In episode #1 Mommy @palmthirada opens up about her and her husband’s decision to homeschool their 3-year-old boy and 1-year-old girl.
- Why did you choose to homeschool your children?
Actually, I’ve been discussing homeschooling with my husband for a while now. We decided that we don’t want our children to go to school or nursery. We feel that it’s too risky to allow our 2-3-year-old children under the care of others. Since making this decision, we have researched more about homeschooling. During early years, every single day is crucial. From observing our children, we realised that they need someone to guide them to solve problems. We believe that no one can do this better than their own parents. - What has been your biggest struggle so far in homeschooling?
My son is 3 years, 5 months and my daughter is 1 year, 8 months. The biggest struggle for me is when both of my children need my attention at the same time. I’m still learning how to manage one-on-one time with them. Even though they are siblings, they are different human beings. Alone time with mom is as important as the time they share together. - How did you overcome the challenges of homeschooling your two children?
The main challenge is outdoor play. We normally have 1-2 days during the week when we go out for a run or even try to visit a waterfall. Now with the current situation, everything must be adjusted to be inside a square room. What we have been doing instead is: we go for a drive and talk about places we see in the car. For now, it’s enough to make the children happy.
Mommy Palm – Homeschooling parent mom of 2 children
Chiangmai, Thailand
In episode #2 of Homeschool 101, Renika shares tips for online learning, preparing for goodbyes, and working with schools to give our children the resources they need at home.
Check out the ‘SPREAD YOUR WINGS – HOME LEARNING BOX‘ she designed.
- For pre-schoolers, what is the right amount of time for online learning?
There is no one-size-fits-all with children and the most important thing is to observe and adapt. At Little Treehouse Nursery, we have seen that pre-recorded videos from teachers are more effective than live sessions. Live sessions should not exceed 40 minutes per session for all age groups, but 15-20 minutes would be plenty for early years’ learners, three times per week. - How important is the parent/school relationship during this time?
What parents have been expected to do during these lockdowns is an enormous feat! As a school administrator, I believe that schools can ease the burden by providing quality online learning programs, easy-to-find resources + easy-to-follow instructions, and reasonable payment plan options.
Many parents have opted out of school during the lockdown, but we still touch base with them regularly. We should all try to maintain the bond (between home and school) so children will feel confident upon returning.
- For post-Lockdown, do you have tips for parents to support children returning to school?
Depending on the size of your child’s school, it is likely that parents will have limited access on-campus upon reopening. Emotions will be heightened, and goodbyes can be harder than before. It is important for parents to be well-prepared for this moment. Speak to your child, with confidence and positivity and re-establish routines at least a week before the first day.
Help your child visualize the drop-off routine with their key person and familiarise themselves with friends in their study bubble. Don’t forget that children are resilient! They will bounce back into happy learners right away!
Renika Phanichkrivalkosil
Co-Founder, Director of Little Treehouse Nursery
Bangkok, Thailand
K Geme is a mommy entrepreneur @petitepresuares , and has been homeschooling her two sons since the first COVID outbreak.
In episode #3 of Homeschool 101, she candidly shares her perspective and reflections of her journey so far.
- How did you arrive at the decision to homeschool your children?
We always knew we wanted to homeschool, and that we don’t want our children growing up to be robots. The school system is not designed for every unique child. The values in most Thai schools do not meet values of the world that my sons are going to live in – teaching children to be global citizens, thinking critically and creatively, and being responsible to the earth.My older son used to be in school, until the second lockdown in Thailand. The situation seemed to be getting worse. So, I talked to my son about the idea of homeschooling. He told me that, although he will miss his friends, he would prefer to learn at home, with his parents and not wake up so early. - How do you manage your time to homeschool two childrenwith different ages?
I just follow their rhythm. For me, I just set up some fun activities for both of them to play together. When I want to focus on my older child’s literature, math, or deep information about the topic, I just teach him while my younger child is taking a nap.We also have a schedule of activities planned according to our rhythm. Most importantly, everything can change to adapt to our sons. - How long have you been homeschooling and what are your reflections on this journey so far?
We’ve been homeschooling since the first outbreak of Covid-19. We are happy with it so far. The good things about homeschooling are that we get to spend more time together, grow up together, and explore new things together. Homeschooling for me is not just how I educate my sons, but also how they teach me to be a better teacher and a better learner myself.
This is going to be a long journey for our family. I don’t know when it’s going to end. If my sons wished to return to the system I would allow them.
K. Geme – Homeschooling Parents
Mommy Entrepreneur – Petite Pleasures
Bangkok, Thailand
Homeschool 101 gives you perspectives from parents and educators, from various walks of life, who are willing to share their experiences about homeschooling. We hope that these voices can give you comfort, community and perhaps some valuable homeschooling insights. There is no right or wrong way.
If you wish to contribute to this community of like-minded parents, please reach out to us – we would love to hear your voice.