Our first week of Homeschool {what we did & how we’re handling it all}

What a week it has been. I mean, we knew it was coming right? The school closures, the restaurants and bars having to shut up shop. It was coming! But there’s knowing it’s coming and it actually happening, that changes the game. As parents, we knew to prep for potentially homeschooling our children {has anyone experienced the sudden paper shortage?}. But now, after being catapulted into the homeschool life? I feel like every Teacher on the planet needs a pay rise! The amount of prep that I have put into homeschooling 2 children, nevermind 30 has made my brain leak from my ears. So, yes, teachers – if you are reading this? You all need capes, medals, daily celebratory cakes and a hug. You’re all incredible.

There has been so much to take-in, process and deal with this week and I’d be lying if I didn’t admit how unbelievably overwhelming it’s all been. I’m sure we can all relate! For the most part, I bottled it all up. Which, in truth is typically something I do anyway. But on Friday, which turns out was Annabelle & Jacobs final day as a Primary 3 & 7 student was much more emotional than I anticipated. Not forgetting, my eldest daughter experiencing her final day as a Year 11 student, too. No GCSEs for the rest of the year and a whole butt-load of anxiety over will she get the grades she’s been working so hard to achieve. My heart has broken for them all.

Everything seems so…uncertain at the moment. We’re all living on a day to day basis and washing our hands like there is no tomorrow. Us, as a family have been staying indoors as much as possible. However, still making sure to get out to our local woodland for fresh air and a good walk – which is something we adore doing around this time of year. We obviously go equipped with purell wipes etc and still adhere to social distancing, but as humans, for our own sanity, we still need to get outside. Here in N.Ireland, there is no national lockdown…yet. However, I feel like one may be on the horizon.

On the homeschool front, so far so good! The kids have been amazing and I now have a newfound respect for Teachers. I mean, I respected them before, but even more so now that I have an insight into what they have to prepare to teach a class. My saving graces have been the Twinkl website {have you used it yet?} – it is such an amazing resource for ages 0-18yrs and that is a priceless resource to have to hand. I understand we are very lucky to have access to the internet, which I know some people don’t. So my lot know how lucky they are to have that luxury and ability to continue learning their educational level at home {KS1, 2 etc}.

Secondly, I so thankful that I subscribe to the HP Replacement Ink service. Ink can be so, so expensive, so to have my next cartridges shipped out when my printer sends HQ a ‘low ink’ notification is priceless. Especially now we are homeschooling, for the foreseeable. Having that ability to print out what we want, when we want is such a relief. It is 100% worth the £3.99 fee per monthly charge. If you homeschool and have an HP printer, look into it, it’s amazing.

Do I have any concerns? Of course, I do! If we didn’t then I think that’s cause for concern. Although, I’m not worried about the virus per-say – keep washing your hands, don’t touch your face etc. It’s not rocket science. However, it’s more along the lines of will I do my children’s learning requirements justice? I’m not a teacher. I suck at Maths and it’s been an age since I spent a day in school. Not to mention after birthing five kids? What that does to your brain! So yes, on that part, I’m concerned.

During our first week of homeschool, I have been trying to find a timetable to work by that works best for us all. It’s a scary time for everyone and I don’t want to overload my gang. However, if they are willing to learn, then I’ll keep giving them work.

As the week has gone on we have incorporated other activities such a 30 day Lego challenge and art sessions as well as enjoying some Yoga with Cosmic Kids. We’ve participated in Joe Wicks 5 minute moves on YouTube throughout our days and we cannot wait to join in on his P.E class every morning from Monday at 9 am. As the weeks go on, I plan to start music lessons and sign language lessons and even some cooking/baking. I think learning new skills is the perfect type of homeschool! Something, I know I would have loved when I was at school.

So, as you can see, so far so good. As a family, we thrive on routine, so our daily method may not be for everyone. But it works for us and that’s the main thing. Knowing that this is going to be our lives now for a considerable amount of time is daunting. But, as parents, I have faith that we can all do this. We can only do our best, talk to our kids, be there for them and be the amazing Parents I know us all to be. I’m both unsure and excited about the next few months. I’m excited about the new skills I am going to teach my children, but then I am nervous about will they be prepared enough for their next school term come September.

I guess only time will tell…

I hope wherever you are in the world, that you are safe and well. That you are dealing with all of this as best as you can – like the rest of us! Stay safe and one last thing, I have loved seeing everyone coming together this week with so much information for homeschooling on social media to help see us through this time together. It’s truly heartwarming.

If you’ve found yourself in a whirlwind of homeschool {like the rest of the world} then you might find my post – 13 links to help when teaching your children from home – post on the blog.