6 Homeschool Organizing Tips

For most of us many things look different this year, including school. Whether your child has been distance learning since last Spring or since after the holidays, homeschooling has become a norm for most households worldwide. There is no doubt it is easy to feel overwhelmed, but here are a few tips we've learned along the way that we hope can help!

1. Find a comfortable spot for your child to work throughout the day where distractions are limited. This could be a desk in a bedroom or office, at the kitchen or dining table. Make sure they have enough space for a computer (access to a plug), and the supplies they will need throughout the day.

2. If one isn’t provided, create a schedule. If possible, print it off so that your child can follow along and know what is expected of them at any point of the day. If you aren’t able to sit with your child all day, or if you have more than one child at home, print an extra copy of the schedule for yourself. At a glance, you’ll be able to ensure your children are on track or how to quickly get them back on track.

3. Try to get a handle on the supplies they will need throughout the week so that you are not scrambling part way through the day. Pencil cases are a great way to keep supplies contained and portable. Ideally supplies would be stored where the child is working. If a drawer or cupboard isn't available, consider using their backpack to hold their supplies- just like they do at school. Pop it on the back of their chair while they are working then they can simply pack everything up once they are done their school day.

4. Create a centralized list of logins and passwords. Keep it in a location that everyone can access or create a list for each child that they can keep with their school supplies.

5. For parents of younger kids, consider having something to keep your child busy for the less engaging parts of the day such as when their work is done and they have a few mins before the next lesson begins. The goal is to try to keep your child at their work area and able to re engage with class. Try to find something your child will find interesting, but won’t total overtake their attention. Some examples are colouring sheets, drawing a picture on paper or a white board, or a small amount of Lego. This tip may be especially helpful if you are trying to work from home too!

6. Sitting all day isn't easy. Even adults have a hard time focusing all day on virtual meetings. Celebrate a successful virtual school day! It could be with a fun activity, a favourite meal, an outdoor adventure, or whatever lights them up that is possible right now ;)

Hats off to teachers and parents for their patience, adaptability, creativity and their ongoing commitment to teaching!

Photo credit: Pottery Barn, Little Star Journals.