Tips for parents transitioning from home Schooling to traditional classrooms
The COVID-19 pandemic has made home Schooling a valuable resource for many people around the world. Many parents are striving to ensure their children’s education does not suffer as a result of the current situation. Homeschooling has become a part of the new normal, because of its popularity worldwide. In the end, we would have to return to normalcy, which meant schools would reopen and kids would return to traditional classrooms.
Having been learning at home and staying indoors for months, your child will need time to adjust to the old lifestyle. Firstcry Intellitots has developed a curriculum that allows your child to adjust to the traditional Schooling system and catch up.
Here are some tips to help you and your child transition smoothly back to traditional classrooms.
Creating a schedule for homeschooling
A homeschooler organises his or her days however it suits them best. Despite the fact that many begin schooling early in the morning, some prefer not to make a distinction between school and home. Parents may follow a child’s enthusiasm to see where it leads if he or she gets excited about a science experiment before bed; this becomes part of the school day.
A homeschooling family’s educational philosophy will greatly influence the way their days are structured. We are most familiar with only one type of education – textbooks, desks arranged in rows, and standardized testing – but there are a wide range of educational philosophies. There are many methods of teaching, including Waldorf, Montessori, Charlotte Mason, classical, leadership education, interest-led learning, unit study, and more. Those who homeschool have the freedom to blend ideas that are most suitable for their children.
Homeschoolers are also free to choose the structure of their school year, whether they follow the public school calendar or not. Most follow a traditional school calendar, while others take off during specific weeks when they need a break.
Getting used to the old schedule
When you return to your old schedule after being at home for months and having plenty of time to spare, it will take some time and preparation.
During the transition back to the schedule your family followed before the social distancing began, your child may become fussy and irritable. Start with small changes and gradually return to the schedule your family followed.
Getting used to a group setting
You may notice that your child feels unsure of herself as she transitions from an individual class at home to a traditional classroom with other students. She may not actively participate in her classes.
You should talk to her about her feelings. She isn’t the only one who feels that way, and her peers are also learning how to cope with all the people around them.
Friendships and socialising
Having your child meet her friends outside of school is a great way to get her used to the new setting as she becomes more comfortable with traditional Schooling. As she makes connections, coping with the new situation will become easier.
Engaging in extracurricular activities
A great way to help your child transition to traditional schooling is to participate in extracurricular activities. Encourage her to participate in fancy dress contests or participate in different sports, as a way of building team spirit in kids and a sense of belonging. You will have a lot more fun and look forward to going back to school if you do this.
Hobbies that nourish her
It is likely that your child has developed some hobbies due to being stuck inside for months. Encourage her to pursue those hobbies whenever there is time.
Therefore, she can use these hobbies to provide comfort and disconnect from any overwhelming emotions that may be affecting her. Looking for peers who have similar interests and encouraging her to pick up new hobbies will also be helpful.
Taking time to spend with family
The transition from spending hours with you and other family members to only sharing one meal with you every day can be challenging for your little one. It can be difficult for kids to transition to a traditional school after having a parent around to give them a sense of security.
You can continue bonding with your family by having weekend movie marathons or going on picnics when hectic work schedules return.
Getting in touch with teachers
When your child is particularly distressed about going back to school, her teachers may be able to help you come up with solutions. For some kids, working with the school to help them express and understand their emotions might resolve the problem. Moreover, you will be able to track your child’s progress in the classroom and take appropriate measures accordingly.
Make sure she has time to adjust
It is important that you do not pressure your child to adjust to changes in her lifestyle or perform well at school. In some cases, time is the best solution to a problem. If she doesn’t want to try new things or gets a bad grade, that’s okay too. If you give her time to adjust, you will be able to support her best when she’s overwhelmed. She won’t feel alone and afraid when she’s upset if you help her overcome these hurdles rather than pushing her.
When children are young, they don’t have a hard time adapting to changes. However, parents need to be there to guide them and hold their hand when they are unsure of something. It will boost your little one’s self-confidence to go out to school and have fun knowing you’ll look after her. You can also help your child transition to traditional schooling with the help of supportive teachers and schools like Firstcry Intellitots. You can help your child with the changes in her everyday life by being involved in her life when she starts school again.
