If you’re amongst the thousands of families impacted by the pandemic, then you may find yourself homeschooling, also known as crisis schooling. Although a new school year has begun, many parents have decided to try the school-from-home option which inevitably means figuring out how to organize your home to effectively homeschool during a pandemic.
Before you get too overwhelmed trying to figure out what to do and how to do it, check out my top suggestions for making this a smooth transition for you and your children.
Homeschooling During the Pandemic
Before diving into my practical tips, I’d like to address the fact that homeschooling during the pandemic can look many different ways. Polar opposite to present day homeschooling, crisis schooling can take the form of school at home, traditional homeschooling (set up much like public school), and/or virtual schooling (using a public school platform).
None of these options are better or worse than one another, and they all have one thing in common – providing a means for children to receive an education. In essence, that is the foundational point that should be remembered. Each parent should decide which option works best for them and their children. If educating your children at home has been your option, then here are some practical ways to get and stay organized for success (and your sanity).
How to Organize Your Home for Effective Homeschooling During the Pandemic
If you’ve never had to consider turning your home into a classroom, then I can totally understand your stress and overwhelm levels going off the charts. It’s not as intimidating as it sounds, and with these suggestions, you’ll have your homeschool up and running in no time.
Understand your children
This is something that even veteran homeschoolers overlook in the beginning. It’s easy to plan from a parent’s perspective and how you see homeschooling working in your home. However, save yourself some time by including your child from the beginning. Consider their learning style and begin to organize your home with that in mind.
Does your child like the idea of having his or her own space? Do they work better sitting at a desk or laying on their bedroom floor? Are they excited about taking classes online, or do they prefer to work independently? Answers to questions like these will help you compliment their unique way of learning. With this in mind…
Create a designated working space
Again, keeping your child’s needs and desires in mind, this area may be at the kitchen table, their bedroom, or a completely different room in the house. Keep this area free of any distractions and make sure your child understands what it is to be used for. Establishing the expectations ahead of time will help with creating a routine (and schedule) that will be understood and easy to follow. Also keep in mind that work spaces can change when necessary. If your child would like a change of scenery, then honor that. It could be the very thing that’s needed to help them continue being comfortable with their new normal.
Have a designated area for curriculum, resources, and materials
Books, papers, pens, and everything else school-related can make its way to every area of the house… without having a specially assigned area. If you want to get – and keep – a handle on keeping all things educational in their own space then you’ll need to create one. This can easily be accomplished with a bookshelf, a storage cart with drawers, bins, boxes, labels, etc.
If you’re pressed for space, consider using closets, underneath beds, and a corner of a room for storing your school supplies and resources. I can tell you from experience that having specified areas for keeping your children’s school things can (and will) make it easier on you and your children. They will know exactly where to go for paper, pencils, glue, printer paper, and so on.
This also teaches them organization skills and responsibility for their belongings. Make it a chore for your child to make sure everything gets back in its place by the end of each day.
Make room for adjustments and changes
If there’s one thing I wish parents would understand from the beginning, it’s changes will happen. In fact, it’s healthy for them to. As you and your child begin to find your homeschooling groove, you’ll realize that some things don’t work as well as others. While on the other hand, some things work wonders. Pay attention to you and your child’s stress levels, emotions, and behaviors so you know when something needs to be tweaked.
If/When that happens, don’t hesitate or get caught up in thinking that something is wrong. Oftentimes parents think that their child is not learning or is falling behind when the truth of the matter is something small needs to be adjusted so they can continue to thrive.
In conclusion, there are many ways organize your home to effectively homeschool during a pandemic. Overall it’s about finding what works for your family and rolling with it.
Also on the blog: Yes, You Can Homeschool a Child Who Learns Differently
If you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to send me an email. I will personally answer you and do my very best to help in any way possible.