First week, they will be in "school" from 8 to 3, with breaks every hour, one hour for lunch and one hour for PE (go outside and get some physical activity).

We will do random checks for work being completed (not check for correctness).
If they are not working, we will take away phones (they have a computer they can do HW on, but they use phones to connect with friends, etc..), and we can always lock down IP addresses on the computer. But, for the most part, I think my kids will do their work.

Second week will be their spring break, as in, they can goof off. I have a feeling MCPS will cancel spring break.

But we also have yard work they can help with, and clean the house. I have canceled the house cleaner for the week.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Our nanny will entertain the kids and keep them on task with schoolwork and getting energy out, etc.

Why are you deliberately exposing your nanny to coronavirus? Are you planning on taking care of her if she gets sick?

Grand prize winner for most DCUM response!

Anonymous wrote:Our nanny will entertain the kids and keep them on task with schoolwork and getting energy out, etc.

Prize for the most DCUM response!

We're going to watch a shit ton of TV.

Anonymous wrote:Our nanny will entertain the kids and keep them on task with schoolwork and getting energy out, etc.

Why are you deliberately exposing your nanny to coronavirus? Are you planning on taking care of her if she gets sick?

18:34 poster. He has his own iPad so he can do any school work that his Teachers send home on his iPad. We got him one of the less expensive, wifi, low memory models. It wasn't that much more expensive then a Kindle Fire.

If you are fighting for computer time you could look into a Kindle Fire, they are not expensive and work ok. I don't like the filing system but the one we had worked fine for the internet access and basic functions. If you can work it into your budget it will save you some stress. The parental controls are pretty good and easy to set.

We have one second grader. We ordered some workbooks from Amazon, Kumon ones, that will work for him. He has been asking about divisions and multiplication so we went with Grade 3 instead of Grade 2. We already had the Grade 2 books for writing and reading to reinforce what he is doing at school. We'll spend 30 minutes on each subject (math, writing, science, social studies) and then take a break. We'll set up a time after lunch for reading, we ordered a bunch of books that he loves. In between he can play with his toys or have some screen time. He already has a desk that he can use for his work.

We ordered a bunch of activities that he asked for (color by number books, fun books for reading). He has plenty of other toys to play with. I have no problem with outside play and play dates with friends that we know are healthy.

The problem is computer access for us: between our jobs and my high schooler's online assignments and my elementary schooler's online assignments (yes, even in elementary school!), we are fighting for the computers.

We'll have to come up with a sharing plan. Adults can continue to work after bedtime, elementary schooler gets it first thing in the morning when she wakes up at the crack of dawn... something like that.

Will ensure lots of fun amidst work and study!

Anonymous wrote:Our nanny will entertain the kids and keep them on task with schoolwork and getting energy out, etc.

Three posts in and we already have the least helpful contribution.

Homeschooler here. My kids do great if they exercise first thing in the morning and burn off some energy. They also take a 5-10 minute break every hour or so as they switch subjects. I encourage them to alternate subjects between skill and content - so math, then history, then a physics lab, then English literature, etc. It seems to keep their brains fresher.

When we reconvene at lunchtime it is interesting for them to hear what they each have learned about. We usually take an hour to eat and have some outside time (walk around the block, dribble basketball, etc) before getting back to it and finishing up.

I think we will mostly work 10-2 ish with breaks for exercise. I'm also really looking forward to instituting the much needed room clean outs and my big closet clean out!!

If I had older kids I would assign them to cook meals on a rotating basis, including figuring out what groceries are needed and how to make use of what is in the pantry. This is a good time to clean out the pantry, etc., and older kids can take the lead.

It’s also a good time for everyone to clean out their closets and make piles to donate, etc. Younger kids will be less anxious if they are busy, and having them clean the playroom or whatever will give them a sense of accomplishment. Also, have them make cards for medical personnel or shut-ins.

Our nanny will entertain the kids and keep them on task with schoolwork and getting energy out, etc.

Now that everyone in my family will be home, I am looking for ideas to helps us not throttle each other!
As of now all healthy.
We are in 1,000 sq feet, single level, multiple rooms - phew!
Two working parents with phone/video calls, research, writing, planning
Two HS likely online and study packets kids one with many APs

I am not great at planning, but feel we need a schedule of some sort
I am thinking a set “quiet work” window AM and PM
“Spot” for simultaneous work calls so kids don’t interrupt (me in room x husband in y)
Family meal prep, games and movies in the evening
Exercise plan for all (esp because kids in sports)
Music practice