For example, if you choose to homeschool or opt for distance learning to start with in the fall, will you want to send your children back to school (this year or in the future)? State Virtual Schools. How might this impact your childs motivation to do their schoolwork? SheKnows.com. From shop PartyProductsOnline, $34.99 This is when choosing distance learning through the school, working with the school on curriculum or even taking advantage of optional portfolio reviews, or employing a certified teacher in a pandemic pod could work out better than doing what we did with creating a custom curriculum. Ad from shop PartyTouchesUK 
), 3) Do you think you might want to send your students back to school in person either some time this year or in future years? Are you comfortable sending your children to school in the fall, as long as CDC guidelines for schools are followed (CDC, 2020)? You can then try to save each others sanity by intermittently saying or doing the things you know are on the card, so that everyone has a chance to keep their kids engaged, but quiet (because shhhwe have to hear what is going on, so we dont miss out on a bingo square!). While you are determining how much time you want to dedicate to your work, also consider if there are specific days or times of day that you have regularly scheduled meetings, deadlines for regular work, or other time-specific restrictions. Take full advantage of our site features by enabling JavaScript. It is also very important to note, especially when you are reading and researching your options, that there are two extremes to the homeschooling debate or conversation, especially in Connecticut, but it is likely evident elsewhere, as well. When you are planning your days, you will first need to decide how much time you want (or need) to spend with your focus dedicated to your work (in meetings, for example), and how much time you want to spend homeschooling your child (or children). 2) Block off the appropriate time for schoolwork on your work calendar and communicate these expectations to your manager and coworkers. (Various factors played into our decision, but one major factor for us was for the girls to have the option to participate in sports, clubs and other activities, and we were living in a location where they were districted into good schools.). 2) Identify the subjects you would like to teach each of the children. Always be appreciative.). Ad from shop shoppaperandparties Awake and Mindful has collected five yoga videos for kids that might be one option for a calm activity to start off the day. K12. Organizing any extra items needed (for science experiments, for example) over the weekend for the entire week will also help make your work/homeschool days flow much smoother. It is important to understand the risks and the comfort level you have with those risks, and, depending on the approach taken, the health risks for your children and for you (and for everyone in your household). Ad from shop StyledeShop Retrieved March 25, 2020, from https://nu.libguides.com/CommonCore/ccss_publishers. Looking at these from a more positive lens, as opposed to negatively identifying them as dysfunctions, the list of what teams need to thrive include: The foundation of working together as a group, especially in a stressful, unclear, unpredictable situation like remote learning during a global pandemic, is trust.
We ended up placing them in lower grades than the work they were working on as homeschoolers, both because of their ages and because we knew the work would be easy for them, allowing them to focus on the major personal and social transition with less stress. (n.d.). Minecraft Official Site. Many of our kids had packed schedules of school, sports, and other activities, with barely enough time to grab a sandwich in the car for supper. They are used to having their days and activities planned out for them months in advance.
The state regulations say that families MAY submit a Notice of Intent to homeschool and participate in portfolio reviews. Just take a few deep breaths and enjoy the time you have with your kids, because they really do grow up so fast, and this pandemic and chaos will eventually pass. The one thing that all of those spaces had in common was a dedicated space to store all of our supplies and work. Note that this option and how it is implemented differs greatly per state. Try using a different browser or disabling ad blockers. Original Price $14.95 Although Im not fully convinced that this is the best approach to managing your time, the concept of Timeboxing is similar to the approach Ive recommended above. On top of a foundation of trust is constructive conflict. StrutOurStuff Why not act like the dedicated school time is just another meeting? Your child or children will be perfectly fine with a couple or a few hours of school-related work and other fun, educational activities while you focus on work. We also created 2.6 million jobs in the U.S.enough to employ the entire city of Houston, TX! I will gather and post a list of the supplies I always kept on hand soon. We made a decision years ago to provide some independence and ownership of content decisions to our kids, specifically for movies, games, and apps. Fill out the requested information. A visual representation of the five dysfunctions Lencioni identifies is shown below. Your next steps are: 1) Identify the age groups of the children you are educating and whether they need to be planned separately or if the plan and content can be the same. Our global marketplace is a vibrant community of real people connecting over special goods. These are third party technologies used for things like interest based Etsy ads. How School Closures Can Strengthen Your Family. In all honesty, because we got sick of answering the question of Can we watch? questions, we came up with a specific rule to guide their choices. Ad from shop PomChickShop Ad from shop PartyProductsOnline Welltrainedmind.com. BrambleandGrove If you are unsure, Common Sense Media is a great place to start. One option is for grades 3-5, called Digital Passport, and is accessible here: https://www.commonsense.org/education/digital-passport. Trust that everyone is working toward a common goal, for example, is one type of trust.
Original Price $23.50 Retrieved March 18, 2020, from https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vSZhOdEPAWjUQpqDkVAlJrFwxxZ9Sa6zGOq0CNRms6Z7DZNq-tQWS3OhuVCUbh_-P-WmksHAzbsrk9d/pub, Khan Academy. (This is a big deciding factor that can save or cost you a lot of time and stress. From shop FeistyFireflyStudio, ad by DowningPartyBanners One combined list of these is accessible on EarthCam.com, here: https://www.earthcam.com/events/animalcams/. Retrieved April 19, 2020, from https://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/age-appropriate-chores/, Grown and Flown. Retrieved March 19, 2020, from https://www.headspace.com/covid-19, Khan Academy (2020). Patrick Lencioni wrote a book called, The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, which gives a simple, straightforward way to think about what is needed for teams to function well and to thrive.
1) Draw out a rough daily schedule (or weekly, if your daily work schedules vary), allocating specific times for work and for schoolwork. This is not true, legally. Find a fort posted by someone else and draw a picture of their fort and estimate how many people you think could fit in their fort. It is nice to have a separate table, countertop, or other area that you could leave your work out on all the time, but in most cases, this is not an option. Retrieved March 19, 2020, from https://www.steamsational.com/free-printable-homeschool-planners/, The new challenge to keep the kids occupied during conference calls is: FORT MAKING!!! Trust that everyone is doing their best (whatever their best looks like on a given day) and trust that everyone has the childrens best interest at heart are a couple of others. Hopefully, you have found this content helpful, and are on your way to planning a (relativelythey are our awesome kids, after all) calm, fun and enjoyable adventure educating your children at home while working.
All movies, for example, have ratings from Common Sense Media, as well as a kids rating and a parents rating, but even more helpful are the details provided by Common Sense Media behind their specific rating. Original Price $30.00 $27.00, $30.00 However, with everything clearly defined and with trust, constructive conflict and commitment, holding each other accountable for their respective parts becomes much easier, and does not need to involve finger pointing or other negative non-constructive behaviors. Small wins go a long way. What Are the Non-Core Subjects?. 4) *BONUS* You can also take an inventory of what you have for school supplies (paper, pencils, pens, markers, crayons, glue, scizzors, stapler, tape, whole punch, etc.). Bauer, S. W. (2016). Original Price $17.66 A lesson I learned the hard way many times is that they cant both be done (effectively) at the same time. Ad from shop SleepyPandaUK Stay home and stay safe. Retrieved April 19, 2020, from https://www.roblox.com/, Wiess, S. R. (2020a). PartyTouchesUK (10% off), ad by DonitoStudio Almost three years later, I can tell you that it was the right choice for both of them, without a doubt. The third consideration is the mode you wish to use to teach the subjects you have selected. An alternative is to make your own bingo card that might be more age-appropriate, like one with silly words or um and uh, for example, that might be easy for little ones to pick up on during the call.
Science and art took the most preparation because we conducted experiments and made a variety of art and craft projects, so we split these days, so that they were not back-to-to back, allowing for some planning and preparation time in between. If this was or is you, trust me, you are not alone. The rule for our girls was that they had to look at all movies, games, and apps up on Common Sense Media and bring them to us prior to asking the question of whether they could play, watch or download something. Instead of trying to convince your kids why they should be quiet and calm during your conference calls and hoping for the best, you might try giving them specific activities to keep them busy during these times. Original Price $2.74 From shop PartyTouchesUK, Sale Price $2.46 If you would like to explore this option, a great start is to review your state on both the CRHE and HSLDA websites, start searching for local and regional homeschool associations (the HSLDA has a great resource for this, as well), and begin searching for curriculum options (which can come in fully pre-packaged curriculum options to fully customized curriculum that you pick and choose from resources on publishers sites and Amazon.com book sales, for example) (HSLDA, n.d.2). Will you and your children be ok with this or able to handle any repetition or boredom by supplementing with other activities? From shop mishmashbyash, ad by Portafoliodesigns The reality is that we need to accept that nothing is going to be perfect in this imperfect situation, so for the perfectionists out there (like myself), if we are surviving and our families are surviving, we are doing the best we can, and that is good enough. From shop StrutOurStuff, Sale Price $20.80 Having a dedicated space will allow you to put everything away in a neat and orderly fashion after every day, so that it is available and easy to access the following day. Accountability involves all levels, including our children consistently being held responsible for their work. We cannot control what this pandemic has become or is about to become or the ripple effects it may cause. Captcha failed to load. (2020). The seller might still be able to personalize your item. Educators have never taught during a global pandemic, much less taught remotely or taught some students remotely and some in person at the same time. With powerful tools and services, along with expert support and education, we help creative entrepreneurs start, manage, and scale their businesses. Remember that you have options and that considering the short term and the long term will help smooth any future transitions for you and your children. Age-Appropriate Chores. Retrieved April 19, 2020, from https://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/2218929/how-many-hours-homeschooling-per-day/. Digital Compass. In Connecticut, the only thing you are legally required to do is file with your local board of education a letter of Notice of Withdrawal. The answer to this question can provide further guidance for what choice might be best for you and your family, on top of the obvious comfort level with sending them to a physical school building in August or September. (The first is required if choosing homeschooling and not purchasing a pre-packaged curriculum or enrolling your children in a full-time online school. 3) Identify the delivery mode you want to use for each subject and each child. For later years (grades 3-5 and 6-8) we elected to study math and language arts every day, and study science, history/social studies, art and music one day per week each, leaving the additional day (which happened to be Friday for us) for making up work we didnt complete earlier in the week.
Coronavirus (COVID-19). A big lesson learned in this transition is that no matter what homeschool curriculum you choose, there will be differences in what they learn there and what is covered in the public school curriculum, thus, some material will be repeated and there will be gaps to be filled in other places. Etsy is powered by 100% renewable electricity. No one knows what the right answer is to any question or problem right now, BUT, we can all try things, fail, get back up, and try something else. Thats all any of us can do, and the only way we are going to figure out what will work is for everyone to be comfortable communicating and providing constructive feedback when things are not working. Retrieved April 19, 2020, from https://www.minecraft.net/en-us/, Montessori Northwest. From shop shoppaperandparties, Sale Price $18.80 It is important to remain aware (and equally appreciative for any help they provide) that the schools and school districts are not required to assist homeschooling families, and that submitting an intent to withdraw (and/or an intent to homeschool) does have a direct impact on their budget, as they are funded on a per-student basis. Ad from shop TangledTulip Its challenging to ensure everyone is on the same page during a normal school year, but even more challenging during a global pandemic. If yours has not done so, or you would like to supplement the work provided to your kids, there are many approaches to doing so. Best Kids Yoga Videos on YouTube. See below for our experience transitioning our kids from homeschooling to public school and considerations/lessons-learned that you might find helpful. While you are on a conference call today, have your kids stand next to your whiteboard or sit next to you coloring or doing some additional activity, and work with them to complete a bingo card based on what is said or done on your conference call. Retrieved April 19, 2020 from https://grownandflown.com/soft-skills-for-teens/, Minecraft. FREE shipping, ad by StickerlickerDesigns Marc Zao-Sanders (2018) wrote an informative article on TimeBoxing, accessible here: Organizing your space is another aspect of your current situation that you have total control over. The second is what is being referred to as remote or distance learning, or, in our district, cooperative distance learning, which I think describes this option very well. Yours will too. Ad from shop StickerlickerDesigns Other paid options exist for states which do not offer state virtual schools, like K12, ConnectionsAcademy, although many others exist, as well (Connections Academy, 2020; K12, 2020). (30% off), ad by TangledTulip This includes finding appropriate websites, movies, games, and applications, teaching your children about online safety and digital citizenship, and knowing how to distinguish between free, safe content and free, unsafe content. For example, one was created by E. Gilliam, and is accessible here: https://www.conferencecallbingo.net/blog with the printable version accessible directly here: https://www.dropbox.com/s/xbwyrg21rbg79fj/conferencecallbingo.pdf?dl=0. The first consideration is the age levels you are teaching. Yes! Focusonthefamily.com. (20% off), ad by PartyProductsOnline If you want more information prior to pursuing this option, your best bet is likely to reach out to the school or district directly for more information about what the portfolio review might look like, what kind of support and guidance you can expect from them, etc. Retrieved March 25, 2020, from https://www.commonsense.org/education/digital-compass, Common Sense Media. However, we can control our reaction to it by staying safe, keeping our family safe, and following the Center for Disease Control (CDC) (2020) guidelines posted here: In my experience homeschooling and working full time (from various locations and time zones), the biggest lesson I learned was that I needed to be organized, but also flexible. Also, be sure that you are fully informed about what activities are offered or not offered for any who opt into remote or distance learning through the school, as this likely differs on a district by district or school by school basis. Commitment is built on a foundation of trust and constructive conflict. 5) Understand and be honest and open about what you (and your student) can and cannot reasonably take on and complete given everything you have going on outside of school responsibilities, and be open to working with your student and their teachers and school administrators. StickerlickerDesigns Youll see ad results based on factors like relevancy, and the amount sellers pay per click. With everyone rushing around trying to figure out what they are going to do for the fall, it is important to also pause, step back, and consider how the plans you make for the fall fit into your future educational plans. $2.46, $2.74 You've already signed up for some newsletters, but you haven't confirmed your address.
(n.d.). (n.d.). In my previous post, I noted that some schools and some districts are providing work for their students, which is great! Original Price $26.00 Retrieved March 16, 2020 from, Center for Disease Control (CDC). Etsys 100% renewable electricity commitment includes the electricity used by the data centers that host Etsy.com, the Sell on Etsy app, and the Etsy app, as well as the electricity that powers Etsys global offices and employees working remotely from home in the US. (2020). If you are teaching one child, you can skip this section. From shop MugKingdom, ad by FeistyFireflyStudio Many sellers on Etsy offer personalized, made-to-order items.
Smoothing the transition in our new reality. Here are a few suggestions of where we might start: 1) Develop (and ensure everyone knows and understands) clearly defined goals. How might it impact their learning? (10% off), ad by RabbitKo BoooTees
(n.d.). (2018). Its also home to a whole host of one-of-a-kind items made with love and extraordinary care. SheKnows.com. Our girls were homeschooled since Kindergarten, and I chose materials for each individual subject for each girl, and planned the curriculum and lesson plans myself throughout this entire time. Florida is more strict, but does have umbrella schools that allow for smoother navigation of the requirements. Ad from shop PrettyLittleClippie A few of the things that are currently within our control are: 1) our reactions to the current situation, 2) our attitudes, 3) our schedule and 4) our space. (10% off), ad by PomChickShop The second consideration is the subjects you wish to teach. (Note that this is not a comprehensive list.) What can your student do to promote these team functions also? It is important to be fully informed of all legal and regulatory requirements prior to making your choice, so that you are making a fully-informed choice. Free Printable Homeschool Planners. Others split them into pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten, grades 1-2, grades 3-5 and grades 6+. Click Buy it now or Add to cart and proceed to checkout. Does shopping on Etsy help support small businesses? The best resource we have found for determining age-appropriateness of movies, games, applications and some websites is Common Sense Media, accessible here: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/. Ad from shop GoldCoastal From shop ParkersCrazyCookies, ad by NeonCraftArt 100 Things to Teach Your Teen While Youre Stuck at Home. (20% off). NeonCraftArt (Remember: If you dont know where you are going, any road will get you there. Some subjects that lend themselves to video lessons are art, music, history, and even physical education, for example. On a sports team, each team member (player, coach, manager) has to understand their role in the teams success to be committed to being the best in that role that they possibly can, thus maximizing their contribution to the team and the teams progress toward that goal. Write a list of the equipment you used to make your fort. (n.d.). ?|zUA. Some of the common misconceptions include: Lets attempt to address these one by one. schoolwork has to follow the school day/week schedule, the schoolwork has to only include academic subjects, the kids have to be working on academic work the entire time, socialization is an afterthought when homeschooling, the kids are responsible for schoolwork and parents need to continue all of the housework.
Kid-Safe Browsers and Search Sites. One way to focus and be able to sift through all of the options is to decide what modes you wish to use to teach each of the subjects you selected, and limit your searches to the selected mode for each subject. Without clearly defined roles and goals, it is difficult to hold team members accountable for their contributions to the team and to the teams success. (20% off), ad by GoldCoastal (2020). Ad from shop BoooTees In my personal opinion, consistency in accountability, especially for online learners, is fundamental to their success, I believe, but it takes everyone involved being on the same page to maintain an appropriate level of accountability. From shop TheInkDripUSA, $37.99 $11.22, $14.95 Retrieved June 24, 2020, from https://www.k12.com/. (n.d.). KBDigitals From shop InemArtDesign, Sale Price $9.60 With some states canceling in-person schooling for the rest of the academic year and others extending the closures for additional time periods or indefinitely, but messages coming from politicians that we need to re-open the country, we are in a state of wait and see. 2) Develop open lines of communication between parents, educators and administrators. From shop KBDigitals, Sale Price $9.00 Uncertainty and lack of direction and why can cause unnecessary stress and a lack of commitment. So, how do we, as a team of parents, educators, and administrators, work together as a high performing team and not fall into the 5 dysfunctions of a team identified by Lencioni? As you wrap up the day, after allowing your kids to play and relax for the first day, take three deep breaths and smile, knowing that you completed some planning and organizing, and that you are on your way. Its important to have an honest conversation with your family and make the decision that is best for you, and to communicate that through these surveys. There are actually more options than you would think, and you are your and your childrens best advocate. How We Rate and Review. Etsy uses cookies and similar technologies to give you a better experience, enabling things like: Detailed information can be found in Etsys Cookies & Similar Technologies Policy and our Privacy Policy. Our toddler also participated, at an age-appropriate level, in virtual field trips, science experiments, and other educational activities with her sister. Saying no will not stop you from seeing Etsy ads or impact Etsy's own personalization technologies, but it may make the ads you see less relevant or more repetitive.