Home-schooling is already a challenging reality during a regular time, but add a global pandemic on top of that, and you have yourself a loaded task.

For many parents, home-schooling has become very much the norm, and while this is a skill most parents have been forced to learn in recent times, it may be worth contacting your early years’ provider as they will be able to provide useful resources through their preschool management software.

In addition to resources provided by your early year’s provider, there are some other essential tips to consider when home-schooling your children in lockdown.

Set Up A Separate, Quiet Work Area

There are many distractions found at home, and no doubt your children will find them no matter what. To reduce the time spent nagging for children to focus on the task at hand, try and create a separate workspace where distractions are (hopefully) more limited.

For most children, home is where they enjoy their downtime, playtime, and everything that doesn’t involve school. Adjusting to this new learning situation will be difficult for the both of you.

Incorporating some sense of structure in separate work and play areas will help tremendously in a focused and peaceful environment.

Maintain Some Sense Of Routine

Although many of our routines have gone out of the window, a sense of structure is still crucial for children. Not only that but implementing an organised schedule for the day will also help you see when and how you can get on with your work.

Create a timetable and stick it on the wall in your work area or on the fridge. This will help get things done and be a source of motivation for you and the children. Routine is necessary to maintain a sense of “normal life” and will benefit everyone when things return to normal again.

Make Use Of A Rewards System

To maintain order throughout the day, implementing a rewards system that will motivate the children to complete their work will be immensely helpful.

Recognising the efforts that our children make is important, and rewards are a fantastic way to do this. The rewards can be small, for example, a biscuit or five minutes of play time if they finish their work. Whatever it is, knowing that they are going to be rewarded for their work will help the day run more seamlessly.

Take Regular Breaks And Get Fresh Air

Taking breaks throughout the day is critical for everyone involved. Concentrating can be very difficult when there is no stimulation, such as the school environment and socialising with other children.

Taking short breaks throughout the day is necessary to remain energised and interested in what is being taught.

Making sure that the children access fresh air during the day is also great for physical and mental health. This could be going to a walk at lunch time, or having windows open with fresh air flowing through to the working area.

Make it a priority to spend a little time outside as a family, which will undoubtedly help with positivity and motivation!

Home-schooling when you were never planning on is an incredibly challenging thing to do, especially when their interaction with other children is limited. Keep in mind that you are not a teacher and mistakes are acceptable, you will get through it!

If you are struggling with home-schooling, consider these tips and remember that it won’t last forever, they’ll be back at school before you know it.