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Freedom of movement to work- working on a rug.

Here we are, in the trenches of taking on the teaching role for our children. It has been a while (5 weeks, actually!) since I wrote my post about how we were handling 3 weeks of “crisis schooling” (I use the term homeschooling loosely because its not exactly what this is). When I wrote my first post, we thought schools were only going to be closed for a few weeks. Boy were we so naive back then, weren’t we cute? Now that schools are closed for the rest of the school year, I have implemented a few things to streamline the transition to learning at home. These tips help alleviate some stress for both child and parents and allow kids to take a bit of control in their learning situation in an otherwise out-of-control situation. I am a Montessori toddler teacher, and my son attends Montessori school, so while many of these tips come from my background, they are helpful for any method of education.

1. Create a Schedule

Creating a schedule is very underrated. It’s easy to just go with the flow and let the days just happen, but I notice how much more focus my son has when he has a schedule to follow and knows what to expect for the day, and how much more grounded he is. Create a visual schedule, for younger children this can even include pictures, older children can have it written out and easy to see. I don’t like to put time tables on the schedule (ie reading at 10:00am) because I feel like it puts more constraints and pressure on the day, which in turn can cause more stress. The order of what is to be done is just fine, and allows the child to know what is coming next. I like to use a white board like this.

Older children can create their own schedules, which allows them control of their day. I make a flexible list of what needs to be done for the day, and my son writes out the order of which he wants to do it, and details if needed (for instance- what our outdoor activity for the day will be or what he will have for lunch). Putting the schedule in the child’s hands also gives the opportunity to learn time management skills.

2. Prepare The Work

I can’t say this enough. In a Montessori classroom, this is known as the “prepared environment”. While it takes more time to prep in the beginning, it creates order for your child and allows them to see all of their work they will be doing, and makes the day easier. I spend Sunday night printing out all of the work for the week and separating it out into the different subjects so I can see what needs to be done for the week, and how to split up the work by day so its manageable. Every night, I put the work that is to be done the next day out on a shelf, and spread out so it is all visual (as opposed to just stacked in a pile). I use a shelf like this.

3. Create an Independent Work Space

Organized by subject and labeled using embosing labels.

Having a designated spot for all the school work so it can be laid out and organized brings out a sense of order, for both parent and child. This can be created with a shelf with spaces for each subject, so the work for each subject is easy to see and manage. I have even labeled each section with a labeler (my favorite is this one). This allows for the child to take control of their work, rather than having to wait for Mom to hand them their work, and who doesn’t feel more relaxed when their work is organized?

Don’t have room for a whole shelf? Even a paper organizer that allows each subject’s paper work separated out will do, or even folders for each subject with the days work in each.

Along with the designated work space, also provide areas to do the work. One of my favorite tools from Montessori is a work rug. Sometimes it’s easier to work on the floor, with more space to spread things out for a better visual as opposed to a table. Having a rug to put it all on keeps things a little more organized. Allow your child to work where they are most comfortable, and that could change by the hour! The freedom of movement really helps reduce stress that can come with school work and feeling stuck. Allow them to work at a table, on a rug on the floor, with a clipboard on the couch, or our favorite- outside!

Work station. Shelves separated by subject and labeled

4. Explain the Expectations

As we start our day, I give my son a recap of the work that is to be expected for the day. I show him what worksheets he is doing for each subject. This way, he knows the expectation of what he needs to get done. It isn’t a surprise, or unknown. He is able to manage his day and his time without feeling overwhelmed or that there is no end to the work he needs to accomplish. We as adults feel calmer when we know our expectation of work that needs to be done, and so do our children.

5. Give You and Your Child Grace!

You can have everything planned out, and some days it is just more challenging to stay on task and focused, and that’s okay. Adults have those days, and so do our kids. Give yourself and your child grace! If you see they are getting overwhelmed or stressed and anxious, save that work for later, save it for tomorrow, or just skip it altogether. We are all doing the best we can, and it’s okay to throw that fractions worksheet out if it’s causing stress and frustration.

Don’t forget, we are all in this together! I hope some of these tips help, and bring your home peace and grounding.