The West Australian government has announced Term 2 at all public schools will be open to students but attendance will be voluntary.
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Plenty of parents would have already had a taste of homeschooling towards the end of Term 1 and some will be gearing up to join the world of online learning soon.
It can seem overwhelming and difficult to know where to start as we already come to terms with the world being flipped on its head.
However, Mandurah mother, teacher and researcher Michelle Wong has released a series of homeschooling tips for parents - Harmony in Homeschool.
With more than 15 years in a classroom as a leading teacher as well as an educational advisor and researcher at Curtin University, Mrs Wong is also the mum of Jimmy and has first-hand experience of homeschooling.
The first installment of Mrs Wong's Harmony in Homeschool series is below, but first, she recommends keeping three important things in mind.
Firstly, these are completely unprecedented times, and no one can expect you to 'be' the teacher. These tips will help you facilitate your child's learning, but that doesn't mean you can't make use of some inside teacher tips to make your home life easier.
Secondly, teaching a classroom of children is easier than trying to help your own children at home. Why? The emotional attachment and the 'safe space' factors. What I mean here, is that children feel safe at home - they are more relaxed, they act out, they can even be disrespectful at times because they know you love them unconditionally. Children hold themselves together all day at school and it's not uncommon for them to let it all out at home.
Thirdly, count to 10 and breathe. Look after you, take time out - even if it is just a couple of minutes - and don't put too much pressure on yourself. The kids will pick up on your emotions - it's like their super power and turns them into gremlins at the worst possible time. Look after yourselves, parents.
The Harmony in Homeschool series will be released twice a week to help parents homeschooling their children.
ROUTINE AND BOUNDARIES
How do teachers control classrooms full of children? With routine and clear boundaries.
Kids thrive on routine so choose three manageable routine basics and use consistent boundaries to stick with it.
The strongest advice I can give to any parent in this situation is to put the hard work in the first two weeks to set yourself and the kids up for an easier life for everyone in the upcoming weeks.
Starting off with limited structure, like pyjama days, will make these habits much more difficult to change down the track.
While you're not your child's teacher, keep in the back of your mind how you would feel if your child was subjected to daily yelling, chaos, belittling, anger in the classroom or playing computer games all day?
Your children will push every one of your buttons, test every boundary you set and this is normal.
The good news here is that your children will already be used to consistent routines at school, so a great starting point is to have a chat to them about their school day.
What does their teacher do at the beginning of each day? Is there a fruit break? How do they know it's time to start new work? What rewards do you get at school for being amazing?
Use the kids' answers to build on what they are already used to - there is no need to reinvent the wheel.
The reason I have suggested three routine steps to start with is to make these an achievable and realistic goal for your household.
Some examples might include:
- Start each day at the exact same time
- Make the first part of each day a dance clip, or something fun that they look forward to beginning learning time
- Eat out of lunch boxes at eating times - yes making lunch boxes is tiresome, but it will instantly put a stop the the 'free reign' concept on the fridge and pantry
Stick with it and keep your boundaries firm - a visual chart is really helpful here.
The effort you put in at the beginning will set you all up for smooth sailing in the long run.
Boundaries can be maintained in a variety of ways but positive reinforcement is always best.
Use a rewards system they're familiar with at school whether it be raffle tickets, tokens, Dojo points, etc.
Be sure to verbally acknowledge everything! For example saying "Josh, I am so happy that you have your pencil case ready" or "Ivy, that was a great choice to not hit your brother just then" or "Sam, well done on not eating everything in your lunchbox before 10am".
Written by Mandurah mother, teacher and researcher, Michelle Wong.
