With so many waves of COVID-19 sweeping across the globe, school shutdowns have almost become the norm.
It’s understandably frustrating for parents who are trying to work, take care of the home, spend quality time with their family as well as accommodate at-home learning.
Doing so can be difficult but it’s not impossible! It’s all about doing what you can.
To help you out with your child’s at-home learning, here are some easy schedule ideas you can use to keep everyone on track:
Reading Rockets – Home Learning For Young Children
This at-home learning schedule by Reading Rockets offers a simple way to establish a routine and provide a structure for your kiddos.
Instead of blocking out the schedule according to time, each activity is given a time limit. This way, you can easily implement this schedule no matter when you start your day!
Royal, Baloo, and Logi-Bear Too! – Visual Homeschool Schedule
Even though at-home learning is different from homeschooling (we don’t have to create our child’s curriculum, thank goodness!), you can easily use homeschool schedules to help keep your little one on track.
This homeschool schedule uses engaging and simple visuals to outline the day.
ATTitude – At-Home Learning Schedule for Kids With ADHD
Routine is so important to kiddos with ADHD and having schools closed can really disrupt their normal schedule.
Here is a steady daily schedule you can use with your child if they have ADHD.
ActiveKids – Learning Schedules for Multiple Kids
It can be hard enough to manage an at-home learning schedule for one kid, let alone multiple kids!
This article from ActiveKids will give you all the information you need to create a schedule that will work for your entire family.
PlinkIt – Structure Your Day
When you’re home with your child during a school shut down, having a schedule will save your sanity as well!
Whether you are working from home or trying to keep up with domestic tasks, a solid routine will help keep you on track as well.
Check out this guide to creating a home schedule to structure your day!
Khan Academy – Schedules for Ages 2-8
Khan Academy is a great online learning resource where you can also download printable schedules for kiddos aged 2-8!
Check out their ready-to-use schedules or their make-your-own schedules as well as a handy guide for using them!
PBS – Making a New Home Routine
This guide from PBS explains how to create an entirely new home routine when your children are learning from home.
Along with showing you how to create a routine and schedule, they also point out the importance of taking care of yourself as a parent.
Grid + Glam – Lockdown Schedule
This resource from Grid + Glam is a great place to find schedules you can use as well as tips on how to use them.
Check out her tips on surviving at-home learning such as creating learning zones and including meal prep into your schedule!
How to Use an At-Home Learning Schedule
Before you print out and fill in an at-home learning schedule, it’s important to firmly establish what the schedule will include.
Keep in mind that your kiddos are in a state of disruption – their normal routines have been turned on their heads. Therefore, it’s important not to over-schedule their day and allow for flexibility.
Here are some steps you can take to best prepare and use your at-home learning schedule:
- Have a family meeting. Gather with your kids and go over the expectations when it comes to at-home learning – what they will be expected to get done and the timeframe they are expected to get it done in.
- Look at the at-home curriculum. Write out the subjects your child should be working on and organize any worksheets that were sent home.
- Create a block schedule. Instead of making your schedule adhere to certain times of day, allot a specific amount of time to each activity. For example, 20 minutes for reading, 20 minutes for math, 10 minutes of physical activity, etc.
- Let your kids help. Give your child choices when it comes to completing their activities. For instance, get them to choose the order or give them a choice between two activities for each block.
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Set a timer. You can help your kids develop independence by setting a timer and having them take responsibility for switching to the next task.
As you can see, at-home learning can be a great opportunity to help teach your child responsibility and have them develop independence!
Just remember that your schedule isn’t going to go perfectly the first couple of days. This is a huge adjustment for everyone, so give yourself some grace and allow for changes in the schedule that best suit your child’s needs!