Question to experienced K homeschoolers from a virtual learning parent

[Anonymous]

Posting outside the homeschool forum might actually give you more relevant responses.

My ds is in 1st grade. I am trained as a high school teacher and I was gearing up for homeschooling him this year, but so far DL is going ok. Here are a few things that have helped, with lots of trial and error:

- I posted a schedule color-coded by zoom time, independent work time, and times he works with me. There’s a chunk of working with me in the morning and again after lunch, which makes the independent work time go much better.

- I set up Montessori-style trays that include his interests and hands-on math and language materials. We do that in the morning instead of independent reading, which we moved to an afternoon quiet time instead. So he has some choice and movement to help break up the day.

- We posted 1-3 goals for each subject (and zoom time and “life”). I refer to them a bunch during the day to set expectations, note progress, and correct behavior. At the end of the day, we pick two he did especially well to put a sticker on.

- I stay mostly out of the way during zoom time. It’s not worth anyone’s mental energy to micromanage his behavior. I do want to hear him answer a few questions a day and sometimes I ask him to share one thing after a lesson.

This whole crazy situation is far from perfect, but we’re getting through it and some days are great. I don’t have a job right now, although I do have two other younger children so it takes some work to fit in time and attention for everyone. I have infinite respect for families who are getting through this with two working parents!

[Anonymous]

Long-time homeschooler (19 years so far) and I disagree with the pajama philosophy. I can be a nurturing mom while expecting kids to do the “job” of childhood (learning). Dress for success! People who work in their pajamas haven’t made the mindset change from leisure to work. But I admit that this is a homeschooling stereotype.

But I totally agree that DL is not appropriate for kids (really even for HS).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Long-time homeschooler (19 years so far) and I disagree with the pajama philosophy. I can be a nurturing mom while expecting kids to do the “job” of childhood (learning). Dress for success! People who work in their pajamas haven’t made the mindset change from leisure to work. But I admit that this is a homeschooling stereotype.

But I totally agree that DL is not appropriate for kids (really even for HS).

I’m okay if kids (occasionally) wear pjs while homeschooling. However, they have to shower and put on clean pjs for hygiene reasons (2 refuse to wear undies, therefore changing clothes morning and night is non-negotiable), so they don’t push it unless they feel like they need a comfortable day to really dig into research or creative juices for a project.

[Anonymous]

I have a 5th grader and even he has about a 45min attention span for sitting. Depending in how well he slept the night before determines his cooperation.

We get all our work done early in the morning. Basically we have until noon before he is mentally spent. If he is mentally spent or bored his behavior becomes a problem

We work in 45min increments with 15min of play in between.

The schools are asking too much. Its comical to watch to be honest. The execution set them up for failure. You are best to NOT battle your child, please allow her to talk. Her only chance at an education this year is from you and her father.