130: How We Homeschool Through a Pandemic

We're not experts on homeschooling through a pandemic, but we are here to process this new reality with you. Our calendars might be empty, but there's A LOT happening every day: checking in with family and friends, keeping up with news and information, planning and cooking and cleaning a lot more than normal, managing more (and bigger!) emotions and conflicts… and of course, there's homeschooling. We talk about how we can support our kids and ourselves through this challenging experience, and we talk about what we're actually doing (and NOT doing) for homeschool right now.   Highlights from this episode -Transitions are HARD, and we are navigating all kinds of changes with social distancing, schooling, spouses at home, and staying up on a global pandemic and its impact on our own lives. Kids are very intuitive about our energy. If we're stressed or anxious, they're going to feel the effects of that. They will need more grace and support as they come in contact with new and complicated emotions and a dramatic change in their routines.   -How can we support our kids? One thing we can do is to NOT ask too much of them. Voluntary or involuntary homeschool is not school, but this is also not a normal version of being home! Hold space for bigger emotions and reactions, and approach our kids' feelings and responses with support, connection, and curiosity. Engage in pleasant common experiences that help us all feel connected and safe. Find a way to get into THEIR world to re-establish a connection after a hard interaction, like a meltdown or argument.    -How can we support ourselves? Delegate! You can't possibly do all the chores alone. Establish a daily habit of self-care: naps, taking walks, yoga, bingeing a show, talking with a friend, etc. Relax your standards: This is not the time to implement major screen time limitations. Prioritize connection for everyone in your house with tools like FaceTime, Zoom, Marco Polo, text, online games with friends, etc.   -What about homeschool? The priority right now is HEALTH: physical, mental, and emotional. Everything we do should be in support of that priority. Kids are learning all the time, so it will be ok if your kids do nothing "academic" right now. Instead of adding on more, look at paring down and stay open to adapting often.   FREE Homeschool High 5 Guide You don't have to do a million things. Start here, with a high five from us! We created a FREE guide to help you jump in, refresh, and boost your home-learning experience. Check it out and share share share!   Mentions Patreon App Guide High 5 Guide Charnaie Gordon of Here Wee Read Angela on Instagram Maren on Instagram Beast Academy Brave Writer Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems Proof Racko Chess Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist ChessKid.com March LTW Extra on Patreon   App School Guide Meet your new favorite homeschool resource! Our BRAND NEW App School Guide has all our favorite apps--organized by category and hyperlinked. It's easy to use and includes a key to let you know which apps are free and which ones aren't. Plus, you'll get lots of listener recommendations, too. Best of all, it's just $5! And this month, patrons get for free! (But hurry! This offer ends 3/31!) We've seen how much incredible learning happens when our kids get connected to the right apps, and we can't wait for you to experience it, too!   $5 Squad on Patreon: One Level. All the Rewards We've simplified our Patreon reward levels. Join for just $5 a month! Plus, if you join this month, you get our App Guide for free! (Offer ends 3/31)   Show Some Love Leave us an iTunes review! Your reviews help more people find the podcast. When new people find us, they'll see how much YOU love the podcast and want to listen, too!   Loving This Week  Angela: Love Is Blind Maren: Silicone Wedding Ring   Before You Go... Share this episode with a friend and let's keep the conversation going in our closed Facebook group: Unrefined Homeschoolers.⁣   Connect with us!  Visit our website | Sign up for our newsletter. | Support us on Patreon. | Join our closed Facebook group: Unrefined Homeschoolers. | Merch Shop Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Youtube Angela on Instagram: @unrefinedangela | Maren on Instagram: @unrefinedmaren Email us any questions or feedback at [email protected] Visit our Amazon Shop: https://www.amazon.com/shop/homeschoolunrefined We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.