Lists + Plans for Short-term Homeschooling

Dear mom who finds herself unexpectedly and quite suddenly homeschooling:

You are capable. 

Even as a former homeschool mom, I find myself under-prepared. Our school district will have some virtual learning options, as well as (I assume) simple lessons emailed home from the teachers.

But even those things will not fill the 6+ hours children normally spend at school. How then to fill the rest of the time without losing one’s mind?

Make a simple schedule/routine for your days. 

This graphic floating around the web is a great starting point. My neighbors and I will likely follow it. There’s plenty of time to play included—perfect for my laid-back style. And since there are twelve kids among four families, coordinating our breaks and outside play time will keep our kids from begging to go out to play with friends.

Make “To-learn” lists

I already planned to revisit learning about physical health, cycles, and introductory Theology of the Body info with my girls this spring. These next several weeks provide a perfect opportunity to work this in a few times a week.

Think about what you know your child needs to work on. Add it to your list. 

Then consider what you would enjoy learning together, and add that as “fun” learning. 

My list includes handwriting, math, reading (alone and aloud), and PE. For “PE”, we will visit local parks and hike, ride bikes, maybe follow a workout DVD together. “Distance learning” has yet to be planned; the district has some vague plans but we won’t know how they play out until Monday.

Make a “Life” list

This list is about the things I want us to do that enrich our life. Mass (as long as we can go!), Scripture memory, cooking together, working on a garden, volunteer work. These next few weeks are an incredible opportunity to spend time as a family doing good together. Make the most of it! Let me know in the comments what you plan to do. 

Make a “Chores” list

I think it’s a given that our children ought to pitch in around the house. Chances are, you already have your crew assigned to certain jobs regularly. What other bigger projects or cleaning tasks can you tackle with their help now? I have my list with polishing floors, washing walls, bundling branches, dusting molding and trim. My next step is to plan these jobs on specific days. 

Collaborate with neighbors

I know, social distancing is going to keep many people from spending time with neighbors. If you can, reach out and see who needs help. Talk to other moms about what activities you can share, like a cooking lesson, art project, economics lesson, etc. We each have so much to offer. If we come together to share knowledge and skills, imagine what neat things we can share and learn together! 

Experienced moms, what else do you suggest? Moms who are new to this, what questions do you have? Let’s spread some ideas around to support and encourage each other through the next few weeks! We can do this.

Links for free use during the “quarantine” period: (know of others? Share them and I’ll add them to the list)
Art lessons on YouTube
Ambleside Online Emergency Lesson Plan
Other Goose free for 21 days
Raddish Kids (some recipes + they are giving away 25,000 free kits)