Homeschooling when Mom is Sick
Nose is running, throat is itchy, your head is throbbing, and your body is both chilly and warm at the same time. Face it, mom, you’re sick. You can call in sick from work at the office, but you can’t call in sick at home. So what does the homeschool day look like when mom (or dad) are sick?
You can approach your day in one of the several ways, depending on how bad the illness is:
Take the day off
Your body is telling you that it needs to rest. So give your body what it needs. Easier said than done sometimes, When I lay stagnant, much of what runs through my head is, “but I have to do….and I also need to finish…” I feel like part of my difficulty relaxing is a hundred tasks going through my mind. But the reminder that my health is a priority for me to rest, and just take the day off. I need to remember that there will be other days to make this up.
Assign more independent activities
Reading
Have lessons that your child or children can do independently. Forget doing that Science experiment that involves grown-up prep and clean-up, and have them do more reading or writing. Having a small collection of books in the house is helpful for quiet-time. For each thematic unit we are covering, I check out several books around the theme, and have it stacked in our classroom. We go over them in our lessons, but the kids are welcome to peruse them at their leisure. It’s perfect for when you’re ill as well because they can look through them, and be exposed to the material you were going to discuss in the lessons anyway.
Writing
Writing is a great way for the children to work independently. The kids can journal about what they read. Since you’re resting, they need to know they cannot bombard you with lots of questions regarding correct spelling or grammar. It is a time for them to write their thoughts, reactions, and questions. Then you can go over it together once you’re feeling better. Depending on their age, they can write an imaginative story or compose a letter to a friend or character in a book. If they are younger, kids can practice tracing the letters or numbers, or write their name.
Here are some websites for journal prompts:
https://www.superteacherworksheets.com/journal-prompts.html
http://www.dailyteachingtools.com/journal-writing-prompts.html
Here is a website for letter practice:
http://www.handwritingforkids.com/handwrite/manuscript/alphabets/
Flash cards, Puzzles & Manipulatives
Having a bin of various flash cards, puzzles and manipulatives is also an excellent way for the kids to reinforce their learning, and practice their skills. With flash cards, they can independently review different concepts such as math facts, vocabulary words, spelling. Puzzles are good for concentration, visualization, problem-solving, and analysis. Manipulatives can reinforce mathematical concepts such as counting, addition, subtraction, multiplication, and patterns.
Not sure what manipulatives to use? Here are some manipulatives we have in our bin:
Educational games & apps
If you have a computer and/or mobile device that you are comfortable allowing the kids to use, there are so many available educational apps and websites kids can use. It might be a good idea to have them use familiar games and apps. That way you aren’t trying to figure out the rules and downloading things while you are trying to rest.
Need some ideas? Here are some sites with recommended apps:
http://www.educationalappstore.com/
http://www.parents.com/fun/entertainment/gadgets/best-educational-apps-for-kids/
http://www.ala.org/aasl/standards/best/apps/2015
Drawing & Coloring
Students can draw creatively and let their imaginations take over. They can also illustrate something they are currently learning in their units of study. Labels, captions, or additional journal paragraphs can supplement their pictures. This is a good way to check for their understanding and to have a discussion when you’re back on your feet.
Coloring books are excellent to have on hand for kids (and adults). Coloring can be relaxing, and a way to work on fine-motor skills.
Additional Advice
Whatever independent activities the kids will be doing, it may be a good idea to talk to them ahead of time (when you are not sick) to go over what to do during sick days. Much like teaching the kids the basic routines of the house, this can be another procedure to go over. Maybe have a printed list of independent activities they can do when you are ill, so they are not coming over to you every 15 minutes while you’re laying on the couch, asking “What do I do now?” If the kids will be using a bin with books, flashcards, puzzles, manipulatives, or school supply materials, review proper procedures of how to take them out and put them away. You definitely don’t want a big mess to clean up afterward. Rehearsing the procedures will also be helpful so they are clear with the expectations.
The most important thing is to take care of yourself and your family
While school is important, the main thing is your health and your family’s as well. Focus on getting back to tip-top shape so that you can continue to be your amazing self.
