June 2020 - Ballito Umhlanga

Banish
homeschooling blues
Homeschooling. It has become an emotionally-charged word during this lockdown
period. For some parents, playing teacher is a newly found talent and passion. For
many, however, it is just plain torture. Love it or hate it, distance and online learning
may be the new reality for a lot of families. We asked a local expert for some advice.
Text: ELANA WAGNER
Kip McGrath Umhlanga franchisee
and teacher Tracy-Lee Galloway’s
homeschooling survival advice starts
with a simple rule: avoid unnecessary
anxiety by choosing to be involved
in your child’s learning. Next, she
suggests following these steps:
1. ROUTINE CREATES CONTROL
Routine is crucial so that you and your
child feel in control. Set aside a time
of the day, preferably in the mornings,
from Monday to Friday to focus on
schoolwork. Keep a timetable so that
you spend the correct amount of time
on each subject. On average a person
can concentrate for 20 minutes, so
break up the schoolwork into bite
size chunks. Keep the weekend for
relaxing and family time.
2. CREATE A CLASSROOM
Make sure you have the correct
supplies and any other necessary
resources in a conducive designated
place of study. The bed is not a place
of study! Your child must ‘go’ to school.
3. KEEP IT POSITIVE
Use a reward system to motivate your
child extrinsically and intrinsically.
Schoolwork must be seen as a
positive thing that helps your child
succeed at school. Consistently praise
your child for their efforts. Part of
learning is the process, not just the
outcome. It’s okay if they have not
checked all the boxes for the day
because this is not normal for you or
them.
22 Get It • Ballito Umhlanga June 2020