How To Survive Home Schooling

It’s back to the ABCs as you channel your inner teacher

- Kate Hawkesby

Over 750,000 Kiwi children have been sent home from school to continue their lessons amid the coronavirus scare. While schools have done all they can, providing learning packs and online classrooms for pupils, parents – many now working from home – may feel overwhelmed as the shift changes the family dynamic and risks frayed emotions.

Natasha Tiwari, psychologist, educationalist and CEO at The Veda Group (thevedagroup. com), says some simple rules will help everyone adapt.

STRUCTURE THE DAY

Kids should wake early, have breakfast and get dressed as if they were going out. Maintaining a routine is crucial to keep motivation high and take the new set-up seriously. Provide a space where the home schooling will happen. If children split time between two households, both parents must work to the same schedule throughout the day, with the same rules and boundaries.

EXPECT TO BE TREATED AS A TEACHER

Explain that, during this time, you are the “teacher” and in charge. Set clear rules, but you may also want to offer incentives to keep them motivated, much like a school merit system, and take away privileges if they do not. Be the most “teacherlike” version of yourself during home-learning time. Many parents worry how to ensure their teens listen to them. No matter what they say, teenagers appreciate boundaries and structure. Make your expectations clear and remind them they have a responsibility to prepare for their future.

KNOW YOUR CHILD’S LEARNING STYLE