes to homeschooling my child. I knew that there was no way I was going to be able to be able to teach him or make him do school work all day everyday. Teachers know how to make learning fun for children but basing off day one experience of homeschooling my son, there was way more tears then fun to be had.
Hayden is also a hands on learner and appreciates exploration more so than strict at a desk learning. Knowing this and going off the packet that the school sent home for lessons to do while at home I created a schedule to follow each “school” day. I allowed generous amounts for free time for Hayden to chose which activities that he would like to do.
You can download a PDF here Sample Homeschool Schedule
For reference, my son is 8 years old and is in third grade. This schedule would work for kids in elementary school with some minor adjustments. For free time, I allow Hayden to chose the activities that he wants to do as long as it is educational of some sort. I also allow during free time the ability to get outside and play. Whether we go on a walk, bike ride, have a scavenger hunt or take a local adventure I feel that it is important to head out, get some fresh air and burn some energy.
Check out the list below for multiple resources to use during free time. You can also have more reading time, craft time or like I mentioned above, head outside and do something fun!
Resources for homeschooling
To download a PDF with clickable links go here Resources for free time during homeschooling
For projects you can bake, do a science experiment (check out YouTube for some fun kid ones!), work on a puzzle, build something with Legos. Anything hands on is what I am trying to get my child to work on in the afternoon. Last but not least is the dreaded math at the end of the day.
I know that this time is tough especially for those who are like me and never had any desire to homeschool and have no idea how to homeschool. Creating a schedule of your own may or modifying the one above to fit your needs may help you out just a little bit. Good luck and let me know how your unexpected home schooling adventures are going in the comments below!
Jhon William says
Great content! Super high-quality! Keep it up! 🙂
myslightlychaoticlife says
Thank you! Appreciate you reading!
Raksha N says
Homeschools are cool I think. An interesting article which I will share with my friends who have kids.
myslightlychaoticlife says
Thank you so much!
I’ve been a working homeschooling mom for the past three years and I still learned some new ideas from this post. Thank you.
myslightlychaoticlife says
Thank you! I’m sure you could give me a few tips of your own!
Jessica L says
These resources are invaluable!! Thanks! It is definitely going to help me keep my 5 kids busy! 😉
myslightlychaoticlife says
Good luck! and 5 kids! Wow! You got this mama.
My sister do Homeschooling for her son, She can divide on her schedule to academics and other activities. great ideas!
myslightlychaoticlife says
Thank you!!
Neil Alvin says
Nice! Another amazing article from you. As usual I learned something new from it. Thanks a bunch! 🙂
myslightlychaoticlife says
Thank you so much for your kind words
Monidipa says
Being a mom is a big deal itself and then homeschooling is like really wow.
myslightlychaoticlife says
I couldn’t agree more. Those that chose homeschooling are incredible! Not sure that I could do this everyday, always with my kids.
aisasami says
What great advice and schedule on how to homeschool your kids during this chaotic time! Hopefully, moms can find this advice useful!
myslightlychaoticlife says
I hope so too! thank you for your comment.
I can imagine it must be very hard to homeschool your child all of a sudden, without any experience. But it seems that you adapted very well and your child is still learning something, instead of just watching Tv all day during this period.
myslightlychaoticlife says
Oh my gosh it is so hard. I have started to just basically do the bare minimum right now and hope for the best. I absolutely am unable to replace my son’s teachers.
Mila R says
yes, I need even more information on this… this how I want this to be!
Michele says
I am so glad we don’t have to homeschool. Here in Florida, they are starting online school with their teachers April 1st I think. The same day they would be going back to school after spring break. I wouldn’t survive homeschool, my stepdaughter.
This is essential advice for parents who are homeschooling for the 1st time. Thank you for sharing!
It can be challenging at times to keep our kids occupied. So thank you for sharing this!
I’m a working getting ready to become a SAHM. This will be so helpful!
Amanda says
This is a great list of resources for homeschooling. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on how to homeschool as a working mom. I work from home and homeschool my children. I know that it’s a balance for sure!
Ting says
Homeschooling must be hard for moms out now but thankfully we have a lot of online resources and technology to help us. You’re doing a great job!
This was very insightful. Thanks for sharing your resources
I am a father but Being a mother is a big problem in itself and then the school at home is really amazing.
I’m still working as a nurse and it’s been a challenge to say the least. My husband is at home so these tips can hopefully help him. Thanks for sharing.