Whilst I have the time (my little boy is napping) I wanted to offer some tips that have helped me as a teacher. Some of you will be really anxious and I want to reassure you that you all have it in you to teach your children. It isn't going to look the same, its going to be hard work but you've already taught them heaps of things without even thinking about it.
Tips from a teacher
Preparation is key. Even if you’re not timetabling stuff in (which is not essential unless structure works for you and your kids - we’re all different) at least have a think about what you might do tomorrow. Have a couple of ideas to pass the time doing things together, what ever takes your fancy.
Spend time when the kids are in bed getting resources ready. If you are going to be crafting grab a box or a bag and shove in anything you think you might need so you can whip it out quickly, no fuss no waiting. If you want to cook with them make sure your ingredients are accessible and put them close by so you’re not scrabbling around.
That’s not to say you don’t go and grab something last minute because they’re suddenly really excited about it. It’s just that the in between times when you’re trying to get organised are mostly boring for the kids and stressful for you so plan to minimise this where you can.
Plan in down time - keep an eye out for when enough is enough. You can be so flexible. Exams are off, you’ve no goals you need to meet so don’t feel pressure to keep cramming in ‘work’ when they’ve had enough. Try to give kids options about how to spend this time so they feel like they are choosing and not being told. This works well for those who would always choose the iPad or computer. Offer things like Playing in the garden, Watching tv, gaming, lego, colouring, playing with a dolls house or kitchen etc. 2 or 3 options at one time so they’re not overwhelmed and mix it up.
Transitions are tricky. This is true in school and it will be at home. When you have to stop playing outside and go and sit down to learn it’s jarring. You want to keep running around as right now that’s the most fun thing in the world.
Help children to make the change more smoothly by giving them 5 minute warnings that things are about to change. ‘In 5 minutes we’re going to tidy this up and go and do x’. For some children a timer helps (use the one on your phone or an egg timer). An object associated to what you’re about to do can be a good motivator to show them too.
Tell them what you’re doing next. Don’t ask. Whenever we get new people in school the one piece of advice I’ve often given before the first day is out is don’t ask them to come and work with you. ‘Do you want to come and do y?’ Gives them the option to say ‘no’. Then you’ve a battle because really it wasn’t a choice. A friendly ‘come and do this with me’ is usually much more effective.
You are only one person. You can’t be in three places at once. If you’ve multiple kids then I really take my hat off to you. You’ve got your work cut out. Even in one classroom, yes we have a multitude of abilities but it’s very rare that we would be working with a 4 year old and a teenager at the same time. This will take more thought and planning. Think about ways you can split your time. Can one child have a more independent activity whilst you explain something to the other? Then leave them to have a go on their own whilst the other takes your attention for a bit of input. Also use your older children to help the younger ones. Chances are they can explain the maths problem or the phonics better than you could.
The more you think through what you’re planning for them first then the more able you will be to divide your time effectively (consider what they might struggle with and need you for).
Where you get your work done if you’re working from home is still one I’m trying to figure out.
Where possible get the children involved in planning their day. Sit down and have a chat about what they might like to do tomorrow. Have some ideas of your own but allow yourself to be guided by them. It’s much easier to get them to join in if they want to do it.
Pick your battles. It’s going to get intense and you’re going to fall out. What are you willing to ignore and what is a big deal? We all have a different view on what’s ok. When you’ve had to speak to your child about their behaviour (which is always best to do firmly but kindly - try not to shout - it leaves you with no where to escalate) focus on the initial problem even when it’s tempting to tell them off for stamping off up the stairs.
Focusing on positives rather than dishing out sanctions is always what we aim for. Try to avoid situations where conflict will arise. Easier said than done but hopefully some of the tips here might help with that.
