Man homeschooling young daughter – shutterstock_283575290 (2)

It looks like children will have to learn at home at least until the end of April. Does that seem overwhelming? Here are a few thoughts that might make it easier.

• Begin the day with God. Read from the Bible and pray with your children.
• Children have more time in the day now, since they don’t ride the school bus. Don’t let them sleep in. They should get ready for the day as usual, do their school work, and have more free time later.
• If Mom is now the teacher, the children should help more with the meal planning and preparation, house cleaning and laundry. Home Ec is a legitimate life skill.
• If there are multiple children, in multiple grades, the older ones should help the younger. This is also a valuable life skill.
• Improvise. Age segregation is not needed for all subjects.
• Don’t try to replicate the setting of a school classroom.
• Do establish a schedule.
• Don’t let Dad off the hook. If he is home, the children will be thrilled to have him help with their school work.
• Learning to learn is an essential life skill. Let the children figure things out for themselves and do their own research as much as possible.
• Don’t forget to have fun; children need recreation and physical activity to keep their minds clear.