"Parents, stop putting so much pressure on yourself"; Star readers share homeschooling tips

The national lockdown and subsequent school closures has resulted in many parents having to revert back to homeschooling. An almost impossible juggling act for so many, and while some parents may have got it sussed the first time around some will and have struggled — which is understandable.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Homeschooling is not easy, not for so many of us. Whether it’s trying to get access to learning resources, borrowing a laptop, accessing the internet or even getting work set by some schools, we’re in unprecedented times for so many. So, we decided to ask The Star readers for their thoughts and any tips for success when it comes to homeschooling, and this is what they said:

Emily Woods says that; “learning doesn't have to look like a child sat at a table with a pencil in hand. Maths could be measuring for baking, which is also food tech. English could be writing a letter to a friend, keeps them connected to school friends, or maybe even see if you can connect with other children around the world (geography looking at a map to see where they're from). Lessons come in all different shapes and forms and really anything you do with them can be a learning experience. Don't stress yourself out if they're not sat slaving away at a table 9-3 every day. They're learning whether you realise it or not.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Ryan Jones (a teacher and parent) keeps it simple with a list:

home schoolinghome schooling
home schooling

1. Do what they can and don’t stress.

2. https://www.thenational.academy/

3. GCSE bite size

Melissa Damms says that; “we are doing what we can and we won't be pushed to do beyond cause that won't happen she will learn of course but only to what we understand and I dont think u can ask anymore of us”

Susan Judge said; “Home schooling and home education are completely different. In home education though, the only thing I’ve found is go with the flow, sometimes they will want to do loads and loads of learning, other days it’s a non starter”

Axël Jëëvës says; “I’m on day 4 of home schooling and working from home concurrently. I’ve quickly learnt it’s not possible to do both, so just do as much as you can and don’t stress about it too much. It’s only a few weeks , the kids will probably turn out ok”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Ally Samantha is content to keep home learning relaxed, saying; “Have regular inset days”

Don’t stress and don’t pressure yourself are the words of wisdom from Faye Harris, who says; “ remember your teaching 1 child of a class of 30ish kids. If you get an hr or 2 a day well done. And I focused mainly on maths, English and reading. Don't forget your not a teacher, if you need a day off for your own sanity take it x”

Natalie Rickett is emphatic when she asks parents to; “stop putting so much pressure on yourself to be a teacher, you arnt a teacher your a parent. Schools need to realise that this structured home schooling they have set out won't work for everyone.” And remember that “not every parent is sat at home jobless or furloughed. Some are working from home with set times they have to be in their "office" on zoom meetings etc. Some families don't have quiet spaces the kids can be on zooms to teachers, quiet work spaces. So do what you can when you can, the rest will just fall in to place somewhere xx”.

Chloe Atter recommends The Oak Academy to parents saying to; “follow the curriculum on there. It’s so easy and simple. They do science experiments and videos with no real resources needed (except pencil and paper).”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Michelle Dubar says; “sometimes it is like smacking your head against a brick wall and other days it is great”, and she says remember that; “You are a parent/carer first they are learning in the most extraordinary circumstances. Be kind to yourself. If you are having a bad day focus on mental health, go outside or find something that makes you all laugh. My friend and I who have worked with many difficult pupils and have a phrase which usually finishes our conversations "Well it is what is !" and some days / some lessons are just bloody awful.”

Nikki Pink prefer to focus on health and safety, clearly, saying; “Send the kids outside, tell them it's a fire drill” — it’s freezing cold outside, Nikki.

Jade Adams simplifies it with a list;

1. “Remember you aren't a teacher so don't try and be one you will only stress them and yourself out.

2. Reading together, simple counting of everyday objects all count as learning

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

3. Play games that encourage learning without making them sit and 'learn' (the five minute mum has fab games to help with phonics and maths that require minimal set up, are fun and teach the kids).”

A local teacher, Danielle Victoria had originally created Dani Daydreams during the first lockdown; “to help with guided reading at home. There are story videos with follow up question videos about the story all for free.”

Here are some helpful links for parents:

BBC Bitesize: Primary Years and Secondary.

Related topics: