We are all seeing a big shift happening. In the US, some states like CA has decided to keep schools closed to live teaching and doing online learning this fall.

What to Do & How to Do It

What do I do? How am I supposed to do this? These are questions heard that can be heard all around. If we look back in history, we can see how the US endured similar circumstances. From the Spanish Flu to the Polio virus, our country had to go through the same quarantine events and had to wear masks just as today.

Nothing to Fear

People are feeling scared and fear as they hear that homeschooling online is going to take place again. As the news comes out, many moms are concerned about their child’s learning and progress. While we try to hold onto the old ways of having all the answers and steps readily available, we need to learn how to remain in this space and enjoy the moment instead. Like Kyle Cease states in his video, Switching Timelines, now as we enjoy the moment, the next steps will show up.

Use Life Examples

As I feel the intense energy of the collective, I can see how parents can embrace this change. If you think about it, it can be the best thing ever! When we have gone to a spa, we would enjoy the massage, bath, essential oils, and the delicious healthy food. However, we can create the same thing at home.

During my childhood, I remember going to see the movie, American Graffiti. Since it was a time when my parents grew up, we saw the different things they enjoyed like cruising cars, drive-ins for food, and the great music. My parents purchased the album and it was exciting listening to the music of that time and seeing the pictures on the cover. This is the same thing we can do for our children. Find a movie from your time that is appropriate for their age and play the music while talking about how things were when you were younger.

Quiet Replaces Fear

Whereas staying in the present by sitting in quiet, some questions may come up. If I just sit and connect with the present and not do anything, how does that help? In contrary, this is the best thing to do. Of course plan by covering the bases of a tutor or babysitter when needed. However, as we remain in the present and not in the future feeling fearful, we will see how ideas and strategies will show up.

Finding Peace & Joy

A great way to pick peace and joy rather than fear is to invite a joyful/peaceful time to come to mind. As you sit in quiet, recall a joyful moment from your past. Thinking back, I remember sitting in Maui in a lounge chair facing the ocean watching whales breach. It brought so much joy to me. In that time, I had my husband take a picture of me sitting in that specific joy. On my refrigerator was the photo as I raised my girls. Whenever I needed to go to a joyful place, I would simply look at that picture and I would feel peaceful. It helped me through many hard times while raising my daughters.

Expectations

As you begin setting up your home to emulate a classroom, be sure to speak to your children about the expectations. These would become the rules for all to use and follow. From parents to babysitter to tutor, it is important to establish your intentions and expectations followed by your rewards and consequences. By discussing with your children, you will learn the different ways in which teachers offer a whole class reward. Some use a jar and fill it little by little with a few marbles each day that the class follows the community rules. At home, parents can do the same. (Use cotton balls, toy Legos or whatever is available.)

Mindset of Your Child

In order to create a sound environment, it is important that all speak only positively. Continue to tell them they are awesome and remind them daily they can do it! By remarking how lucky they are to have this opportunity of learning in a different way, your child will believe it.

As a stay at home mom, I didn’t have much money so when visiting a certain ocean view restaurant we purchased only a few items and shared. The establishment had full menus but we only enjoyed a smoothie and toasted baguette. Years later when a friend was visiting, we went to this place and my daughters realized that they offered many choices besides those two. I reminded them that I had to be creative and use the funds I had in order to enjoy special places. By telling them that they only served smoothies and baguettes, my daughters believed me and never knew the difference. It is very true that your children will believe what you tell them so use your words carefully.  

Using a Growth Mindset Chart

If your child speaks negatively, use a Growth Mindset Chart to help them speak and learn in a positive mindset. For every negative remark they may say, have them say out loud a positive remark instead. Since the brain will only do as it is instructed, it is vital to tell the brain only positive statements. In schools, all children will find a time when a lesson will become difficult resulting in them feeling bad. At this point, I remind students to get excited. As they begin to feel bad and the work becomes hard, I remind them that this is brilliant time because they are learning. Taking short breaks help students move forward however stress how excited they should be since learning is occurring.  

Creative Environment

Within this new environment, be sure to decorate similar to a teacher. Be sure to have the growth mindset chart available for the child to use as well as other inspirational quotes. In addition, have available time for the student to take breathing breaks. By helping your child connect with themselves, you will see them move forward in their abilities. Be sure to offer meditation time, quiet time to practice finding more joy and journaling. Use soothing calm soundscape music while they meditate or journal. Keep in mind that it doesn’t matter what beliefs some has, meditation helps blood pressure, focus, and well being of everyone. Giving them permission to write down their feelings will help them learn to deal with them.

By eliminating negative words and sounds, you will be creating a positive area for your child to grow in this new learning arena. Simply have less news, social media and arguing or push back about schools being closed and more calming music, meditation time, and favorable breaks to help improve their learning.

Websites & Videos to Help with Online School Learning

1. Nancy Green: She is the creator of Brain highways offering fun educational programs to improve learning, focus, and behavior. View her Ted Talk on YouTube. www.brainhighways.com
2. Jack Hartmann: He offers super fun learning songs great for Kinder & First grades in all areas of reading, math, social studies and science along with some for autistic children. Also, visit his Facebook page for new videos.  www.jackhartmann.com
3. GoNoodle: A great place to find movement and mindfulness videos. www.gonoodle.com
4. Nancy Fetzer: She is a nationally recognized curriculum expert and staff development trainer. Her writing organizers are brilliant and help all students to learn how to write a narrative, expository, or opinion piece. View her free videos on YouTube to see how she teaches writing. www.nancyfetzer.com
5. cgi math: (cognitively guided instruction) This new way of presenting math is done in word problem form. By Googling cgi videos, you will see how this bas been implemented in your student’s classroom. www.cgimath-tlc.org
6. The Century, America’s Time: in association with The History Channel, is a television documentary taking you through the 1900’s about th 20^th century and the rise of the US as a superpower. It was produced by ABC News and narrated by the late Peter Jennings. You can find volumes 1-6 and their sections on YouTube. By looking up The Century America’s Time videos online, you will be able to select any volume and section that your child is studying or has an interest in for free. www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvGgZ5v2o_N8dDogxreL2-NbnfKHgHxqY
7. Kyle Cease: Comedian turned spiritual teacher. His latest video, Switching Timelines , found on YouTube.
8. Matt Kahn: Spiritual healer & teacher. His book, Everything is Here to Help You.
9. Parenting Scholar Athletes by Pilar Kellenbarger www.wattpad.com  Also known as 4 Keys to Raising Independent Children. Consistency is Key.   
   

Important Chapters to Read:

Ch 3: Stick to a Schedule– You’ll learn about how the 21 day method works, how to use consistency, and implement rewards with consequences.

Ch 5: From One Mother to Another- is helps moms find calm and tranquility in their daily lives. This chapter shows moms strategies to keep her mind clear and find her way, learning that mistakes are lessons, and stories of children working through their problems. It shows the significance of living in the positive and staying in silence to be present.

Ch 9: Be Friendly, Not Their Friend- shows the importance of having peaceful rules and using them consistently. Explains the importance of rewards and consequences and how both help children grow and learn.

Ch 11 & 12: Cut the Cord of Technology and The Power of Technology- these chapters explains how technology can hurt and help your children. These show strategies that can be used in the using of technology to keep your children safe.

Ch13: Emotional Intelligence- IQ vs EQ = in this chapter, you will become aware of the SEL curriculum placed in all school districts that is the Social and Emotions Learning of students. From working alone in class to working in groups, this chapter helps parents learn to use any occasion at home to help their child maneuver through certain times of the day and becoming aware of how to communicate with others. This is a great time to help model and teach your child social and emotion skills that they can use in the real world.   

LOOK UP COACHES OR ATHLETES THAT INSPIRE YOUR CHILD

Ch 10: Coachable Through Positive Thoughts- whether your child has a interest in becoming a scholar athlete or not, this chapter explains the importance of having positive thoughts, practicing mindful parenting, and adopting a joyful mindset.

All in All

As you venture into this new learning era for your children, be sure to breathe and remind yourself that everything will work out and we are all in this together. Build a positive group with other moms/parents and friends. Create a positive home using different inspirational quotes each week. Speak positively about the new schooling and practice mindfulness.