By Lisa L. Dent, M.S H.Ed

Schools are closed but the learning must continue. So, how do we educate our children, limit our anxiety in dealing with a global pandemic, ensure health & economic stability and social distancing….all from home? This is a tall order to achieve all these items in tandem. We’ll begin with educating our children…at home. We call it Homeschooling and welcome to our new normal.

First, take a breath….you’re not alone. There are 2 million Homeschool children in the United States and the global trend is growing, particularly in these areas: Australia, Canada, France, Hungary, Japan, Kenya, Russia, Mexico, South Korea, Thailand, and the United Kingdom. For in-depth data visit https://nces.ed.gov/blogs/nces/2019/09/25/default Since homeschooling is more mainstream now (it became legal in all 50 states in 1993) there are a plethora of Homeschool Veterans and resources at your fingertips. We encourage you to not be afraid to connect.

Resources to get you started:

• www.TheWomensEmpowermentSeries.org
• www.HSLDA.org
• www.Readworks.org
• www.Khan Academy.org

If you’re homeschooling due to school closures,  you don’t have to start with a clean slate. Your children’s Teachers have sent packets of information home or are offering online classes. The curriculum has already been developed for you. View this as a huge WIN!!

Take another breath….Here are 10 tips to get you started and relieve the anxiety for you and your children while homeschooling because of the Coronavirus.

1. Each morning take 15-30minutes (before family awakes) for self care. Do Yoga, meditation and have your coffee. Each day we post different activities to assist you on this journey.
2. Connect with parents who are already homeschooling, online or via phone of course.
3. Get to know your state’s homeschool law. Only if you’ve decided to continue homeschooling after successful Coronavirus mitigation and approval from CDC experts that schools will open.
4. Explore your child’s learning preference, your teaching style, and your educational approach.
5. Remember YOU now control the schedule.
6. Decide where you will homeschool. We believe the environment sets the tone of the experience.
7. Create your unique school schedule. “Starting with a routine and a clear schedule will help you and your children get on the same page while establishing good habits.” HSLDA.org
8. Include daily physical activity (walking, dancing, yoga, etc.) on the schedule. Take turns with your child leading this activity. Be creative and have the entire family participate if possible. End each day with a Mindfulness activity such as Meditation.
9. Initiate and practice frequent hand washing (www.CDC.gov). YOU are the example.
10. Enjoy the learning process with your children while celebrating their growth and achievements. This is a time to reset, be hands on with your child’s education,  increase your connection and have some fun!

Finally, keep in mind you are not alone. So, feel free to reach out to us and tell us how you’re doing. Breath(ahhhh)….we’re in this together. #Community

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Lisa Dent is the Founder and CEO of the Women’s Empowerment Series, a nonprofit that teaches, supports & EMPOWERS women and girls globally to find their VOICE through Health Education, Advocacy and Entrepreneurship. For more information contact Lisa at info@thewomensempowermentseries.org.