As we continue with our 5 Days of Tips for Homeschool Parents today I’m going to give you some tips on How to Homeschool When You Have a Migraine (and other illnesses that make it difficult to function).
If you have been homeschooling for any length of time, or even been a mom for a while, I’m sure there are days when you aren’t sure you can get out of bed much less take care of the kids or homeschool them.
We love homeschooling. It provides us with freedom, fun and family time all while learning together. And, like all school, it has its ups and downs. Good days and bad days.
One of the hardest things about homeschooling for our family is when mom is sick or not feeling up to par. For me, that’s typically when I have a migraine. For you, it might be flu season, chronic pain or any number of ailments that leave you fatigued and not feeling yourself.
So how do you continue homeschooling when you’re ill? It’s one thing to just call “snow day” and take the day off when you have the flu. But if you suffer from migraines or anything that can show up frequently, you may feel that you can’t afford to take off another school day.
Here are some tips on how to continue with school when there is no substitute teacher knocking on your door to take over for the day.
VIDEO SCHOOL
One of the things I usually turn to when I can’t bear to stand or talk all day and need to keep schooling is video-schooling. At the beginning of the year, I typically make a list of videos to watch during the year to pair with our studies.
Typically, we don’t get to them all or when we view them we find other’s of interest that I have noted. Declare a movie day, curl up on the couch and watch movies. If you have Netflix or Amazon Prime, you can find many educational videos for all age groups. But even if you don’t have a paid service, try YouTube or just google a topic and you may be surprised at the videos you can find on almost every subject and all age groups.
Something we have enlisted the help of this year is the RightNow Media that comes with our subscription to Schoolhouse Teachers. This has been a blessing and great place to find some great family-friendly films and educational material, especially for those video schooling days.
COVER THE 3 R’S
Another thing I plan at the beginning of the year is what is the bare minimum for a complete day. What needs to get done? Is it just Reading, Writing and Math or do you have other must-dos like a foreign language? Having this figured out from the beginning can take away the stress of considering it when you aren’t feeling well.
Simply have the kids bring their books to you and accomplish the minimum requirements for the day, knowing the rest can be picked up another day or on the weekend. Then let them play. There really is a lot to learn from playing. (Read my article in The Informer, Let Them Play, about the importance of play.)
HAVE A HANDS-ON LEARNING DAY
Have you been studying the Earth? Have your kids drawn what they remember today, referring to books and lessons and present you with a finished product. Been studying volcanos or Ancient Egypt, have your students spend some time making a volcano out of play-doh or building the Great Pyramid out of Legos.
Have a Minecraft lover? Let them play Minecraft during the day with the stipulation that they design and build something related to what you have been studying and show it to you when complete. Having your kids work independently on a project, together or separately can give you time to rest by keeping them learning. Not to mention, they are figuring out the love of learning through things that interest them.
But if you have older kids, don’t be afraid to assign a report or project and send them to work on it. Have them all work together on a skit or puppet show or diorama. It can be scary to set them loose but it’s a great way to let them go and see what they can present about what they have learned. You might be surprised what they come up with.
Homeschooling (or even just caring for your children all day) can be a challenge when mom is under the weather. But if that is the case, realize that there are ways to keep the kids from climbing the curtains but just having some ideas planned ahead of time so you can jump into action on those days when you REALLY need it.
What things do you have your kids work on when you are under the weather? I would love to hear about them.
Day #1 – Why You Should Attend a Homeschool Convention
Day #2 – How to Maximize your Library
Day #3- How to Homeschool When You Have a Migraine
Day #4- The Advantages of Homeschooling Around Your Husband’s Schedule
Day #5 – Top 10 Tips for Ending Your Year on a High Note
Check out more Tips for Homeschool Parents from more TOS Review Crew participants by clicking the banner below.
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