To all the parents struggling with lockdown homeschooling!
Today officially marks ‘Imbolc’ in Ireland..the cross point between the solstice and the equinox.
So what does this mean for us?
After months of turning inward, Spring shoots are forming and emerging. Imbolc relates to the Irish ‘Im bolg’, in the belly. It's a time when we think about planting outdoors and a time for reflection on what we might like to develop and grow in ourselves.
What are you germinating right now? What are you ready to put your energy into growing in your life?
For example, this second or third (how many now, I’ve lost count?) lockdown has planted a seed in our family around the benefits of homeschooling.
I'm chatting to other amazing homeschooling families and learning more about how we all learn every day, whether we are in school or not.
Living=learning.
Remember lockdown homeschooling is NOT the same as homeschooling.
Here are some ways to help you feel calmer while at home with your children:
1. Remember children are ALWAYS learning.
Even when we think they are not!
This morning we made waffles. Doesn't sound like a big deal but when I break down that simple exercise in my mind afterwards, my daughter learned how to use measuring cups, the difference between a teaspoon and a tablespoon and she learned that people shouldnt touch the back of a waffle maker :) She also learned that lavender oil gives instant relief!
2. Living your life equals learning.
Focusing on enjoying this time with your children makes it less about what they're doing for their homework and more about doing things together.
What do you enjoy doing with your children?
Ask them what they enjoy doing with you.
3. Do some reading yourself about how children and adults learn.
Or browse some websites about homeschooling, radical unschooling and wild schooling. I was recommended ‘Free To Learn’ by Peter Gray so I've ordered it and will let you know what I learn. This can ease the stress in your own mind about learning right now.
4. Drop the pressure on yourself and your children to do a lot of the tasks they are assigned at the moment.
Encourage their love of reading , even if its on a kindle or reading on a screen. Use the time to get outside when you can. Ask your child what they would like to learn about.
This ‘Imbolc’ time allows us to emerge with fresh lessons from winter. And perhaps more than ever this year!
