So here we are again… just almost a year later. Many of us look back to last year and the first lock down, trying to learn how to work remotely whilst teaching our child and remember it with fear. Who knew year 3 maths was so difficult?

And while we now are well practiced in working remotely we have been spoilt with the luxury of schools being open since September and many of us have forgotten the art of home schooling between Teams meetings.

So what can we do to stop ourselves having to sit with a child on our lap as we apologise to those in the meeting with us? 

Get a routine in place

Admittedly this is easier said than done however both you and your child will appreciate the routine without the constant question “when is it breaktime?” ringing in your ears. Make sure the routine includes free time for your child where they can choose to play, read or just chill. 

Don’t go too sophisticated 

In the first lockdown a lot of people put pressure on themselves to run a perfect home school, every subject covered and finding themselves learning French just to be able to answer any question that may come their way! Instead it is time to strip it back to basics. Ensuring your child has access to everything the school has asked and that they get good breaks is quite enough! Remember you aren’t meant to be running Eton school, this is a pandemic where your best, is definitely good enough. 

Use technology to your advantage 

 It is not worth fighting your child’s want to use technology, so why not just use it to your advantage? There are plenty of apps and games available that are educational and free and not only that, TV and Netflix are full of exciting programmes to help your child learn.