“This isn’t homeschooling anymore…this is crisis schooling!”
“This isn’t homeschooling anymore…this is crisis schooling!”
On this week’s TMV Podcast, Chief Editor Salim Kassam spoke to Maryam from Nurturing Learners on what it means to homeschool and simply be with your children during these unprecedented times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Maryam spoke on the need to rethink what it means to homeschool, the importance of play (and boredom), and how to manage children during the age of quarantine.
To listen to the full podcast, click below:
COVID-19 has completely changed the lives of millions across the globe as the virus continues to spread. According to the latest statistics from the World Health Organization, there are now more than 1.6 million cases around the world, with almost 182,000 deaths. This pandemic has caused many countries to go into full lockdowns and self-quarantines – which means many parents are left with the daunting task of continuing a sense of normality and schooling for their children.
Maryam explains that, to begin with, we must be open with our children about this pandemic (without scaring them), and create a safe space for them to express their own anxieties and emotions during these trying times.
It’s best to be open with our children and gage what they know…when we’re stressed, we can’t learn. We need to make sure we’re creating an evironment that is supportative, and allow ourselves to be safe spaces for our children and allow them to express their emotions.”
In addition to coping with mental stress, Maryam explains that it is important to remember that these truly are unprecedented times – and to take it one day at a time when it comes to homeschooling or continuing your children’s education at home. Playtime, or doing everyday tasks around the house are also extremely important in a child’s development – it doesn’t all have to be about strict homework rules or regulated hours on coursework.
Remember you’re a parent, not a teacher…we’re not trying to replicate school at home. Learning and living, you can’t separate the two. We underestimate as parents the power of play as well.”
Maryam also explains that boredom, or allowing your children to have time to explore on their own ways to stay engaged or stimulated is also extremely important in a child’s development. This allows both the parent to have some me-time as well as help children develop a sense of ownership when it comes to discovering what they find to be interesting.
We’re not responsible for our children’s entertainment. It’s ok for them to be bored, and allow them to be bored even!”
Finally, Maryam reminds us all to not be so hard on ourselves – parenting is already hard enough, without adding on the extra pressures and trauma that has come out of such an enormous pandemic such as COVID-19.
“This isn’t homeschooling anymore…this is crisis schooling”, Maryam says with a laugh.
To listen to the full podcast, click below!
