Here’s how we’re doing school at home these days 
How we’re doing school at home for real:
Literacy
Math
P.E.
Science
Social studies deliveries to our neighbor
Art
Recess + Snack
Now is not the time for perfection
Thus far, the policy in our house has been a little screen time and then anything but. Of course that doesn’t mean the Nintendo hasn’t been turned on at 1:00 pm. But this is my goal.
Yesterday the Governor of Virginia announced kids will not be going back to school this year. While this was an announcement we had been expecting, I admit it kind of knocked my socks off. The reality of how long this phase is really going to last sunk in. I knew we wouldn’t be back to school by April, but I had hopes that life might resume normal by May. Looks like it’s going to be a lot longer than that.
As for learning, we’re still taking things one day at a time. Mazen would much rather do art projects all day long than any kind of learning game on the computer. He doesn’t like to sit still to read for more than 20 minutes at a time. (He’s a 7 year old active boy, I get it.) So we’re doing lots of creative activities and playing outside in the yard or riding bikes along the greenway every afternoon. I’m treading water right now until I decide which direction I want to swim.
As for me…
I’m getting in my studies where I can, when I can. As I’m brainstorming topics for next week, I’m debating where to go. I’m trying to think what is best for the short term and the long term. Do I want to pivot during this time and go back to daily life recaps in the evenings (or mornings) or do I want to stick with planned topics and try to make them as relevant as possible? I do have a sponsored post coming up this week, which has been planned for a while, and it’s a topic that fits with having the kids home all spring. And I have some other posts I’ve already started that I’d like to complete. But from there…?
What do you guys want to read about?
I look at this sweet boy and realize: he has no idea what’s going on. He thinks it’s life as usual. And there is peace in that.
Kate says
Popsicles in the bath. GAME CHANGER. Just saying.
Add in soap crayons and School House Rock songs and you’re basically giving them a full eduction while they get clean.
Kath Younger says
Haha!
Patty says
Just avoid the black and red crayons soap crayons. Those things permanently stained our shower surround. 13 years later the stains are faded but still there.
Patty says
It was supposed to say Crayola soap crayons. Autocorrect often hates me.
Kath Younger says
Oh yikes!
Lindsey says
We’re in the same boat here — two small boys and working from home. I have a whole new appreciation for the mamas that do this daily!!!
I really do love reading day in the life posts, especially during such “different” times. It helps us all feel connected and like we’re not alone in this. Thanks for bringing some normal back to my newsfeed!
Allie says
I would love to see daily recaps! I don’t have kids so seeing what all the parents are doing has been really fascinating. Parents are getting so creative and it’s just a little bit of positivity that I’ve enjoyed during this time.
Ali says
I vote for daily recaps or recaps of little house projects you are working on. Those are my favorite and I find them very enjoyable to read. I definitely prefer reading the “casual” format posts to the formal posts. Thanks, Kath!
Bethany says
No vote here …but the cat drawing is really good! Thank you for continuing to post!
Kath Younger says
He is a very talented artist! Gets it from his father.
Kathy W. says
Wait, doesn’t he also get it from his talented grandmother and her artist mother?
(I vote for more day-in-the-life posts, too!)
Kath Younger says
Yes yes!
emma says
I love your daily recaps, and all of your other content! Thanks for helping to provide some normalcy during this time!
Denise says
A dear friend from high school works at the Oregon Zoo and they have been posting adorable videos of baby flamingos this week. I know it will add to screen time, but maybe watch the video and then research flamingos for a few minutes? They turn pink from eating shrimp, so incorporate shrimp into a meal – if he likes it? Or any kind of theme day. Color, food, show he loves. Let him teach you one day. Make him in charge of Birch’s education for the day. I know all of this adds to your plate, but I sure don’t mind seeing posts about it!
Denise Blust says
Oh! I forgot to mention I had a great FaceTime chat with girlfriends last night. Happy hour! Two have nine year olds and one has a four year old. We are going to have an “egg drop” competition next week. We’re all going to build contraptions and see who’s eggs survive. Weirdly, most of us have ukuleles too, so we’re going to practice and start a band! My kids are adults so I’m really loving being able to do this with them.
Kath Younger says
I remember doing the egg drop in school!!
Kath Younger says
Mazen is so strong willed I can’t suggest anything for him to do that he will do enthusiastically. I really loved the idea of watching a documentary everyday during Birchie’s nap, but he balked at the idea. I think today I’m just going to put one on and see what happens. I love earth and animal docs!
Sarah says
Working with one of those strong-willed kids (or as the positive parenting podcast I listen to would call them, “kids with high power needs”) myself. I have been giving her an index card with things she needs to complete over the day, and letting her decide the order. This seems to be helping. Just today, she realized that if she focuses, she can be done by 9 am (early risers over here). I am also going to do some of my own home school curriculum based on her interests instead of just doing the packets her teacher gave us, which are causing arguments because she already understands the concepts and finds the repetition boring. Would love more day in the life stuff from you during this time. Very relatable. :0
Kath Younger says
I like the idea of an index card. I just need to pick something and roll with it. Letting him choose the when/how he does it will be key!
Cyndi says
Cincinnati Zoo ( and probably others)has an afternoon Safari (at 3 I think) every day that they record. If he’s in the room and you’re watching and he’s interested in animals, he might get start watching http://cincinnatizoo.org/news-releases/cincinnati-zoo-is-bringing-the-zoo-to-you/
Kath Younger says
We’re watching 72 dangerous animals right now – a win!
Amanda says
Hi Kathy, Your schedule looks great and realistic!
So I am a 3rd grade teacher in MN and this has been a very “unique”(tough, confusing, frustrating) time as we plan, prepare and implement distance learning. I reached out to my families and said keep everything realistic! Make it manageable and make decisions based on your family! I didnt want to lay on the stress as this is a high stress time in general. I want my students to be stimulated and not frustrated and this goes for parents too! Teachers also have their own families to think(worry) about too at this time so we are all just doing the best we can and that has to be good enough! My own son is 17 months old and is a good reminder that he knows nothing and I love that.
Kath Younger says
thanks for the reassurance! I’m sure I will figure out a more formal plan in the coming weeks, even if it still doesn’t look formal to Mazen
Kristin says
I love the day in the life posts. I feel sad that bloggers are moving away from this. I agree that at this point, it does give a sense of connection to other people in the same boat with children. I have a son the same age as Birch, and that last bit about him seeing life as usual choked me up a bit. I am almost thinking of starting my own blog during this time (just for fun and to look back on).
Kath Younger says
You totally should <3
Shana says
Your schedule is the BEST!! Project-based learning is a thing, and they have entire schools built around them! Sounds like Mazen finds lots of learning opportunities all on his own. My philosophy is “brain building activities” which can literally mean anything. Spending time with our kids builds connections and increases attachment, which, you guessed it, builds the brain and primes it for learning! Heck, even household chores and projects can be a learning experience. I think parents should just do what feels right for them whether it’s home school or taking a break from the busy-ness of life and just enjoying time together. What a gift that we even have this opportunity, even if its not the best circumstances.
Kath Younger says
Thanks for the reassurance 🙂
Carrie B says
I am a teacher and am making my kindergartner do school every day- it’s a non-negotiable. Luckily he enjoys it and even though I teach high school I have my original credential in k-6. I just know how kids get behind even after being gone for the summer, so this break will create huge deficits. Can you sneak in learning with word games or math during cooking? There’s lots of fun ways to do it that aren’t the drill-and-kill workbook style a lot of parents are resorting to. Good luck!
Kath Younger says
You are lucky to have those skills! I am probably the worst person for Mazen to listen to because he’s so emotionally attached to me. I was talking to another mom who felt the same and had good luck with the son’s dad doing some lessons. I’ll need to pow-wow with Matt on that one though.
Melanie says
Hi Kath – I’m curious, does Mazen not have required schoolwork each day? I also have a first grader and she has a solid amount of required assignments every day via Google Classroom and various apps that her teacher monitors. Now, our public school system did start a program pre-COVID that provided each student an iPad for in-class and home use, maybe that’s why it can be more mandated? I’m just hearing of all these parents choosing not to do schoolwork and wondering what’s different. I get the impression if we don’t do this work it will affect my daughter’s grades – although that hasn’t been explicitly stated.
Luckily Claire enjoys a lot of the assignments (I mean, they are on an iPad so that helps LOL). We gotta pass the time using a variety of methods anyway!
Stay safe & healthy. And you’re right – it is so peaceful to think about Baby Birch being blissfully unaware of all the chaos. 🙁
Thanks,
Melanie
Kath Younger says
We don’t have anything assigned yet, but our teachers/school have been really helpful suggesting resources. I think now that school has officially been cancelled there might be a more formal plan coming, but we haven’t heard of anything yet.
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
I love the schedule you’ve set up! 🙂
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Melissa says
Great post, Kath. We’re doing the same here in Los Angeles. Not putting too much pressure on ourselves as I WFH and my husband conducts Daddy School. Going off of this article that a mom friend sent to me last week: https://slate.com/human-interest/2020/03/you-are-not-your-childs-teacher-quarantine-education.html
Kath Younger says
Thanks for sharing that!
Kath Younger says
This is a great quote:
Jen says
Love this!
Melissa says
You got it, Kath!
Anica says
I know this is a very controversial topic, but as a teacher, thank you for not adding stress in this time of uncertainty. Mazen will learn through everything he does and will guide his own learning. As time goes on and as you settle into being home everyday he may be more willing to work on some writing, read a book, or formally work on math. He will remember this time with positive memories and it will bring you closer together rather than look back on “homeschooling” as something he liked. Each family will need to take this time on differently and every child will come out of it just fine, if not better than before with closer bonds with their family.
Kath Younger says
Thank you – I agree
Cheryl says
I have a friend with 4 kids (ages 8-15) and they are doing daily “life lessons” The kids had input for some of the lessons (plus what she wanted to add) and they pull something from the jar each day. They have included: tying a necktie, loading the dishwasher, fire safety, making a meal together, looking at the skies with telescopes, skipping rocks, properly inflating a bicycle tire, learning the alphabet in sign language, and folding a fitted sheet (which included races to see who could be the fastest). It has been fun to watch them post daily.
Kath Younger says
I love this idea!!!!
K says
I like and miss your daily life recap posts! They’re comforting and much like talking to a friend, since I’ve been following your blog for 10 or so years. I understand the importance of the topical posts for SEO and building your readership, but as a longtime reader, I skip over those and come back for the day-in-the-life content. I love this post because it is so real and I think all of us can relate to it right now!
Hope you and your family are and continue to be well.
Stacey says
I think you’re doing great and please try not to put too much stress on yourself. In Iowa we’re still closed until the Monday following Easter but obviously that can change. We don’t have the nice weather consistently yet as today it’s barely 40. So that makes it extra hard… however I only have a 5 yr old preschooler and a 2 yr old so we don’t quite feel the same pressure as others. If he likes art, have you watched Mo Willems lunch time doodles? He’s the author of Elephant & Piggie.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=RmzjCPQv3y8
As for posts, when you write what’s on your mind and pleases you then I think we readers get a better product. So write whatever you want in the moment! Please don’t stress… we’ll all still be here come summer 🙂
Jen says
Thank you for sharing this! So great!
Laura says
I’m curious how it’s going co-parenting with Matt while social distancing? Has it been hard? Worry about additional risk with an additional family group? Have you changed up how Mazen splits his time at all?
Cyndi says
Our school system (we’re also in Virginia) is doing an awesome job! They send out buses every day with meals (breakfast and lunch) for children ages 0-18 and will also deliver worksheets, school supplies, etc if a family requests. The students who have access can do Google classroom and some online learning (more for high school students than elementary I think) They’re also posting TONS of resources for parents to use to do hands on activities so students can learn through play such as
https://childhood101.com/lego-learning-activities/?fbclid=IwAR1j1Qzd81OLnEnkMYI_9_hPHNfk7NL5ItMVxhAKCHMgy_Oz1Ne2OIypDJ4
Lisa says
Single mom now working at home full time with 6 and 9 yr old boys. I will enjoy anything you post at this point that doesn’t mention minecraft, legos or cars. help! 🙂
Kath Younger says
Haha oh man – it’s too bad we can’t get our kids together to play. They’d be BFFs.
Lisa says
ha yes. Every time a car drives down the street, boy #2: “I think that’s a lamborghini” me: for the love of god, a lamborghini will never drive down our street!!
Kath Younger says
Haha!!
Jaymie says
That leprechaun trap is DARLING! I made one with my littles, but it didn’t turn out nearly as cute as yours lol. Where did you get the supplies?
Kath Younger says
General Mills sent them! It was a Lucky Charms box. So cute.
Sara says
One thing that I’m struggling with is what to make for lunch for kids! I work away from our home and they are old enough to be home alone (12 and 10) in the summers. So this is kind of new to me. Usually I need only two lunch ideas per week, now I need 7 ideas per week! Packing their school lunches from home is actually one of my favorite tasks, but this somehow feels like new territory, feeding them so often at home. Sandwiches get boring. Nachos aren’t healthy. Salads are great, but not more than a couple a week. I need kid lunch ideas!
Kath Younger says
Can you pack their lunches like you normally would but then have them eat at home? Just a grab and go situation so you don’t have to actually make a lunch at lunch?
Mary Ann says
You’re doing just fine. I’d like to chime in as another teacher voice: don’t stress the curricular learning. As someone stated above, teachers everywhere will make changes in the fall to work on some of the learning loss. We know it happens over summer, and it will happen here, too. But you know what will mitigate almost all of that learning loss, according to most research? Talk talk talk and read read read. About whatever he wants. Those two activities won’t teach him first grade math necessarily, but they 100% will develop his executive functions and vocabulary so that he keeps learning how to learn , which is far more important. And then just cultivate a happy home space and don’t pressure yourself or him.
Sara says
The announcement knocked me too. I was kinda expecting it, but not. My almost seven-year-old son also would much rather do art or run around than sit and do a worksheet or something. My goal is similar – just anything other than the tv while we work. My husband and I are both working at home. It’s been an interesting time. I have found writing a little list that has tasks like “read, writing, math, art, break etc” on it – he will go through the list and do “work” as he calls it, but he does it faster than I like. But hey his drawing skills are really something!! Lots of practice lately!
Liz says
We’re in Michigan and I’m wondering when the announcement will come for us about the rest of the school year being cancelled. Our kids are 5 and 7 (Young 5’s and 1st grade) so I’m honestly not that worried about “homeschooling” them in the traditional sense. I’ll admit that even seeing your “schedule” gave me that bad mom feeling, because we do WAY more screen time than that. Their teachers have sent the login info for all sorts of apps and programs they use in school, so they have been getting extra iPad time doing those reading and math apps plus other educational games. They also get to watch a kids movie every day after lunch for rest time, since they are too old for naps but I need a little quiet. It’s what is working for us. And I think I saw on your stories that you and Mazen were watching a movie or something during Birch’s nap, which honestly made me feel a little better. I struggle a lot comparing myself and the way I parent to others, and this time has seemed to really exacerbate that bc everyone is posting all of the awesome homeschool things they are doing all day. We have a basic schedule and keep things simple with some learning, some chores, some play time, time outdoors, and time for art. Seems to work for us, for now anyway. My husband works in healthcare and he still has to go to the office, but that should change soon…which will also change things for me and the kids bc our home is pretty small. It will help when the weather warms up.
Anyway, I’d love to still see daily recaps, as long as you keep it real and share the good with the bad! That’s what I think we all need to see and read right now, how others are realistically dealing with these extremely different circumstances.
Kath Younger says
I think if they are doing actual learning apps that doesn’t count as screentime!! DO NOT feel bad. We have those learning apps too and he won’t really do them. When Mazen has screentime he’s playing Minecraft or watching (really annoying sounding) other people play Minecraft on You Tube so that’s what I want to limit. I would much rather him sit and watch a kids movie! And like I said, we played the Nintento together during nap last week (which I thought was good for “parent bonding” so our schedule was more a sarcastic response to the perfect rainbows out there than it was a “I’m so good at not doing screentime” example. Did you see my IG story where Mazen ripped the schedule I made for him day 1?! Keeping it real! Yesterday we watched a documentary on animals during naptime which was a big win in my book 🙂
Liz says
Haha, thanks for the reply! That made me feel better. It’s so darn hard to stay positive all the time right now when worry just sets in my brain and stays there. Then the mommy wars and homeschool comparisons just amp it up even more. I love social media for connecting us all during this time, but also hate it too! Thanks for your honesty!
Jessica says
I find seeing mundane daily life things from people very soothing during this time. It has been the thing that feels “safest” to me, seeing that so many things stay the same for everyone even when everything is a mess.
Jenny says
Your graphic with the schedule made me literally LOL because I think many of us are feeling that so hard right now. This is going to be a serious adjustment for the entire country as this thing gathers momentum and hits every single state one-by-one. You are not alone in this struggle and you’re doing a great job! Honestly, some days I lose the screen time battle and I just think to myself that these are extraordinary times and I can’t do it all. Be gentle with yourself. The more grace you give yourself, the better equipped you will be to stand strong and soldier on in the coming months of this quarantine.