Tomorrow morning many of you are going to enter the remote workforce for the first time or as I like to call it "trying to get shit done with kids in my face."
I've been living here for quite some time so let me give you the lay of the land and some solid tips.
(THREAD)
I've been living here for quite some time so let me give you the lay of the land and some solid tips.
(THREAD)
(2) First, what qualifies me? Well, I've run my own business from home for 3 years. I juggle school-aged kids every summer for three months. but I've also homeschooled them both at one point.
I'm also a former kindergarten teacher & child behavioral therapist.
I'm also a former kindergarten teacher & child behavioral therapist.
(3) My first piece of advice is PLANNING. Get one of these simple printable curriculum calendars and PLAN what the kids are going to do while you work for the next two weeks.
If they've got stuff online to do from school, great. But for the littles it'll probably be up to you.
If they've got stuff online to do from school, great. But for the littles it'll probably be up to you.
(4) In the summer, I like to organize our weeks around a theme. It's fun for the kids and it helps me get creative with what we do to fill the time.
For instance, if it's bug week, the kids might spend the am doing a scavenger hunt in the backyard.
educationtothecore.com/2017/05/insect…
For instance, if it's bug week, the kids might spend the am doing a scavenger hunt in the backyard.
educationtothecore.com/2017/05/insect…
(5) Here's where you are really fortunate. Teachers have been cramming the internet with creative ideas for years and you can find free printables galore.
You can use Khan Academy's resources to develop a curriculum, especially if you have older kiddos.
khanacademy.org
You can use Khan Academy's resources to develop a curriculum, especially if you have older kiddos.
khanacademy.org
(6) I'll admit it takes some effort on my part to gather supplies and prep stuff for the week on Sunday. If you're lucky enough to have an older middle school or high school-aged kid, you can put them in charge of that.
My other big challenge is meals.
My other big challenge is meals.
(7) I suggest setting up a menu with breakfast and lunch options the kids can either handle making themselves or that require minimal prep on your part.
Bonus points for getting a kiddo who's learning fractions some hands-on practice in the kitchen.
tasteofhome.com/collection/eas…
Bonus points for getting a kiddo who's learning fractions some hands-on practice in the kitchen.
tasteofhome.com/collection/eas…
(8) Don't forget to build exercise and outside time into your schedule. Quarantine doesn't mean you have to stay inside, just that you need to keep your distance from others.
Long walks and family bike rides should become a ritual if the weather is good.
Long walks and family bike rides should become a ritual if the weather is good.
(9) TV is gonna get old quick so plan family board game nights or video game tournaments. And sit down for dinner at the table so you get some interaction and don't feel so restless stranded at home.
If you can keep your kids busy and active, the time will pass quickly.
If you can keep your kids busy and active, the time will pass quickly.
(10) Encourage your kids to take up a new hobby. Show them something you've been meaning to teach them like car maintenance or cooking or knitting.
Limiting interactions to family is an opportunity to focus on making your time together a good investment in relationship building.
Limiting interactions to family is an opportunity to focus on making your time together a good investment in relationship building.
(END) I appreciate that not everyone is fortunate enough to be able to work from home in an effort to #FlattenTheCurve . Thank you for doing your part to stop this virus from taking the lives of the most vulnerable in our community.
Good luck and godspeed, parents.
Good luck and godspeed, parents.
