by Monique Tenaglia

Homeschooling is a hot topic and constantly running through many parents’ minds as we go through the motions and adapt to the current climate.

The thought of homeschooling can be daunting for many as parents across the country think “But I am not a teacher” and yes that is correct! Think of yourself as learning support, to help guide your child through their classes!

 

HOW TO START HOMESCHOOLING MY CHILD?

Most schools have apps or content set up through online drives, become informed with what programs your child will be using. 

 

Educate yourself on the programs: 

• Look into brief tutorials on how to navigate these programs, apps or drives before commencing your child’s school day.

 

Create a support network: 

• Reach out to parents at the school and ask what works for them. You don’t have to keep it specific to the school, you may even find a group of supportive homeschoolers on Facebook or a forum!

 

Visually plan each day: 

• A task list of what’s ahead! Ticking off as you go through each class to celebrate the wins not just for your child, but you too! Every little win counts!!

 

Be flexible: 

• Attend the scheduled classes and outside of that work at the best pace to suit your household. It might be after class to break the day up with a walk around the block, fresh air or a cup of tea.

 

Create a space: 

• If possible, keep the space separate to your bedroom/living area. This helps to give the feeling of being “out of school” once the school day is completed, as the living/learning spaces are under the same roof.

 

HOW MANY HOURS A DAY SHOULD YOU HOMESCHOOL?

Depending on the schooling and year level, most schools will provide the guide and curriculum for you.

 

School hours: 

• At no point should homeschooling be mimicking an entire school day.
• Most would recommend 3.5-5 hours a day for Primary School depending on the year level. This is due to attention not being divided in an 8-hour classroom setting.

 

The perks: 

• Attention is no longer split between 25+ students! Homeschooling means your child is now receiving a personal one-on-one education. 

 

IS HOMESCHOOLING FREE?

 

School Organised:

• The costs are within your school fees, dependant on certain schools. There may be some out of pocket costs such as I-pads or Laptops required (Always hold onto these receipts in case they can be used at tax time)

 

Home Organised:

• Parents who take on the job to enrol their child in homeschooling often cut most costs of schooling fees.
• As technology advances, there is now even home schooling subscriptions! Some costs of a full curriculum can be as low as $45 a month for self-directed learning.

 

PHYSICAL EDUCATION (PE) LESSONS

Keep them fun and active!

• If you or your child are active later in the day it help aids a better and deeper sleep.

Variety circuit: 

• If you have some access to balls, skipping rope and obstacles create a little work out course in the back yard, to change it up: “do 20 skips” “do 10 star jumps” “jump over this box 5 times” “run the length of the fence 3 times” “throw the ball in the air 10 times”

 

Laps around the block:

• A steady state walk is great it increase those daily steps and mental health.

 

Sprints:

• Short burst of energy to help run exhaust your little ball of energy’s never ending supply! 30 seconds intervals of sprinting and walking alternating for up to 10 minutes is a quick and affective work out.

 

Active console games:

• If you have trouble motivating your child to get active, consoles have some great alternatives like “Just Dance”,“WiiFit”, “WiiSports” and the list goes on. Any gaming store can provide great options!

Some of our most popular Kids sports shoes are the New Balance 625, as well as the ASICS Gel 540TR

 

STYLE FOR HOME SCHOOLING 

Even though your kids are attending school from home, they still needle ample support and structure for their growing muscles and bones!

Help get them excited for the day or PE lesson ahead (even in preparation for when the countdown is on to head back to school), with some fresh sneakers to aid in their support, stability and motivation!

Needing shoes for around the house, and School, don't forget to visit our School Hub, with premium school brands such as Clarks, Alpha & Ascent, as well as premium Kids sport shoes, with brands such as ASICS, Nike & New Balance.