<> In a world that is increasingly reliant on technology, virtual learning and internet-based work, many parents and students are now faced with the challenge of managing multiple tasks and campaigns at once; the combination of homeschooling and working remotely can be an intimidating prospect. It is even more difficult for those who have never homeschooled or held a 9-5 office job.
Fortunately, it is not impossible to manage both tasks efficiently. With a few simple changes, any family can adjust their routines, prioritize tasks, and maintain balance in all of their activities.
1. Taking Inventory of Available Time and Assigning Priorities
The first and most important step when adjusting to homeschooling while working is to evaluate one’s time and resources. Calculate how many hours per day can realistically be dedicated to each task, and account for any potential disruptions like family members or other external factors.
Separating the two tasks into their own, isolated categories is also helpful for scheduling and budgeting. Once a person has a better understanding of their working hours, they can prioritize their day. If work requires full attention, then consider scheduling schooling during the weekend, or even at night.
To ensure that both tasks are managed optimally, it is important to plan ahead. Each day, assign and survey the day’s tasks and prioritize what needs to be done first.
Allocate a set amount for each subject; for example, every day could include one hour of science or two hours of math, allowing different tasks to be arranged in a more manageable way. Make sure to leave time for breaks in between, as this is crucial for maintaining focus and staying productive.
2.Setting Goals and Rewards System
Goals and rewards provide structure and motivation, which are key elements in any homeschool/work setup. Making goals prevents people from procrastinating and drifting into tasks unrelated to their workload.
When setting goals, it is important to create achievable expectations; focusing too much on the end goal can be demotivating and distracting. Rewarding personal milestones like finishing an assignment or reviewing material can keep a person motivated. It is also essential to continuously adjust goals throughout the week to match any schedule changes.
Rewards do not need to be expensive; simple rewards like an extra hour of entertainment for the evening, a hot treat, or a pat on the back can help motivate a person during busy homeschool/work days. In addition, making goals for each task can help people drastically reduce their anxieties as well as motivate them to strive for better results.
3.Create a Lesson Plan
Creating an organized plan is a great way to stay on track. A lesson plan should include a list of the tasks that need to be done and the amount of time they will consume. It is advisable to structure the plan in a way that takes into account different topics, subject areas, student models, and materials.
It is also beneficial to break up the lesson into smaller parts so that it is easier to digest as well as retaining the concept and new material. Having a plan will help to anticipate potential disruptions that may arise.
Additionally, it is a good idea to add a brief recount of the day’s tasks and progress, as this can be extremely helpful when assessing the week’s work. For those working from home, activities outside of work and schooling should also be added in the plan, in order to include a restful break and avoid burnout.
4.Monitoring Individual Progress
When homeschooling, it is important to stay on top of each student’s individual progress as well as measuring their competency level in each subject. Setting a plan for each student can help prevent any academic decline from arising due to the workload. Regularly review the material covered in each lesson plan and comment on the quality of work covered; providing feedback helps students to stay motivated and offers guidance in the right direction.
It is also important to set up guidance systems that allow students to manage their time; time limits and goal setting will keep them on track and help them stay focused on the lessons. Additionally, make sure to involve fun activities that students can look forward to; this will help them stay engaged and invested in their lesson plans.
5.Curriculum, Books and Digital Resources
It is important to have the right materials to guide the lesson plan and instruction. Depending on the student and the subject, there are a variety of options for digital, physical and online resources. It is helpful to determine what type of material best fits the learners’ needs.
For those who prefer traditional methods, consider physical books, workbooks, and even a whiteboard for lessons. Digital resources are becoming increasingly popular, and offer the same advantages as physical books with the added convenience of having access from anywhere.
Additionally, there are many online educational resources available now on a variety of topics and for various age groups; selecting the proper material for each individual is key for a successful educational experience.
6.Making Connections with Other Homeschoolers
Socializing is just as important as learning when homeschooling. Other homeschoolers and those familiar with the subject can help provide more structure and keep students motivated. Additionally, it can be beneficial to find a focus group or even a homeschooling club to offer a shared space of learning, accountability and support throughout the learning process.
It is important to remember that homeschooling is a unique learning experience and making connections can be extremely beneficial for the learning process.
7.Online and In-Person Learning Centers
Some parents may feel overwhelmed by the prospect of homeschooling alone and it is helpful to seek out guidance even if one is not a professional teacher. Local and online learning centers, as well as specialized homeschooling tutors, offer a wide range of services, from lesson plans and curriculum design to virtual tutoring sessions. With the help of a professional, it can be easier to manage expectations and develop a plan that works, both academically and logistically.
8.Keeping the Home Environment Organized
Staying organized is just as important as having the right resources; for many families, chaos leads to distractions and forgetfulness. Utilizing strategies like desk organization, black and white board organization, weekly calendars and bulletin boards can all increase productivity and help a home remain organized.
While children should be encouraged to develop their own organization systems, it is beneficial if parents are also equipped with similar strategies in order to stay on top of both the homeschooling and the workplace.
9.Meal Planning
Meal planning is important to ensure that both family and student are fueled with the energy that their day requires. Making a plan of what needs to be eaten and when can help save time.
This will make sure that students have the proper nutrition they need to stay focused and energized. Additionally, make sure that meals are balanced and nutritious, with enough of all of the necessary macronutrients, healthy fats and vitamins.
10.Assigning Out of School Duty
Even if a student is not responsible for preparing meals or doing the laundry, assigning out of school duties can help the entire family to keep on track. This can be anything from setting the table before meals to cleaning the house at least once a week. Those who participate will be helping the household as a whole, while also taking a break from the designated tasks.
11. Offline Fun Activities
While it can be tempting to remain glued to a laptop or tablet, it is just as important to take breaks, disconnect and be present in the moment. Make sure to schedule time for entertainment and leisure activities, such as playing board game or going on a walk. This will help both students and parents to keep the motivation and interest in their tasks while also unplugging periodically.
12. Staying Positive
Change of any kind is difficult to adjust to, and homeschooling while working from home has its challenges. Staying positive and having regular check-ins throughout the week can help to keep the productivity of both tasks. It is alright for parents or students to feel overwhelmed, but looking at the challenges in a positive light can help to maintain momentum.
Conclusion
Homeschooling and working from home can be daunting. But with the right strategies, making the transition from one to the other is easier than it seems.
With a subscription to the right materials, an organized lesson plan, proper monitoring of goals and progress, and involvement of both students and parents, any family can maximize efficiency and make the workload less daunting. By taking advantage of the right resources, setting achievable goals, and maintaining balance in all of their activities, any family can find a system that works best for them and ultimately achieve the perfect balance between work and homeschooling.