What we are doing during Coronavirus is the kind of homeschooling that has long inspired hot debate and much criticism. We’re homeschooling in isolation without socialization. No park playdates, no museum field trips, no book clubs or other hands on adventures. Most of us are also working off a blip of curriculum intended to be executed in a classroom setting. I’ve seen all the [insane] schedules flying around Facebook with the day perfectly broken down to little increments and if you can keep to that and everyone is happy then read no more.  And for the rest of us…we need to augment our day with realistic tools for learning that are a little less traditional than worksheets and workbooks but aren’t video games.

What I mean to say is that ain’t no one judging ya’ll for a little screen time. For those who are supposed to be full time educators and working your own regular full time job…you’re going to need to use a lot more of it and again, no judgement!  Just stop looking at the insane schedules on social media projecting an image I think is totally hogwash. Skip excess worksheets, ain’t enough Adderall to go around to keep up with those!

I put together this list of screen time ideas that are actually educational.  Are they as exciting as Sonic? Well, no. But are they pretty darn good options to mix into the day that offer real, quality educational value. YES! Screen time kids actually learn from. Here you go:

IMAX Movies: Kid-Friendly Educational Documentaries

 

 

 

10 BOARDLESS BOREDOM BUSTERS!

 

 

Mo Willems Lunch Doodles for Kids: Art Class at Home

Story Time From Space: Learn About Space from a Real Astronaut In Space!

Celebrity Story Time:

Tons of Book Options, Tons of Celebs

 

GoNoodle: Indoor Exercise and Fun Facts…Get Kids MOVING!

Most schools have closed for two weeks but if we’re being host, it’s highly unlikely it will be less than 8 weeks before we return. And there is a very good chance many will not return for this academic year. If this is news to you please don’t shoot the messenger!

There’s a reason that a City like San Francisco with 6 million people would put a a city wide lockdown and that’s going to be a trend into the future. I know leaders and government officials are trying to calm people, reassure people, and I appreciate their motives..but the truth is they can’t predict the future either. Will stores stay open? I sure hope so. Could they close for a week? They closed for over two months in some areas of China. I digress.

Hang in there. Be realistic with your limitations and capacity. Be easy on yourself. Be easy on your kids. Don’t set unrealistic goals or expectations on anyone, the screentime you do or do not have, the snacks you should or should not eat, the time kids should or should not go to bed, or anything other than raising happy, confident, kids…with sane parents. This is a test. You shall pass.