​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. 
  • Build routines so your child knows what is expected.  Be flexible with the schedule, but not the routine.
  • A routine is what is expected and something your child can do on their own.  At school there is a routine for everything...such as...getting a drink, sitting in your chair, sitting on the carpet, talking, puting your lunch in the wagon, hanging up your belongings, lining up, going to the bathroom, walking in the hall..
  • Break up work throughout the day, but try to keep it within their regular 8am-2pm school day if possible.
  • Have lots of play time.
  • If you are working from home, make times that you cannot be interrupted unless it is an emergency.  (at school I tell them that they can't interrupt me unless they are bleeding, dying or on fire)  Use it!  I have acted out big scenes for them to laugh at, so they know it!
  • Let your child work independently and then set aside a time when you can help them if needed.
  • Set aside time with noone working, just being a family.​