Dear friends and family…
So, for the near foreseeable future, you are homeschooling.
Some notes from a homeschooling mom…
Breathe!
Be thankful for this time together.
I am not sure what the School staff will be implementing, but I have a few notes you may find helpful…
Use this time to help your kids get caught up on a missed skill… whether that be math facts, decoding words, geography… use this time to their advantage.
When you feel like you are talking to a rock, don’t be afraid to put the books to the side and let the kids take a break. During that time, kick them outside to play, and you should drink a cup of coffee or tea…or a glass of wine- whatever helps you catch your breath. Then, join them outside, listen to the birds sing, soak up some vitamin D, tell them to collect as many different types of insects or leaves as possible in the next 20 minutes and let them observe their findings… or have them plant some seeds and let them start a small garden over the coming weeks. If you feel you need more learning during this free time, then have them research their findings or look up companion planting or square foot gardening on the internet. Nature is good for the soul, and a great way to reset. Incorporating it into your day will make you feel more energized and grateful for this time together.
If dirt is just not your thing, have them read, walk the dog, exercise, draw, journal, make cards for the elderly or men and women in the military, play a board game, cook or prepare a meal for the family, or order some boxed activities (Radish Kids, Little Passports, or Kiwi Crate), and let them explore during this free time.
Get the paints out and put a Bob Ross YouTube episode on, and let them transform that canvas.
You will be surprised at how much learning they can do without you hovering. Let this be a time for them to explore and nurture their interest. But, I would recommend limiting screen time since their regular studies may be via “the screen”.
Breathe!
Have them help with the chores!
Breathe!
You don’t need a special place for them to complete their studies. Wherever they complete their regular homework should work just fine. I have one that prefers a desk or the couch, and one who prefers the floor or being upside down. And they both enjoy studying in the treehouse. As long as they are getting their work done, rigidity is not necessary.
Breathe!
They may turn feral!
Breathe!
They were always feral. So remember to thank their teachers upon their return to school! They will survive… you will survive!
Breathe!
Don’t forget to eat. Even if it is just a slice of fruit, a granola bar, or a can of beans. If you can’t cook a 4 course meal that is your New Years diet approved, it will be ok!
Breathe!
They are only young for so long. We only have so much time with them. I don’t imagine the next few weeks will be picture book perfect, but learning will happen…
Breathe!
Perhaps they will learn test prep skills… perhaps, they will learn independence… perhaps they will learn a missed skill that they didn’t have time for over the past months… perhaps they will learn creativity, how to be a citizen scientist, how learning is fun! Perhaps you will learn patience… perhaps you will learn to take it one day at the time… perhaps you will learn how to be thankful for the smallest things. perhaps you will learn that those beautiful color coded schedules just aren’t working… perhaps you will learn that it is ok to toss those beautiful well planned out color coded schedules! Perhaps you will learn flexibility…
Perhaps you will learn… perhaps they will learn…perhaps we all will learn…
I encourage you to have your kids keep a journal during this time of history in the making. Something to keep in a special place (perhaps with their baby book) and they can share it with their kids and grandkids in the future.
I encourage YOU to keep a journal during this time. When your children return to school, look back at it, and see what this time taught you about your kids… about yourself… about the world around you.
Most importantly, remember, you got this! Though we should be practicing social distancing, there are other ways of communicating and of lifting each other up.
Text, call, FaceTime, Email, FB…
In terms of social media. Remember it is just a platform of communication… and it is far from perfect… and it has its time and place…
Do not get discourage by another’s Facebook post depicting that everything is rosy all the time! I personally use FB to share photos of my children, nature, fun activities and projects, and sometimes a little real estate… and it all looks rosy! But my kids can too be feral… they can too try my patience… I have raised my voice. I have had my patience tested…But I am a firm believer that it does no one any good to post negativity, unless you are being vulnerable and relatable and have a word of wisdom to follow. People unfortunately can be judgmental sometimes, and we often read between the lines and insert our own lack of confidence and self-worth into someone else’s personal post… then this is when the criticism often seeps in (whether it be from self or others).
Don’t be afraid to post when everything is rosy, we know that is not what everyday looks like… we know there will be struggles… Remain publicly positive and that positivity will hopefully overflow to someone else.
But if you struggle, don’t do it alone…Lean on one another. As they say, “it takes a village.”
Just BREATHE!
Beyond the Elm 
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