Category: Grade1

10 Innovative Ways You Can Keep School Break Fun And Educational!

10 Innovative Ways You Can Keep School Break Fun And Educational!

By Chelsea McLeod

It’s the time of the year when we are approaching March breaks in various areas across the US and Canada and the Easter Holidays are right around the corner! Everyone loves these breaks because we have more freedom to gather with family and spend time connecting apart from our usually busy lives. Therefore by learning these 10 Innovative Ways You Can Keep School Break Fun And Educational!

These school breaks are scheduled into the traditional school calendar. In homeschooling, whether or not you choose to take a break, they can still bring a change in routine and focus or a break from extra-curricular activities. Therefore kids, often get some much-needed space for reflection, rest and connection with loved ones, even if they are still homeschooling. More often than not, they can also come with commitments and travelling as tournaments or competitions are often scheduled during this time to align with the traditional school calendar. Therefore, even as homeschoolers, our regular academic focus is put on hold.

This is alright; it’s good to take a break from the everyday routine and bustle of homeschooling life. In a previous blog, we discussed why taking a break from schooling is so important. It is needed for both learners and teachers and provides much-needed rest. Okay, you ask, but what do I do during these breaks to keep encouraging learning? I want to take a break but do not want all of our schooling progress to go entirely out the window. I have taken the time to compile a short list of things you can do over the break.

10 Innovative Ways You Can Keep School Break Fun And Educational! 

1. Read for fun

10 Innovative Ways You Can Keep School Break Fun And Educational

Reading is one of the best ways to bond with your kids. Snuggling up with a good book creates meaningful and focused time where you can connect.

For younger children, you may read the book; however, for older school-age kids, you may take turns. So while you and your child take turns reading to each other this holiday break, remember that some crucial brain development is occurring. Reading gives the brain a workout in the same way that going on a run improves cardiovascular health. So make sure to devote quiet time to reading. Older kids may want to read a novel and discuss it with you rather than take turns. 

Reading is so essential and needs not to be associated only with learning. Some kids will say that they “don’t like reading,” but when you get down to it, this is mainly because when they are learning, they do not get to choose what they read. This can make it frustrating for them and sometimes make it hard for them to stay engaged because reading in a learning context is not always catered to their interests. So on this holiday break, encourage your kids to choose a book/or a few books they like and want to read and set aside time each day to do so together.

2. Write Thank You Notes or Holiday Cards 

Writing is an essential part of Schooling, but it is something we do in other aspects of our lives and holidays are no different. There is often a list of Holiday Cards to write and send out to family and friends. Also, if you celebrate a holiday in which gift-giving is a part of your traditions, have your kids write personalized thank-you notes to the gift-giver. These writing tasks are perfect for your kids to keep their writing fingers nimble and their brains ready for action!

3. Bake Together

For many, the holidays are filled with savoury and sweet treats. The family gatherings are loaded with all kinds of food and traditional desserts. The big task is to bake these items before attending various family and community events. So why not take advantage of this, make some delicious winter recipes, and indulge in math and science?

Next time you are in the kitchen preparing for your festivities, encourage your child to help bake cookies, but maybe double or triple the batch so they can practice their measurement skills. You can also discuss the techniques you might use to achieve a specific cookie texture or the science of how the oven works. And it’s time to serve those squares, cookies or pie masterpieces; use fractions to figure out how much is left over for another time!

4. Take a trip to the Library

Libraries may seem tedious at first glance but look closer; there are so many adventures within those walls. There are more rows and books than can fit on the shelves at home. There are more books than you’ll know what to do with! Whether reading a new series or an old favourite, there is always something to find at the library. In addition to enhancing reading comprehension, you can get your child a library card and teach responsibility. Finally, many libraries are full of children’s programs and classes to interest children of all ages!

5. Visit a museum or science centre

Fun things to do during the holidays

If you are like those of us who live in a cold climate, you may have to keep your kids indoors more than you would like due to sub-zero temperatures and the risk of frostbite. In this case, kids can get pretty stir-crazy and need a change of scenery, which will help preserve the house and your sanity.  So if you need to get out of the house, take your children to a local museum, aquarium, or science centre and explore together. During your regular schooling routine, it might be difficult for your family to take the time for these trips; yet they can be educational, rewarding, and fun for the whole family!

6. Play Board Games

Holidays bring with them a break from the usual schedule and the business of life. So, sitting down with your family this season and playing games is a great way to connect and develop social and intellectual skills.  Playing board games can help kids expand on critical thinking skills such as strategy, analysis, and planning. Also, board games can help to improve basic schooling skills such as addition, subtraction, and reading comprehension. So don’t feel guilty about playing games; you are all getting an intellectual workout while enjoying some downtime together!

7. Solve puzzles

Be it Jigsaws, sudoku, crosswords, or search-a-words…all puzzles are fantastic. Whether you sit down together and complete a puzzle or spend some time alone working through it, they are a great way to challenge yourself and give your brain a workout over the holidays. So why not give your family a new puzzle under the tree for Christmas (if that’s what you celebrate), enjoy some quality time together, and work on developing those problem-solving skills together?

8. Handmake gifts

10 Innovative Ways You Can Keep School Break Fun And Educational

A gift made by hand carries a more special and heartfelt meaning than one from the store. The time and effort of your labour show your love for the recipient. If you have a list of gifts to give this holiday season, consider making them. Gather all your craft supplies; markers, glue, pipe cleaners, glitter, and scissors.

Also, you can let your kids raid the kitchen for additional supplies such as macaroni, marshmallows, graham crackers, and candy canes; these are great for DIY holiday gifts. You can search Pinterest for inspiration or let their imagination take over and know that this is an excellent way for your kiddos to work those creative muscles.

9. Create a family tree 

Time for a history lesson! Explore your family history and research your heritage together to compile a family tree. Many families spend the holiday season with their extended family, which makes it a fantastic opportunity to encourage your children to take an interest in learning about their heritage. While appreciating a slower season and spending time with your immediate family, take the time to reflect on where the various branches of your family have come from.

Have your kids come up with a list of questions they could ask of older family members. It’s also a unique way to hear family stories and learn about the childhood experiences of older relatives that you may not have previously heard. Everyone, young and old, will enjoy going down memory lane together and connecting over these stories of their lived experience.

10. Stay active

The last of our ten ways to keep fun and learning happening during a school break is to stay active. If you live in a colder area, staying snuggled up with a bowl of popcorn and Netflix may be tempting. While this can be a relaxing way to spend time with the family, doing something active is another great way to enjoy family time over the holidays.

So if you can, and the temperatures in your area allow for it, get moving! Take your kids skating, sledding or out to make a snowman. Fresh air and activity are both great for developing brains. Kids also experience many other benefits from exercise, including maintaining strong bones, muscles, and joints.

Kids who exercise also improve the quality and quantity of their sleep, which means they will be even more well-rested when they choose to resume schooling after the break! Now, if you live in a much colder climate and are in the middle of a cold snap where you cannot spend time outside, you can still keep your kiddos active indoors. Get them to join you for yoga, play some active video games such as Wii Fit (bowling, step aerobics, dancing, etc.) or engage in other healthy fitness activities while still staying warm!

A time to rest and reflect.

During this holiday season, no matter what holidays you celebrate, there are many ways to keep fun and learning happening. This season often brings a slower pace and time to rest, reflect and make space for other activities. A break from our regular schooling routine can lend itself to a necessary reset for the whole family, but it doesn’t have to be a complete departure from learning.

And sometimes, for parents concerned about the gap in learning, there are numerous ways to keep kids’ brains working, even if they don’t know!  So take a look at the list of 10 Innovative Ways You Can Keep School Break Fun And Educational and choose one or all of these things to do with your family, and rest assured that the break won’t take away all of the academic progress you and your kids have made.

Click here to learn more about Schoolio World for extra learning fun during the holiday season! 

The Many Reasons Why Physical Education Is So Important!

Is Physical Education Important?:

How to Add Physical Activity to Your Homeschool And Why You Really Should. Read on to Discover The Many Reasons Why Physical Education Is So Important!

By Chelsea McLeod

The Many Reasons Why Physical Education Is So Important

We all know that physical education is essential to development. Physical Education is So Important!

We grew up being told that physical activity is extremely important and Physical Education classes are scheduled into the day 3-4 times a week. So naturally, when you choose to homeschool, you feel as if you need to make sure this is a part of your journey. But that’s not the only reason you might think keeping your kids active is essential to their academic work.

The world is becoming increasingly digital, so children spend more time indoors and less time engaging in physical activities. While technology is undoubtedly a convenient and essential part of modern life, it is essential to recognize the importance of physical education and its role in a well-rounded education.

What is Physical Education? And Why Is Physical Education So Important? 

Physical education (PE) helps children develop their motor skills and build their bodies, making it a crucial aspect of their overall health and well-being. PE also helps children develop teamwork skills and improves their self-esteem and confidence. Additionally, regular physical activity has been linked to better academic performance, making it an essential aspect of homeschooling. So not only can it help keep your children healthy physically, but it can also help to stimulate their minds and keep their brains healthy and agile. 

Now that we have established what Physical Education is, it is important to note why it is essential and how you can incorporate it into your homeschool curriculum. Let’s explore some of the benefits of being physically active and read about the main reasons why physical education is so important!

The Many Reasons Why Physical Education Is So Important

The Following List Shows The Main Reasons Why Physical Education Is So Important!:

  1. Physical education is much more than just a fun break from traditional academics. Here are some of the key benefits of including PE in your homeschool curriculum:
  2. Improved Physical Health – Regular physical activity can help improve children’s cardiovascular health, reduce their risk of obesity, and improve their overall physical well-being.
  3. Enhanced Mental Health – Physical activity has been linked to improved mental health, including reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression. Also, check out Schoolio’s extensive Social Emotional Learning Library. 
  4. Better Academic Performance – Children who engage in regular physical activity tend to have better academic performance, including improved concentration and memory.
  5. Improved Social Skills – PE provides children with opportunities to interact with others and build teamwork skills, which are critical for success in later life.
  6. Boosted Self-Esteem and Confidence – Physically active children feel better about themselves and their abilities, leading to improved self-esteem and confidence.

Physical activity has many benefits and provides many physical and mental benefits for growing children.

It can also give kids something to look forward to in their week, as academics are not always a draw, but kids love moving and playing.  Next, we need to look at ways you can fit this crucial developmental element into your homeschool days. 

The Many Reasons Why Physical Education Is So Important

How to Incorporate Physical Education into Your Homeschool; Take Advantage of The Main Reasons Why Physical Education Is So Important!

So here we are; we understand the many reasons why physical education is so important. Now I’d like to offer some practical suggestions on incorporating PE into your homeschool curriculum.

Here are some quick tips: 

  • Make it a Priority – Physical education should be given the same importance as any other subject. Set aside dedicated time for PE each day and make it a non-negotiable part of your homeschool routine.
  • Get Creative – There are many ways to incorporate physical activity into your homeschool. From structured activities like sports and games to more informal activities like hiking, gardening, and playing with your children. Get creative and find ways to make physical activity fun for your children.
  • Use Technology – Many online resources help incorporate physical education into your homeschool curriculum. Look for videos and tutorials on various physical activities, including yoga, dance, and sports.
  • Make it Age-Appropriate – Make sure that the physical activities you include in your homeschool curriculum are age-appropriate for your children. This will ensure that they can participate safely and enjoyably.

But, Do You Need to Incorporate Physical Education into Your Homeschool?

As you have read in this blog, the benefits of physical education are countless and undeniable. However, it’s also essential for us to remember that not all children will enjoy regular physical activity. For example, some prefer reading, working on more solitary activities, or playing video games.  Not all families will also have the resources to include PE in homeschool curriculum or pay for extracurricular sports activities. 

Physical education is an essential aspect of a well-rounded education. It offers numerous benefits for children’s physical and mental health and academic performance. You don’t necessarily need to include physical education in your homeschool to provide your children with a well-rounded education.

There Are Many Reasons Why Physical Education Is So Important! One is providing a Multi-faceted Education:

This type of multi-faceted education can come from many other things (tutoring, sports, clubs, etc.). It doesn’t need to be provided by you in the home to be effective. However, if you have the resources and your children are on board, incorporating PE into your day-to-day homeschooling plan will benefit your child’s future well-being.  You can also help ensure that your children are getting the exercise they need to stay healthy and happy in all aspects of their lives.

The Many Reasons Why Physical Education Is So Important

Follow your child’s lead.

Whether or not you choose to include it in your homeschool curriculum, you must follow your child’s lead. It is crucial to work with them to find an activity they enjoy. That way, even if they are not interested in physical activity they still get some exercise. 

Most importantly, remember that you ensure your children get enough physical activity each day outside of schooling. Even if they are not participating in structured activities they will still have the benefits of activity. Healthy development is complimented by any type of recreation children actively participate in. It doesn’t matter whether it is structured activities or simply playing and exploring the great outdoors. So find something that they enjoy and encourage them to pursue it. This way, they will be exercising, doing something they like and taking advantage of The Many Reasons Why Physical Education Is So Important! Happy Homeschooling.

10 Creative Things To Do When It’s Cold Outside

10 Creative Things to Do When It’s Cold Outside

If you are anything like me, you live in a colder climate which means that for 5-6 months out of the year, there is snow on the ground, and the temperature often dips low enough that you shouldn’t spend long periods outdoors. If this sounds familiar, you are likely internally celebrating that it’s almost the end of January, which means it’s the halfway point of winter. In my area, we have had many days where the temperature dips dangerously low, sometimes for weeks on end; -50 degrees Celsius or -58 degrees Fahrenheit for the Americans reading this. Keep reading for 10 creative things to do when it’s cold outside and discover some fun ideas to keep your kids entertained indoors!

Keeping the kids entertained can be a challenge on cold days. This list can make it much easier!

This means that the chance for frostbite and other things rises significantly, and it is essential to keep ourselves entertained inside, which can be pretty challenging when you have children. In our area, this also means indoor recess for those kids who attend mainstream school. And don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying just to put them in front of a screen and hope for the best.

Also, you can only watch so much kids’ TV before you are going to lose your grip on reality, right?! But how do you entertain kids for a few days to a week? I mean, even I get bored if I spend too much time indoors, so what could I possibly do with my kids?

Our list of 10 creative things to do when it’s cold outside can help take away the stress of coming up with your own ideas.

“Anything can be fun with the right attitude and if your kiddos are engaged, they might even forget that they wanted to go outside!”

First, it’s important to remember that you don’t have to go outside to have fun! I know what you’re thinking; how do I convince my kids to stare out the window, longing to play in the snow? Well, the first step is to focus not on what you can’t do and shift the focus to what you can. Plenty of indoor activities keep you going even if you have to stay in a house where it’s warm. Keep reading to discover an easy list of 10 creative things to do when it’s cold outside.

Anything can be fun with the right attitude, and if your kiddos are engaged, they might even forget that they wanted to go outside! Read on to discover ten things to do with your kids when it’s too cold outside; these are just the beginning that you can use to keep your kiddos occupied when it’s too cold to go outside to play.

Here is a list of 10 Creative Things To Do When When You Can’t Go Outside:

1. Make a Craft

10 creative things to do when it's cold outside

Kids love crafts, and even if you are not the most creative or crafty person, you can also learn to love them. No, you don’t have to use glitter or make slime. There are so many ideas on the internet that will spark your imagination and give your kiddos something fun to do. They will feel proud that they accomplished something and might even develop a game to play using what they made, turning this one activity into two!

2. Make/Play a Board Game

This might be a better activity for older children as it can take some higher-level thinking. You can dream up all the parts together and make them with whatever you have. Your board game can be inspired by a favourite book, TV show, or just out of your kids’ imaginations. Your kids can design their board, characters, action cards, spinner, or dice! Once you have planned this and created the pieces, you can sit together and play the game!

3. Build a Fort 

A fort is always a good idea! You can use blankets, pillows, sheets or even an old small tent if you have the space. They can get set up to watch movies or read books, or it can be a great place to do their school work for the day, all while keeping their mind off the temperature outside.

4. Do a Science Experiment

You don’t have to focus only on the fun; you can also include academics into your inside day.  Head to the kitchen and make a volcano or see how long ice melts in different temperatures, whatever you want. You can tailor it to what you currently do in science or do a fun one-time experiment. It’s up to you!

5. Read a Book or a Series 

A cold day can be the perfect time for reading. You can read together or make separate spots to read depending on the age of your kids. You could also pick a book or series to read as a marathon. Maybe today is the day you start the Harry Potter series with your kids, or maybe introduce your older kids to the Hunger Games or Divergent books. The sky’s the limit; let your interests and reading levels guide you to the right choices, and spend a cozy day immersing yourself in the imaginary world of your choice.

10 creative things to do when it's cold outside

6. Write a Story or a Play and Act it Out

Like the board game suggestion above, take inspiration from anything you want and write a story or play with your kids. Once you have it written, you could design a set and find props to act it together.

7. Bake Something 

Spend some quality time together in the kitchen. You can encourage your kids to practice their reading and measurement skills and get something yummy out of the deal!

10 creative things to do when it's cold outside

8. Do an Art Project

Sit those kids down at the table and pull out all the art supplies. Have them draw, paint, and imagine to their heart’s desire. They will have fun creating something they love.  

9. Have a Dance Party

You can do active things indoors as well. Put on some of your favourite music and dance together. This is fun and can give you a little exercise while you’re at it. Show off those moves!

 10. Watch a Movie

Sometimes, everyone needs just a little downtime, and we don’t always take the time we need with today’s busy schedules. So why not take the opportunity to cuddle up and watch your favourite movie? It’s a great way to spend some time together, and it takes minimal prep from you.

10 creative things to do when it's cold outside

Being stuck inside can be fun!

I know it can be a long stretch being stuck indoors if the temperature dips too many days in a row but fear not. There are many, many activities you can do even when you can’t go outside. These 10 creative things to do when it’s cold outside can help to pass the time. So why not take a suggestion or two from the above list and take their focus away from the window and all the things they aren’t able to do. Stay warm and enjoy! 


Remember to take care of yourself. 

Worried about the mess? Here are some tips to help!

No More Math Meltdowns: How To Add Real-World Context And Teach Math In A Creative Way

By Chelsea McLeod 

Math is one of the more challenging subjects in school, and it can be difficult for students to see how the concepts they’re learning will be helpful in the real world. Math is more meaningful and engaging for students when we teach real-world applications. By making connections between math and the world around us, we can help our children understand the relevance of their learning. While also seeing how it will benefit them in the future, demonstrating real-world math. In this blog, No More Math Meltdowns: How To Add Real-World Context And Teach Math In A Creative Way we will discuss some fantastic ways to help your math lessons become more relevant to your child’s life.

Math is all around us, making it vital to Add Real-World Context to your child’s education and Teach Math in a Creative Way.

Unfortunately, many students struggle with math, and it can be challenging to understand why. So frustration and meltdowns can be a very real part of your homeschool day. Many children struggle with math because they do not see it applied in the real world. They can solve a mathematical equation, but do not understand why it matters or how it might come up in their daily lives. So, therefore, why should they care about it or want to learn it? Math is a fundamental skill for students to learn. It is everywhere, in our everyday life, and as such, it is crucial that children develop a strong understanding. So by reading this blog; No More Math Meltdowns: How To Add Real-World Context And Teach Math In A Creative Way, you will find some practical strategies to help overcome this.

To help children better understand math, it is vital to Add Real-World Context and show them how math applies to everyday situations. Connecting math concepts to everyday situations can help your child understand why math is important and give them a better chance of mastering the subject. So say goodbye to your homeschool math struggles with No More Math Meltdowns: How To Add Real-World Context And Teach Math In A Creative Way and make Math a subject you and your child both look forward to again.

No More Math Meltdowns: How To Add Real-World Context And Teach Math In A Creative Way

Does No More Math Meltdowns: How To Add Real-World Context And Teach Math In A Creative Way sound like a dream? Here are a few tips to help you make this a reality:

  • Get Visual
    • One of the best ways to help your child understand math is to use visual aids. There are a variety of ways in which you can do this, such as using pictures, models, or diagrams. Visual aids can also help your child understand the concepts they are learning by giving them a better understanding of how to apply these concepts in the real world.
    • If your child is learning how to calculate the area of a triangle, you can use a diagram of a triangle to help them visualize the concept. This can make it easier for them to understand and apply the idea to real-world problems.
  • Use Everyday Examples
    • When teaching math concepts to children, it is vital to provide real-world math examples to help them understand the concept. When teaching about addition, ask your child to help you figure out the cost of groceries at the store.
    • It can also be helpful to provide your child with everyday examples of how to use math concepts. If they are learning how to calculate the volume of a cylinder, show them that a can of soda is a cylinder. Then you can model how to determine the volume of the soda can.
    • By providing your child with examples of how to use math in everyday life, you can help them understand why it’s important and how to apply it to certain situations.
  • Give Examples from Your Own Life
    • You can also give your child examples of how you use math in your own life. For instance; if you’re calculating the cost of groceries, explain how you’re using math. Discuss how much money you’ll need and why. This will give your child a chance to see firsthand how to use math in the real world.
    • Giving your child examples from your own life can help them better understand why math is important. It will also give them a glimpse into how to use math in everyday situations. This will make it easier for them to make connections. It will also help them to feel that the math they are learning is relevant.
  • Allow Your Child to Practice
    • Have your child practice math problems in real-world settings. Give time to practice counting money when they go to the store or making change when they buy something.
    • Help your child make connections between math and everyday activities. For example, measure the ingredients together when baking and explain the importance of exact measurements.
  • Ask Questions & Talk About Math
    • Ask your child questions related to math problems they may encounter in life. Why not ask them to figure out how much change they should receive when making a purchase?
    • Have conversations with your child about the math they learn in school.
    • Take your child to places where they use math. Go to a bank, a grocery store, or a construction site for example and explain they use math at these places.
  • Play Math Games
    • Playing math games is another great way to help your child understand how we use math in the real world. Various math games are available, such as board games, card games, and online games. These games help your child more clearly see how we use math in everyday life and how it can be fun.
    • By playing math games, your child can learn math concepts in a fun and engaging way.
    • When you implement tips from this list, your child will develop a much clearer understanding of how to use math in the real world. As well, it can give them a better chance of mastering the subject. By providing real-world examples, you can help your child understand what they learn.
  • Use Technology & Encourage Problem-Solving
    • Use technology such as apps and websites to help your child learn math in a fun and interactive way.
    •  Allow your child to explore different methods of solving math problems. Encourage them to think about other solutions and work through the problem. Involving your child in real-world problem-solving can help them understand the practical applications of math. Encouraging children to think critically and find solutions to real-world problems will help them see why and why math is important. It will also lead them to develop a greater appreciation for what they’re learning, and how to use it in their lives.
No More Math Meltdowns: How To Add Real-World Context And Teach Math In A Creative Way

Keep It Fun; Add Real-World Context to math and enjoy your school days with No More Math Meltdowns

As you may have seen, Math is dull and uninspiring if not put into a real-world context. Many parents struggle to help their children understand the relevance of the math they are learning in school. But don’t worry! There are plenty of ways to make math more meaningful for your child. By adding context to what your child is learning, you can help make math more meaningful and enjoyable. Implementing these suggestions is a surefire way to help your child understand math much better. Take from our list and add the fun back into math!

Add Real-World Context And Teach Math In A Creative Way to Help Students Develop An Appreciation for Math

Add Real-World Context And Teach Math In A Creative Way to Help Students Develop An Appreciation for Math

In conclusion;

We hope you enjoyed No More Math Meltdowns: How To Add Real-World Context And Teach Math In A Creative Way. Clearly understanding how to add real-world context to math will make it more engaging and meaningful for students. By connecting math to everyday activities; we can help our children understand its relevance. We can also help them see how Math will benefit them in the future. These suggestions will help your child develop an appreciation for the value of math. As a result, they will be more motivated to learn and better equipped to succeed. Give it a try and see how it helps your child’s math skills! We hope yours is a future of No More Math Meltdowns!

Thank you for reading No More Math Meltdowns: How To Add Real-World Context And Teach Math In A Creative Way. We hope that you have learned some real strategies to use in your homeschool day. Hopefully, this will help you make Math enjoyable again for both you and your child. Have you checked out Schoolio Learning’s vast library of math materials? Keep learning fun by diving into Schoolio Math!

That Homeschool Stress Though!

When you first thought of the idea to homeschool your children you probably imagined yourself being the next Elizabeth Thatcher, cultivating a great relationship with your kids. Helping them learn in a fun way with a big smile painted across your face at all times. Patience abounding from every corner of your heart, as you teach with deep understanding and constant kindness. But, two months into it you find yourself wearing your pyjamas for the entire day. You don’t remember when the last time you brushed your hair was, shower? Let’s not even talk about a shower. And, that patience and happiness that you thought you’d portray? Ya, you’ve currently placed your children in their room prisons because their attitudes have caused great irritation in your mind. All those activities and art projects you saw on Pinterest and thought ‘We’re going to do these!!’ Are now crumples of paper and popsicle sticks and one is currently glued to your first grader’s math while the other art disaster is stuck to the table. Your house hasn’t been properly cleaned since ….September? And, your favourite meal is cereal.

You sit down for a break and open up your phone to see another homeschooler on Instagram. Her hair’s done, she has make-up on, she’s posting pictures of her clean house, her perfectly set-up classroom, and her perfectly dressed children. Suddenly, you think ‘What am I doing wrong?’ Suddenly that stress that you were feeling has been impacted and now you feel not just the horrible stress but the feeling of inadequacy. The thoughts ‘Why can’t I do a good job like her?’ ‘Should I even be homeschooling?’ ‘What am I doing wrong?’ Are all flashing through your head. This stress just adds another layer of tension to your already tense shoulders and you feel much more snappy than you did this morning when you woke up.

Before you get to that point, I want to stop you right there. I want you to remember -before you look through the series of perfection Homeschooling parents on Instagram- that you are doing an incredible job. Parenting is hard, parenting during a pandemic is hard, taking care of a house is hard, working is hard, working from home is especially hard. But, you’re more than likely doing most of -if not- all of these things. You are incredible! You have to stop looking at all the things you ‘aren’t’ getting done and start looking at all the things you are accomplishing! Most people would look at your daily life and just curl up in a ball and say ‘NOPE.’ But not you. You’re tackling it all.

But stress, stress is the hardest part of all of our lives. So, what are some tips that we could use to calm down the Homeschooling/parenting stress and instead give us a small dose of peace?

If you haven’t already, listen to The Schoolio Podcast -Episode 5- ‘Tips to Help you Navigate the Stress’ on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1tnFc9JUnzHQ4C7zWtRHbB

or find The Schoolio Podcast on your favourite podcast streaming app.

P.S Don’t forget to subscribe!

When Homeschooling is Hard.

When you were considering homeschooling you probably heard the experienced home school moms says “We finish school in a couple hours, then the rest of the day is play time.” So, when you shifted your mindset, to actually stay home with your kids, you thought: ‘This is going to be awesome!’ But now you find yourself sitting at the dining room table, listening to your child whine about how they hate math. They literally have 3 math problems left and you’ve been stuck there for an hour. You’re probably wondering what you’re doing wrong. Wondering if your kid needs the school setting. Or if homeschooling was a huge mistake?  

Now you sit here in your frustration, your anxiety, your feelings of inadequacy as a teacher. This right here was not what you signed up for. You signed up for something that made you feel connected to your child, something that helped them learn in a one on one setting. But you’re scratching your head thinking ‘WHY DID I DO THIS?’ Then there’s the whole virtual learning challenge. Maybe you didn’t take the full plunge into homeschool, but you decided to keep your child home and do the virtual learning option. Only to be overwhelmed by frustrations when the technology doesn’t work, or your kid can’t hear the teacher over all the other children’s noises. 

You still find yourself sitting at the table with your child, as they spend countless hours sitting in front of a screen. You notice that they are beyond frustrated, but there’s not much you can do to soothe them because you also are extremely overwhelmed by this whole situation as well. 

You find yourself longing for the days when you could just put your kid on a bus and let someone else educate them. Giving you some time to work, rest, clean, shop or visit friends. Let’s face it, life is completely different for so many of us. The overwhelm that we are facing today can be overtaking. It’s hard to manage your time and patience when so much is new, and more challenging. But you need to remember that you are an incredible human being, that has given up so much to help your child learn in a safe and healthy environment. 

How can you keep calm on those days that just never seem to end? How can be a pillar of peace for your child when everything has turned crazy in their lives and yours? 

First, remember that they are struggling too. For many kids this new virtual reality and/ or homeschool adventure can be really challenging to undertake. It’s not that they’re at you. They’re mad because their life has changed. They had no say in what happened, none of us did. No one had the chance to avoid a global pandemic. Remember, that your child is just trying to navigate this new reality. So, when he gets frustrated with you, or his virtual teacher, or his homeschool math problems – that’s not your fault. 

Second, take breaks. It’s OK to walk away from the schoolwork. It’s OK to say “Hey you know what? We need the day off.” A day off doesn’t mean that they won’t be learning. Give them some Lego, let them build. Give them some paint, let them create. Get them an apron, let them bake. There’re so many ways to learn that don’t involve workbooks and schedules. There’re so many opportunities for them to learn about the world, about creating things, about having fun, and about taking care of themselves. 

Third, model good behaviour. Obviously, you don’t want to throw a tantrum in front of your child about how much you despise homeschooling and or virtual learning. But if you’ve accidentally done so. Move forward. Show your child that it’s ok to become frustrated, but that we don’t sit in that frustration. We recognize the frustration and we move forward. Nothing is normal right now, and that is something that your child is feeling also. Connect with them, tell them that you’re also struggling. Model to them that it’s OK to share your feelings, that it’s OK to be frustrated. 

Fourth, talk to your child. Ask your child whether there are ways that she thinks you both can improve this new chapter in your lives. Sit down, PUT YOUR PHONE AWAY. Talk to your child like you are talking to your friend. Not a student, not your kid, a friend. Ask them how they are feeling, tell them what you’re thinking. Brain storm ideas to move forward. 

Change is hard for everyone. We here at Schoolio understand that. Some of us handle it so much better than others. So, teach your child that even though change can be challenging, it doesn’t have to mean that you will both be miserable. There’s no instruction manual for how to homeschool during a pandemic and an increasingly changing world. Just take it day by day. Don’t be hard on yourself, don’t be hard on your child. You’re both trying, and there’s a lot to be said for that.

Jaymee Davis is a stay-at-home/work-at-home/homeschool mama. She wants you to enjoy homeschooling, even when it can be challenging. And is dedicated to helping you succeed in this new chapter.  

The Homeschooling Mindset.

When it comes to living a happy life, experts agree that mindset is key. Changing your mindset to one of positivity is essential in your life journey, but what about your homeschool journey? Sathish Bala –CEO of Schoolio- asked Lindsey Casselman –Schoolio Team Member and founder of Linden Tree learning- how to get into the mindset of wanting to homeschool. She answered with ‘The biggest thing is to set your mind to being flexible.’ 

Why is flexibility key in homeschool? As Lindsey said “you have to be willing to let go of your plan.” Realizing that sometimes certain things are just not working for you and your child is key. All too often we compare homeschool to traditional school. We try to make them one in the same, when in all actuality homeschool is different. Obviously, you want to keep the education the same (which you can accomplish by using Schoolio’s Ontario Curriculum) but they’re different and It’s important to embrace the differences. Flexibility being on the top of the list. 

Flexibility in homeschool is important for many different reasons, one being that it’s important to give our children a say. As Lindsey said she will sit down with her kids and say “Something isn’t working, what do you guys want to do differently?” Allowing your child’s voice to be heard is huge. And with homeschooling they get the opportunity to do that. In traditional public school, the child must learn the same way as the others.  The child must accomplish what the others are. They must maintain that locked in schedule. The child’s voice becoming one of the hundreds of others in the school setting, easily being drowned out. The beauty of homeschooling is that your child has a say. Your child is heard. You can swap out the schedule, you can take an ‘explore nature day’, you can help them learn other important life lessons, like how to do laundry or cook. Things that are overlooked with traditional schooling yet are an essential part of living life. 

Something I’ve learned with homeschooling is that EVERYTHING is a lesson. It’s not like I’m a teacher for 3 hours out of the day and the rest of the time my kids just have free reign of our household. No way! I’m a teacher all the time. I teach them to cook, to clean, to paint, to exercise, to enjoy life. A simple question from my child can become a lesson all on its own. There is no perfect way to homeschool, and that’s ok. Embrace the imperfections, teach your kids about flexibility in their schedule. Teach them that it’s OK to take breaks and do something other than the designated plan. Being a teacher is something that -believe it or not- you’ve been since your child was born. Teaching them to walk, talk, eat, interact, go to the bathroom. All these things you’ve done. So, teaching them core educational subjects is something that you CAN do. But you have to allow yourself space for flexibility and peace of mind. 

What else matters when it comes to the best mindset for homeschool? Patience. Patience goes hand in hand with flexibility. Be patient with yourself and with your children. Emphasis on yourself. When you are impatient with yourself and allow the negative thoughts to take over your thinking frame, then you are destined to be short tempered with your children and just about every other aspect of your life. Be patient. Be flexible. 

Amp yourself up. When you think to yourself ‘What am I doing?! Why am I doing this?! I’m not a teacher, what makes me think I can teach my kids?’ Let go of that negative self-talk. And replace it with thoughts that lift yourself up. ‘I am a good teacher.’ ‘I taught my child to read today!’ ‘I’m an exceptional parent, putting my child and their education first.’ Not everyone can homeschool their child, but look! You’re doing it! That is something that you should be insanely proud of. There’s absolutely no reason for you to treat yourself like garbage. You are a champion! 

No day is going to be perfect, in fact most days may end up messy (especially when you’re beginning). And that’s ok. Teach your child to enjoy the imperfections. Teach your child to balance things out just like you are. Show your child how to love themselves by demonstrating it through kindness towards yourself. Remember, words hold power. Words of kindness, words that build you up, those are the best words to have in your vocabulary when it comes to your homeschooling mind-set. Don’t limit yourself by thinking negatively about yourself.  You and your child can accomplish anything, today, tomorrow and every day. Homeschooling is freedom, so gain the freedom mindset. You’ve got this.  

Jaymee Davis is a stay-at-home/work-at-home/ homeschooling mama. She is here to be your personal cheerleader, reminding you that you are able to accomplish anything, and homeschooling is definitely one of those things.

Why Does My Child Hate Reading?

Picture this, you’re at the library struggling to find books for your child who hates reading. When another mom has her kid come sit with her. Her kid looks probably 2 – 3 years younger than yours. And she says ‘Let’s read.’ The child then begins reading, perfectly. No fuss, no muss. Just reading. It feels like a punch to your gut. You’ve been working so hard on teaching your child to read but they just don’t want to. What do you do?

First of all, stop comparing. We are taught from a young age to compare ourselves to others. It just seems natural. ‘She has better hair than me.’ ‘Her skin complexion is so much nicer than mine.’ ‘His car is way better than my car.’ ‘If only I could get the promotion like he got.’ It’s dangerous, and unhealthy to compare ourselves to others, yet it feels so unbelievably right. The danger is that in this situation you are comparing your child to another child. And then in turn, teaching your child that they don’t measure up. That they need to be like someone else.

Obviously you want your child’s learning to be on track. You want them to read, write, do all the math problems, listen to everything you say and be perfect in some way. But listen up: perfection is a myth. There is actually no one way that we should be. That applies to us, and our children. When we let ourselves slip, and compare, we poison our home school environment. Sounds harsh, but it’s true. And here’s how:

I struggle severely with comparison, I always have. But when I allowed that to trickle into our homeschool, I was a mess and my kids weren’t loving it. Suddenly I felt incomplete. I felt lacking. I felt frustrated that my kids weren’t doing what other families were. That constant negative soundtrack playing in my mind, would cause me to become agitated much more, which clearly didn’t help with teaching or my kids attitudes. In order to help your children grow and learn in a happy environment you need to free yourself, and them, of the comparison chains. Your child isn’t reading like that kid at the library, so what? Are you working on it? Yes. So why bother comparing?

My oldest daughter had a really, really difficult time reading. She was 7 and still was reading at a beginner level. Everything I tried, failed. I was frustrated with myself, I had feelings of failure. Like, I wasn’t doing something right for her. But the truth is, I was. She just needed time. She went from reading beginner levels to reading levels far higher than her age, in just a matter of months. How did this happen? She was ready, I was patient.

We like to think that kids should be reading at 4, and be experts by 6, forgetting that every child is on their own timeline. Your child doesn’t read at 5? That’s ok. You feel like the time you put into teaching reading is wasted? It’s not. Sitting down with your child, going over letter sounds, and sight words, it all goes in their sweet little minds. It may feel like it’s not sticking, but one day everything just clicks. It does! The issue is that we let ourselves compare way too much. So stop. Don’t compare your child’s reading to another child’s. Everyone has their own timeline. Every child develops differently and that’s not a bad thing. Remember when they were just a baby and you were hoping they’d say their first word? You waited, you said ‘Mama, Mama’ to them. And that stuck. They did it! (Maybe they said Dada first) Even so, they did it. You weren’t standing over them, getting frustrated saying ‘Come on baby, just say Mama! Why can’t you say Mama?’ Instead you were loving, you’d peek their interest by lovingly saying words over and over, with kindness and a smile.

That sweet little bundle of joy grew, and grew and naturally you think they need to be reaching reading milestones, and I assure you they will.

Below is list of tips that I’ve learned from our own homeschool reading journey:

  1. Make reading enjoyable. As stated above, don’t pressure your child with timelines. Don’t compare them. Don’t get stressed when they just can’t figure out that word that you’ve taught them a hundred times. Instead, make it enjoyable. Snuggle up with them, help them with the words. Cheer for them when they get it right. Be kind and understanding when they get it wrong.
  2. Be very patient with your child. Deep breathe. I know this is hard. Especially when you’ve been teaching and you’re exhausted. Don’t try to hustle them into that next reading level. Just take it one step at a time, even if the steps are small and exhausting.
  3. Be calm. Your child feels your energy. When you’re agitated and annoyed, they will be. Or, they will feel like they never get it right, and that could lead to further issues. So just take it easy.
  4. Try switching up their reading times. Do they get more annoyed in the afternoon, the evening? Try reading in the morning with them. Or vice versa. Make a nice breakfast and read together.
  5. Break it up. My second daughter struggles with large paragraphs. Seeing all the words together overwhelms her. So we read those together. She will read a sentence, I will read a sentence. She has trouble sounding something out, I help her. We work as a team, and enjoy the process together.

Your child’s got this. And you’ve got this. Their reading level is not a reflection of how great a teacher or parent you are. You aren’t damaging your child. Their reading is a reflection of their very own timeline. That doesn’t mean throw the books in the closet and turn on the T.V. That means, each and every day read a little more. Utilize the steps above. Enjoy it. They’re going to get this sooner than you think. You are doing an amazing job my friend.

Jaymee Davis is a stay-at-home/ work-at-home/ homeschool mama. Her goal is to help you have the very best homeschool experience possible. She believes you can do anything, and wants to foster that belief in yourself.

Is Homeschooling Right for You and Your Child?

If you are a parent considering homeschooling due to COVID-19, you are not alone. Homeschooling is seeing a global surge; 10% growth in 2020, compared to 6% before Covid.

Homeschooling may not be the right choice for all families, so how can you find out if it’s the right fit for yours?

If you’re pondering with the options of homeschooling your children, or putting them back in school. There are many factors you should examine first, to ensure it will be helpful for both your children and you.

So, let’s start with the benefits.

Choice of Educational Curriculum. Probably the most significant benefit of homeschooling is the ability to choose your child’s curriculum. You decide what your child studies, when they study, and for how long. No one knows your child better than you. And no one cares about your child’s progress more than you do. If you want to spend more time studying math, you can do so. If history is of particular importance to your child, you can include it in your child’s curriculum. Homeschooling also gives children the opportunity to spend more time focusing their studies on areas of interest, such as art or science.

Scheduling Freedom. Just like all forms of education, homeschooling can be demanding of your time. But in other way,  it can be a significant relief to a very busy out of home schedule. Homeschool families are not constrained by the public school system’s daily, weekly, and monthly schedules. Families may choose to set up a homeschooling routine that no longer orbits around the school’s calendar and school hours.

Increased emotional and physical safety. These days bullying is prevalent in most public schools. While not every child is bullied, it happens to quite a few – and the result can be devastating. It’s not only emotionally damaging, but it makes learning and receiving a good education close to impossible for some kids. Homeschooling avoids all of these potentially harmful influences. Other negative consequences that homeschooling can sometimes avoids includes: peer pressure, competition and poor self-esteem issues. Homeschooled children also don’t have to worry about the “fitting in” aspect that plagues just about every child in the public school system.

Increased productivity. Public schools have a scarcity of teachers. Growing class sizes means students receive less one-on-one attention. Kids attending public schools often have a ton of homework – because the classroom setting isn’t conducive to getting a lot accomplished in a day. Homeschooled kids rarely have “after school” tasks, as the assignments are completed while class is in session.

Better Sleep. Sometimes sleeping in, just a little bit, is just what you need. Early morning sleep can be beneficial, especially for kids that aren’t morning people. Homeschooling starts when the child naturally wakes up fresh and ready to learn.

What about the negative side of Homeschooling?

Heightened stress. Homeschooling your children can be stressful at times. Homeschooling takes a lot of time and effort from you as the parent. Day in and day out, lessons have to be prepared and taught. Parents who homeschool have to deal with many of the same issues as teachers do. They must also provide their children with hands-on learning experiences and activities. Homeschooling is not spent at the kitchen table with textbooks and worksheets – as many people envision.

It can be costly. Homeschooling isn’t cheap, primarily if you’re used to being in a two-income household. Almost all homeschooling homes are one-income families. Living off of one income is a result of one parent usually assuming the role of teacher for their children. This can be a big sacrifice if money is tight – but most homeschooling families find the sacrifice well worth it because of the many benefits of having their children learning in such a positive environment. There is also the cost of books and supplies to consider. As homeschooling is not subsidized by taxpayers dollars – as public schooling is – parents must cover all costs associated with homeschooling. (some states and provinces do offer some funding)

Heightened scrutiny. Even though there are more homeschoolers today than ever before, homeschooling faces increasing scrutiny, criticism and negative pressure from government and mainstream educational organizations. Some critics can’t handle seeing parents do a better job educating their children than the “highly” trained professionals in the public education system.

To summarize, the choice is yours. Both homeschooling and public education have their pros and cons. At Schoolio, we believe parents should choose the best method that empowers their child to love learning – stay curious and find passion in becoming a lifelong learner.

How Do I Balance Teaching Multiple Grades?

I read a question from another homeschool mama that went something like this, ‘How do you balance teaching more than one child in different grade levels at the same time?’ I have three children, ages 9.5, 7.5 and (almost) 6. That translates to me teaching grades 1,3 and 4. It’s busy! I won’t lie and try to convince you otherwise. Last week I posted a blog and I stated that I felt like Grade 1 was this huge milestone. I feel it’s the official ‘beginning’ to school. When my oldest daughter was in grade 2, and my second little lady was starting grade 1, I actually felt hugely overwhelmed. Now it felt like a balancing act. Like I was on a tight rope, holding both my daughters, trying so hard to keep up with everything so that neither of them would fall behind.

I know lots of homeschool families that make this whole teaching of multiple grades thing look so easy. And I just couldn’t figure out what their secret was. The things that they suggested to me, just didn’t work for our family and our schedule, as I also work a full time job from home. (I’ll write about that later) I never felt like I measured up to their level of success when it came to the balancing act of teaching multiple grades and honestly I just felt brutally upset with myself by the end of the day. Because all in all, something would get neglected. I wanted to be ‘supermom’ who had her act together, did arts and crafts and accomplished all the things. But most days I was the mom that would wait till her husband got home from work so I could lock myself in my bathroom for 10 minutes. So what are some things that I learned teaching multiple grades?

  1. Every family is like a musical band. You can’t compare the Beatles to Led Zeppelin, they are different, both unique. In the same way you just can’t compare your family to another home school family. I was comparing myself to home school families that the dad was the only one working, and the mom got to stay home and just focus on the kids, school, and housework. (Which might I add is still so much) That’s not my life. So why compare myself to that? Each home school family is unique just like all the classic bands. And each is carving their own path in history. Your history, your story – not someone else’s.
  2. Be patient. Not just with your kids, but with yourself also. You know those times when you’re exhausted, you didn’t sleep the night before and your child is just not applying themselves to their math at all? They literally have 4 questions left – they could finish it in 2 minutes, but instead, they’re hanging upside down in their chair, whining that they want another snack? Those are the moments I’ve had to work HARD on my patience level. Every part of me just wants to scream ‘COME ON JUST DO THIS!‘ But when I get angry, they lose focus even more. So I’ve learned (and am learning) to be patient with each of my children and to be patient with myself. I get so frustrated with myself when I feel like I haven’t checked all the boxes for the day, and that’s just not fair.
  3. Remember all you did accomplish. It’s second nature to me to remember all things that I missed doing in a day, ‘I didn’t send that paper to the bank.’ ‘I didn’t send that work number to my boss.’ ‘I didn’t get the kids spelling done with them today.’ ‘We forgot to practise our musical instruments.’ Remembering all the things that you missed for the day will only cause your patience for yourself (and sometimes your family) to crash. Instead, at the end of the day, remember all the amazing things you did accomplish. You kept your kids alive, fed, happy, healthy, and educated. All in one day! Those are HUGE accomplishments. Think about it, you’re doing the job of a house cleaner, a cook, a doctor, and a teacher and often times much more. And you did all that! So forget your to – do list. You rocked this day! You should be proud of yourself. Sometimes it just takes changing your mindset, and focusing on something different to get you out of the broken shell of anxiety.
  4. Spend time with each child individually. What I mean by this is: Pick your most difficult subjects in your house. For us, it’s Math. When I started teaching multiple grades I thought ‘This period is for math, and this one is for science, and this one is for language arts.’ But I’m not a school, and therefore I don’t need to run like one. Is it great to have a schedule? Yes! But I found teaching each of my kids math at the same time was hands down a nightmare. One kid would need help, so I’d be working with her and my other daughter would start screaming she didn’t understand her multiplication. And so I’d head over to her. But then my other daughter would start baulking about her frustrations with her number line. Then my son would want a snack. It actually took double time when we would try to do it all together. I thought it would save time and I was poorly mistaken. What has helped us on many a day, is doing math individually. I like to start with the youngest grade first. Right now my son is in grade 1, so we sit down and work on his math. His takes the least amount of time, and I’ve taught it 3 times now so I feel like much more of a pro. While he’s working on his math, the other two have play time. Or I set them up with a school subject they enjoy. When my son finishes his math, he then can enjoy a break. While I hop into grade 2 with my daughter. It’s much easier for my children to accomplish their math lessons faster when I spend time just with them. Sure some days they’re still flipped upside down in their chair, fussing that they don’t want to do the work. But most days go much smoother when I take this approach.
  5. Blend different subjects. If your kids are close in age, try blending certain subjects. Like geography, or science. Have a scheduled part of the day where you all sit down at the table and work on science together, or learn some new geography together. Have fun with it.
  6. Outsource some classes you are having trouble teaching. I outsource our French. Obviously, French isn’t mandatory with Ontario Curriculum. But I want my children to have more opportunities in life. And I always feel like bilingualism can get them one step closer to success. In the past we’ve hired a French tutor. But with COVID looming, and our schedules constantly evolving, I’ve found them some online French resources to help them learn.(But remember, me sharing with you that we do French does not mean that you should feel guilty if your kids aren’t doing French. It’s your homeschool) Or art, I LOVE art. However, it’s one thing that unforatunely gets neglected because I’m always so busy with every thing else. It’s fun to sign them up for an art class at FourCats. They get to get their creativity on and I get to have a nice hour long break from my kids. It’s a win win!

Your Homeschool journey is yours. I think – as with everything – when you start to compare yourself, your family, and your homeschool to other families. All you do is overwhelm yourself, and that overwhelm trickles down into your kids. The days that I’m stressed and anxious, my kids feel that, I let off that negative energy and they begin to get frustrated easier with their school. Just take it slow. You don’t need to accomplish everything today, home schooling is a process, so make sure to enjoy it. As always, I want you to remember that you are a rock star, you made the incredible decision to homeschool and you’re using amazing curriculum from Schoolio. If there’s anyone who can accomplish teaching multiple grades – it’s you.

Jaymee Davis is a stay-at-home/work-at-home/ homeschool mama. She believes that you can accomplish this homeschool thing. And she’s here to help you reach those goals, one step at a time.

Will My Grade 1 Child be isolated?

With the COVID-19 situation evolving, many parents are concerned about their child’s safety in a school setting. And rightfully so. There’s something terrifying about putting your child in a vulnerable situation that could open them up for infection. So now you’re looking for satisfactory, homeschool alternatives for your grade 1 child that will measure up or surpass their current education. Well, you’re in the right place. Schoolio offers only the best materials for you and your child. 

So, you’ve found an exceptional curriculum that follows grade 1 Ontario curriculum but you’re still struggling with doubts about homeschooling your child. What concerns are you struggling with? 

Could it be the social aspect of homeschooling? I think that’s honestly the number one concern that I hear from parents when they’re considering homeschooling. ‘I don’t want my child to miss out on the social aspect of school.’ And fair enough, the stereotypical aspect of home school, would make you believe that children can’t be socialized while homeschooling. But I’m here to tell you that’s just not the case. 

My children have an excellent social network. In fact, my daughter has more friends than I do. But how? And where do they meet these friends? Every city has a homeschool group, or sometimes more than one. (And if your town doesn’t have one – start one!) These homeschool groups are run by talented individuals who care about the mental and educational well-being of your child. They care about their education and most importantly, their safety. Our local homeschool group has many different opportunities for socialization. Like ‘Bubble Homeschool Gymnastics’, where the children are joining a bubble of other children to have weekly gymnastics classes together. There are also art classes at art studios like, 4 cats! Swimming lessons, park dates, co-ops, French tutoring with other home school students, Soccer, outdoor PE, and the list goes on and on. 

There’s absolutely no reason your child can’t be socialized. There are so many different opportunities for them to get out there and make friends/see friends. When most people think of home school, they think of children out on a country farm, sitting in a field playing with sticks, never seeing other people or kids and possibly also having their education completely neglected. But guess what? That’s completely not the way!  

When COVID-19 hit and quarantine began, many people got a taste of having their children home for school.  And it probably confirmed their beliefs that homeschool is isolating, but how could it not be in that situation? That was called ‘Isolation schooling’, not home school. Homeschool is a much better, wholesome experience. So, let’s not make the mistake of putting isolation schooling and homeschooling in the same category. They’re so different. 

You’re worried that maybe your child won’t be getting the same mental stimulation and education as in school? Well, my friend, that’s also not the case. Schoolio takes education very seriously, while making it fun and enjoyable for your child. Following strict grade 1 Ontario Curriculum, you have absolutely nothing to worry about when it comes to making sure your child is learning the right amount of material. 

Maybe you’re afraid that you won’t be a good teacher, or that you won’t be able to handle that extra pressure on your own. First of all, don’t doubt yourself. You are a brilliant human being that makes the best decisions – like choosing to homeschool your child and utilizing Schoolio to accomplish that. Schoolio cares about you and your child. We are here to help. If you have any issues with your curriculum or questions about the content – just ask!  

If you are able to stay home with your child, then deciding to homeschool them will always be a wonderful decision. Sure, you’ll have some tough days, some days that you just want to end. But each day gives you another opportunity to help your child learn and grow, and that’s a gift. Don’t let the little worries stop you from doing something that you know would be beneficial for your child. You are a champion, and you are going to rock this thing.

Jaymee Davis is a stay at home/work at home/ homeschool mama. She believes in your ability to teach your children from home, and aims to help you reach this goal.

3 Things You Need To Remember Before Starting Grade 1

Congratulations! Your child has made it to grade 1! I have three children, grades one, three and four. With each one of my children, I always felt like grade one was a huge milestone. You’ve made it through JK and SK and you’re now on a more organized track of learning. With that said, it can still feel extremely overwhelming. I remember the night before my oldest started first grade, I was a wreck!  I kept questioning myself and worrying that maybe I wasn’t doing the right thing. I wondered if I should just register her for school. I wondered if homeschooling was really the best choice. I worried that I wasn’t using curriculum that stood up to Grade 1 Ontario Curriculum.  

But then I remembered the many school interviews we had, and the tug in my gut that this just wasn’t right for her. I remembered that she learns at a much different pace than other children. I remembered that she needed that one on one attention that I knew I could give her, and the public-school system couldn’t. Homeschooling is such a journey, and honestly some days are tough. But each day that you put the effort in to teach your child, is a beautiful day. 

Here are 3 things you need to remember when starting your Grade 1 Homeschool Journey: 

  1. Stop pressuring yourself. Just the fact that you care enough about your child’s education to take on homeschool and sign up for Schoolio, is enough reason to believe in yourself. And remember that the decisions that you are making for your child’s education, are actually really great decisions. Second guessing yourself will only lead to anxiety, and that’s one thing you don’t need right now. 
  2. Every child learns at their own pace. It’s hard when you’re trying to go over concepts like reading, or math. And your child is just not putting effort into learning. Some days, your child may just need a small break. Change the scene. Take them out for a walk, get some fresh air. Play a game. Just like you probably get a little agitated when you’ve been working for a while, they also need patience, and a moment to refresh their mind. You don’t have to accomplish everything in the early hours of the morning. Your schedule is yours. If you need to change it up some days, then do it. 
  3. Be kind to yourself. It’s so easy to allow ‘mom guilt’ to sink in. To feel like ‘I’ve neglected the house work.’ ‘I need to spend more time reading with my child.’ ‘My kid watched too much tv today.’ Mom guilt is a bridge to ruin. Don’t go that way. Every day that you choose to wake up and homeschool, is a day that you rocked being a mom! You are seriously so amazing! So please, be nice to yourself and remember you are doing a stellar job! 

There was no Schoolio when I started homeschooling in 2016 or in 2017 when I began teaching my daughter grade 1, and I truly wish there had been. This incredible education platform cares so deeply about your child’s learning and your mental sanity. They spend countless hours crafting content that makes education fun, all while following the Grade 1 Ontario Curriculum. Nothing gets left out, it’s all there. You’re in the right place, and you’re doing the right thing. Naturally you’re going to second guess yourself, so let’s stop that now. You and your child are going to love this homeschool thing! Deciding to homeschool, was an amazing decision! One that you don’t need to doubt, you’ve got this! Don’t face this new chapter with anxiety, because you are going to rock this thing! 

Jaymee Davis is a stay at home/work at home/ homeschool mama. She’s been teaching her kids from home since 2016 and believes anyone can do it. She is here to help you reach your homeschool goals.