Organizing Your Homeschool Day



During these difficult times, more parents have been forced into homeschooling, or what is called Virtual Learning. It can be a scary, and frustrating challenge to take on but let me reassure you that you can do it. With a little organization and lots of patience, it can be a success. Below will be tools, tips, sites, and advice on how to stay organized and how stay on track. Beginning this journey wasn't a choice for many but rest assured you can do it!

 #1. First and foremost get a planner or calendar (you can find cheap ones at dollar tree or 99 cent store) it does not need to be fancy. A whiteboard calendar would work great, as you can reuse it week after week.  You could also use the templates below as examples of ones to create on your computer. Creativity is key, you can use stickers, markers, or a points system to keep track of completed tasks. Use rewards as a way to encourage your kids to stay motivated. Create a small bin that contains small toys, trinkets, stickers or even food or ice cream coupons they can earn at the end of the week.     


    
                                                                                                                                  
 #2 Purchase a timer

. Timers are a great way to keep kids on track and they can also be a way to stop them from asking every five minutes "when is a break". Set the timer between each period so they know exactly when break, lunch, and end of school day begin and end.

 #3. Create activities for the break 

. Each day has something set up during the break period that is still a learning activity. The last thing you want to do is let the kids go wild during this time as it can take them out of learning mode. Create a book basket that has all of their favorite reads, picture books, or crosswords. Several days a week redirect them to the book basket and set an allotted time that they need to stay at that station by using timers. You can also create a macaroni station, and no it's not to eat. An example is to set a time for them to paint macaroni on break #1 and then on break #2 they can string the macaroni to create instant necklaces and bracelets. You can also have younger children do "laundry math" have them fold socks in a ball have them throw as many as they can in a basket while counting them out. You can also have older kids learn their number sequence, 5, 10, 15, 20, etc. This is a  fun learning tool for them and you get instant laundry helpers. Again be creative there are so many learning opportunities in everyday life.

 #4.  Purchase affordable supplies

. Walmart in my opinion has the cheapest school supplies around. They sell crayons for 25 cents and markers, colored pencils, and pencils for 50 cents. There is no need to pay a lot of money, remember they are home there is no one requiring 20 different binders for one subject. 

. Office depot or OfficeMax always puts out good deals on school supplies. They have erasers for 10 cents, pencils for 25 cents, and paper for 25 cents. Each week has a special deal so keep your eyes peeled. 

. Ask your school if they will provide laptops or tablets if you can't afford them. I'm sure by now many of you already know this but this is just in case you don't. 

 #5. Children with Disabilities count too

. Many parents who have children with disabilities have found themselves feeling left out by the school district. Let me reassure you that your child has the same rights as any other student. It takes you as the parent to be your
child's advocate, you may need to be a bit aggressive ( not physically) Here are a few things you may want to keep in mind.

A. If your child has an established IEP then it is the responsibility of the district to meet up with you to establish a new plan that fits in with this new time. Most services have been changed to virtual therapies, but you can still request in-home services if your child cannot advance using the tools being given. Stay consistent, and keep a record of who you talk to do not take NO for an answer. It may take time to organize a new plan, however, it is possible. Reach out to your principal and teacher to communicate what will best suit your child's learning style, so they can figure out how to meet those needs.

B. If your child receives services from Inland Regional Center contact your worker by phone, if you cannot get a hold of them by phone then send your worker an email. Allow 24 hours for them to respond, if by then you haven't heard anything back you can contact their supervisor. Keep in mind because of Covid 19 they are trying to figure out how to continue services while at the same time keeping everyone safe. With that being said, communication should not cease between them and yourself, they have an obligation to their clients in finding the best services that suit them.  

C. If you have an adult student who receives services from DOR email your worker and/or the team that has been assigned to your child. They should be able to provide virtual meetings, classes, seminars, webinars, and training. Make sure to call first and leave a message, or email and give them 24 hours to respond. They have been pretty good about response time but just in case you have that one that isn't then keep at it until they do.  

 #6. Find extracurricular activities

. https://outschool.com/ This is a site where children of all ages can take classes taught by other parents and teachers from gymnastics to pottery. This site is free to use, but you do have to pay for the classes which can run as low as 10$.

. https://www.skillshare.com/ This site has more advanced learning such as animation classes, film and video, and photography. This has a free trial but does cost after the trial ends. 

. Go on youtube and find exercise classes, dance routines, crafts, and much more,  they will be free!

 Remember don't panic we are all learning how to live in this new world, you are not alone in your worries and fears. Together we can create a successful school year, and That's the Heart of The Matter.













































                                          

                                  





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