Due to Covid-19, all children received home education because the schools were closed. The primary schools in certain countries will open (in part) on May. Not all children will go to full school immediately. For example, primary schools halve the group size in the classroom. About 50 percent Children go to school at all time. The other half of the time they attend home education. Schools are now deciding on how to get it best organized, and parents will be informed about this after that.
Tip 1. Keep it achievable
Learning at home should also be fun, so that it can be sustained for the children, but especially for you as a parent. You do this by keeping it relaxed and not increasing their pressure.
Fixed rhythm
A steady rhythm helps to keep it fun for everyone. You can divide school work over the day and alternate it with relaxation, eating or drinking moments and playing outside. Do not handle the schedule too tightly. When children wander, or become restless, it can be good to start doing another activity.
The relationship between parent and child – as a teacher and student – can create tension.
Be aware of the changed relationship. As a parent you are not trained as a home teacher and you have to combine this with work. If it doesn’t work in the beginning, try to seek relaxation in other activities together.
Tip 2. Alternate work and exercise
It is important for all children to exercise during the day. Some children have a great need for exercise and sports. It is good to stimulate movement.
Fortunately, many sports clubs are open where you can exercise outside. This means that many children will regain rhythm in their weekly (sports) activities.
There are all kinds of fitness videos on YouTube for children and young people. In ten minutes, these videos offer a small workout. Of course, running or cycling is also an option.
Tip 3. Use teaching materials from school and beyond
A lot of digital teaching material is now available. Primary and secondary school teachers usually give assignments online. The work that children have to do is ready for them. That provides support and structure.
Teachers, of course, make sure that the material matches the level of the child. If you also use teaching material from outside school, it is important to be careful about this.
Tip 4. Talk to others about how things are going
Make sure there is room for everyone to tell how things are going and to ask questions. Everyone is doing their best and trying things out to find out what works. Sometimes it goes well and sometimes it does not. It helps to share these experiences with others. Seek advice if things are not going well.
It is nice for children to talk after a few hours of work. For example, ask what they have learned. Not to check them, but to show that you take the school work seriously and to finish it well together.
Tip 5. Organize help on time
If giving or receiving home education is not going well, it is important to get help. Sometimes distance education is not successful, because there are tensions at home, or because there are no resources, such as a computer or the internet.
Even now that education is partly starting up again, it can be complicated to organize the activities during the week. Younger children may already be able to go to school and older children may not yet. It is possible that some of the children receive education at school and some still need home education. Contact the teacher or someone else from school if there are difficulties.
