SCHOOL'S CLOSED - NOW WHAT?!!!
EMERGENCY HOMESCHOOLING DUE TO CORONAVIRUS

If you are one of the millions of families who now find yourself homeschooling due to school closures, this is an easy, simple plan to help you continue your child’s education at home.

Watch the VIDEO here
See tips for a SCHEDULE here
Choices for CURRICULUM here

If you are affected by this emergency, you are not alone. The Washington Post reports that worldwide, the coronavirus has interrupted the education of more than 3.5 million children worldwide.

“The number of K-12 students in the United States whose schools have closed or are scheduled to shutter because of the spread of the novel coronavirus has surpassed 3.5 million — and more are expected.

Around the world, the number of students whose education has been interrupted by the virus has soared to 391.5 million students, according to UNESCO … Experts warned they expect the crisis to worsen in the next few weeks.

As of late Thursday [3/12/2020], UNESCO reported 29 countries had shuttered schools and universities nationwide … showing the continuing and swift impact from the spread of the coronavirus.

An additional 20 countries have had localized school closures to prevent or contain the virus, UNESCO said.

The United States has seen a rapid rise in the number of students affected by school closures, according to a tally being kept by Education Week.”

-Article by The Washington Post “Millions of U.S. Students Now Affected by School Closings Related to the Coronavirus Outbreak (Update)” 3/12/2020

School closures and social self-isolating will hopefully stop the spread of the virus. But in the meantime, you’re home with your child – what do you do?

AN EMERGENCY PLAN FOR SCHOOL AT HOME: THE SCHEDULE

The following is a suggested schedule for this uncertain time:

LOOP SCHEDULING

Loop scheduling allows you to get everything down in a flexible way. Simply make a list of everything you’d like to accomplish that day or week (including chores, breaks for playtime, etc.) and simply do the next thing on the list. For example, a first grade list might look like this:

Read-aloud: Literature
Handwriting (every day)
Read-aloud: History
Math (every day)
Read-aloud: Geography
Singing games
Learning to Read / Phonics (every day)
Science
Foreign Language
Musical Instrument
Handicrafts
Morning chores
Afternoon chores

ANCHOR POINTS IN YOUR DAY

An anchor point is an event that happens regularly and is often time-based. A good example are meals. Create goals around your anchor points. For example, your schedule might look something like this:

ANCHOR: BREAKFAST
- Morning chores
- Do 2-3 things from the list
- Math
- Playtime
ANCHOR: LUNCH
- Learning to read / phonics
- Handwriting
- Afternoon chores
- Playtime
ANCHOR: DINNER

Then repeat the next day. It really is that simple!

GIVE YOUR SCHEDULE ROOM TO BREATHE

During times of crisis or trauma, children need reassurance from those they love. They need time to adjust, to talk things through, and time to play. Never pack your schedule so full that you don’t have time for these things.

For more information on how to help your children through a crisis, see this video by School Psychologist Amy Bodkin, Ed.S.

GET OUTSIDE

A simple walk around the block or some playtime in the backyard can do so much good! It gets you out of the house and into fresh air. Spending time in nature reduces stress levels. Scientific studies have shown that the stress hormone cortisol is lowered by spending just 20 minutes or more outside. Less stress is good! Don’t skip this time outside!

KEEP JOY IN YOUR SCHEDULE

The things that bring us joy are the things that help us through tough situations. Singing, snuggling together for a read-aloud, baking together in the kitchen, going for a walk. In times of crisis, we need to make room for joy.

SPONTANEITY

Feel free to ditch the schedule too! Have some fun! Go to the park. Go to the beach. Spend all day watching movies together. Pop popcorn. Laugh. Make memories. Good memories.

Use the time to connect, recharge, and replenish yourselves. You need it just as much as they do. The schoolwork will still be there tomorrow.

AN EMERGENCY PLAN FOR SCHOOL AT HOME: THE CURRICULUM

The following home curriculum plan will help you navigate the waters of schooling at home.

- All materials are available online and most are free
- Links for free online text and free audio are listed for every book
- It can be used by English speaking families anywhere in the world
- The only thing you’ll need to implement this plan is an internet connection to download materials
- Purchasing and/or printing is optional

I hope that this plan will bring you some joy as well. This can be a time for your family to come together and connect with your children.

Above all, be safe.

MORE RESOURCES WILL BE ADDED OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS – CHECK BACK OFTEN

If you are interested in audiobooks, consider an Audible Membership – get 12 audiobooks for free when you sign up!