This is not home schooling....this is pandemic schooling

 This is something that has been playing on my mind as post after post talks about home schooling.

As a home schooler pre pandemic this does not look like a normal  home schoolers life.

We see friends, have meet ups, go to activities, explore museums, complete work at the beach or under a tree in the park.
Home schooling is not done in isolation.

People seem to think I should have it sorted as a home schooler
Admittedly we have resources and curriculums , but we are NOT used to be stuck in the house, feeling anxious and having no contact with people.

I have been struggling myself working so I can only imagine how out of sorts my children feel.

This is a time to 'unschool', follow the child's interests, meet emotional needs.

Learning happens all day, everyday and worksheets are not needed.

 Maybe all your child will learn in in this pandemic is that you meet their needs with empathy. Children model behaviour and this will be one of the greatest lessons they can learn... To be empathetic.

Your house will never be a school. A child will not act at home as in school, so take some days off if needed. De-stress!!! Even if  schools are sending work after work, know that they understand the situation.

 Look after yourself and your children's emotional health, build relationships.

I know that our daily life even pre pandemic does not mirror that of a school; does it mean my children do not learn and will not succeed?? I hope not and personally I feel that the curriculums in the UK need a drastic overhaul to get upto date with the 21st century (that is a different post entirely). My goals are to follow my children's interests while instilling in them skills and attributes needed for the 21st century. (Critical thinking, questioning, research skills, skills needed for collaboration, education for sustainable development, empathy etc).

So parents at home with children who are usually at school. Don't panic. Your children will not ruin their future or get behind from a few months off.

A child learns at their own pace, can you ever say a child is behind? I don't think so. Schools follow levels set by governments that dictate all children of a certain age should be able to do and should know XYZ.  You just need to look at the first 5 years of a child's life to know that this is not the case.

I am praying for this to end and for things to change in education for everyone as we move forward.