school at home, should i or shouldn't i?

​Parents at home.  Children at home.  On-line learning.  Some are asking, “Should I really teach my child at home?”  Some are saying, “I can’t do this, it is too much.”  Here are some points to think about when considering whether or not to “teach” at home.
 
I will address on-line learning first.  This pertains to families that are being provided on-line teaching from their schools.

1.  First, if your school is providing on-line learning – the teaching is done for you. 
2. The expectation is that parents/guardians will make sure the students take part in the on-line learning and complete the work as best they can.
3. If students do not understand the work, the teacher is available to answer questions on line.  Students should not hesitate to let the teacher know that they need additional support.  The teachers are willing to provide that.  The teacher usually has a devoted time that is given for questions and additional help.
4. If parents/guardians do not understand and wish to help their child, the teacher is also available to the parents/guardians.  Parents may also contact the teachers with questions.  There is usually a designated time for this to happen or the parent/guardian will submit the request and the teacher will provide help when they are able. 
5. The teachers that are conducting on-line learning are aware of the emotional needs of students.  They also provide opportunities to connect, provide a sense of “routine”, and let students know they are still cared for and loved during this time when they are physically apart.  These teachers can help provide kids with emotional support.
6. If your school is providing on-line support, I encourage your children to take part in this learning. 
7. At the same time, this is not about being a drill sergeant.  It is a time for you to see what your child is learning, encourage your child in the learning, and to show the value of education.  Remember, you don’t have to be the teacher – it is already provided.  So enjoy your child, and support the work of your child’s teacher. 
8. Make sure your child has time to do the things he/she likes to do.

 
Now I will address families that do not have on-line services from their schools:

1.  If you have internet, there are many resources available to you that can help maintain your child’s educational experience.  Just put in your child’s grade level with the subject. 
2. Explore the interests of your child.  If your child is interested in dinosaurs, help them enjoy activities that will help them learn about dinosaurs.
3. Provide “routine” but also be flexible.  The child knows when to do chores, when you read stories, when breakfast & lunch take place.  At the same time, be spontaneous and open to experiences that happen in the moment – this is a great way to provide learning.  For example, the child is outside and sees flowers.  You admire the flowers and explore their beauty using all of the senses.  You talk about spring.  You learn about different types of flowers and how & where they grow….
4. Be aware of the emotional needs of your child.  Love them.  Make learning fun & interesting.
5. If you do anything at all, make sure to read to your child every day, even if it is an older child.  This also builds a spirit of closeness and connection. 
6. This is not a time to be a drill sergeant.  It is a time to help your child experience the world around you in a caring and loving manner.
7. If it were me, I would not wait until schools starts again.  I would try to provide my child with experiences that develop the whole child:  art experiences (as simple as being able to draw things, music, singing…), physical experiences (dancing, outdoor play in the yard, ball play…), social experiences (manners, letter writing even if it is a drawing to send to someone, talks & discussions, finding ways to help others…), emotional experiences (naming their emotions, helping them to deal with their emotions, thinking about others…), academic experiences (learning from interests and from daily experiences…), and spiritual experiences (prayer, Bible stories, sharing God’s love…).  Again, do not schedule the day so full that the child cannot enjoy their time at home with you.  Just find time to do things together like singing and dancing with your child, going outside and playing, talking together, hug & read with your child, notice and expand on interests, and let them know that God gives them unconditional love and forgiveness. 
8. Make sure your child has time to do the things he/she likes to do.

 
Parents/Guardians are their children’s most important teachers.  What you do matters.  It doesn’t mean you have to be a “classroom teacher”.  It only means that you love your child and help them to be the best person they can be.  For academics it is providing experiences that help children value learning and education.  Being a good role model during this time is one of the most important things you can do.  So enjoy and love your children.  Value them and their learning.  “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it.”  Proverbs 22:6
 
BEcky