Lockdown 3 feels very different from the first. Last spring it was sunny, dry and easy to get outside, and we had spare rooms like the conservatory to use as quiet workspaces. This time everyone is fighting for the same spaces and we’re not outside as much. We also don’t have the luxury of pretending to be a teacher — we’ve both got heavy workloads.
I still lean on online resources a lot. Twinkl is great for adding variety — presentations, colouring sheets or fun maths activities. CBBC has been helpful too: between 9am and midday there’s Bitesize, Horrible Histories and Operation Ouch, which my kids love.
On wet, grey days we need indoor activities to keep everyone busy. Snow has made things more fun recently, but when we’re stuck inside we turn to LEGO (I’m excited to build Hedwig), our monthly Lego Explorer magazine, and board games. Monopoly Deal and Junior Cluedo are current favourites — I might even try the adult Monopoly with the kids.
Getting outside is essential. We try to do FIND15 each day, an initiative that encourages families to get out for 15 minutes and raise their heart rate. We also take a family dog walk around lunchtime to break up the day and give everyone an afternoon boost.
When lockdown began in March 2020, Daddy and I split homeschooling: I took mornings and started work at lunchtime, and he covered the afternoons. I even used up annual leave so I effectively worked three days a week. It was tough but we managed. This time is harder — I’ve got a more demanding job, my husband starts a new role in April, and neither of us can log off for hours at a time.
Now we’re working alongside the children. Thankfully the school is better prepared and provides short videos for each task, so the kids can watch and get on with their work. I’m grateful for patient colleagues who tolerate dancing, talking and waving children during meetings. We didn’t choose this situation, so smiling and getting on with it is helping us all cope. Despite the stress, the days are flying by and we’re getting things done.
Do what works for your family and try not to compare yourself to others online — you’re doing a fantastic job. I hope these ideas help anyone looking for inspiration while homeschooling. Fingers crossed for March 8th.
