Balancing Home and School
This can be challenging as children are used to going away from home to attend school. Now we've asked our kids to do everything in a very small world. In first grade, most lessons have a transition every 20 minutes. That is about the maximum amount of time that a 6 or 7 year old can concentrate without frustration. At school we have a time of learning, then a time of play, and that lasts all day. We have a lot of time to share our ideas and be together as a school family. With 25 kids in a room, there is always someone to come along beside you to help, be your friend and help you laugh. All of the sudden that has changed. At school, we have a schedule, but most importantly we have routines. Kids learn those routines and become increasingly more independent in the classroom. I always call this "The Magical Time of Year" because instead of me standing up and directing the whole show, I get to sit with confident kids and we work through work together. It is the best! So if you are struggling, it makes sense. As a parent, I think it is so much easier to teach your children that it ever was my own as it can be frustrating. It will get better! Here are a few things you might try to help your day run a little smoother.
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