Well this was a surprise! Is it just me or does it feel as if almost over night, the world has fallen apart and become completely mad?
All this Panic buying, No Loo Rolls, Pasta or Soap, then no Tinned foods. The Self Isolations, Social Distancing then Schools closing! Now its the Pubs, Restaurants, National Parks and Clothing stores! Now we are all Home Educating! You know it is bad when the Local Authority tell you not to bring your kids into school in case they get ill (funny how they didn’t listen for all those years when I was saying that my child was already ill)
I am writing to you on day 9 of Self Isolation after showing symptons! Yes I was pretty ill but no it probably wasnt Cornoavirus, although who knows! It seems to have some odd presentations.
Isolation as been an interesting ride so far. You certainly find out what you and your surrounding humans are made of; when a country or community goes through a crisis like this. Facing illness and your own anxieties about the future, whilst trying to care for your children and watching your friends and family go through the same.
The schools are closed! Can you even believe it? They are out of the summer and the whole World is Home Educating! What is that about? Well I mean I know but its gonna be super interesting. Home Education is amazing when you can get out and about (when you have had the chance to plan) but to have been thrown into this situation with very little warning is gonna be an interesting ride.
I havent been home educating for long but I was home educated as a child so perhaps we can all learn together! This blog was just going to follow the story of my family switching to Home Education and moving to wales but I think now we will perhaps try to add a bit more support and advice for those forced into Home Ed. Also a bit of ‘community spirit’ for those times when we have to Self Isolate and practise Social Distancing.
First things first take a deep breath! You do not need to have a plan or all the answers today! You do not need to Home Educate today. All the Home Education Groups suggest a period of De-Schooling before you start Home Ed anyways. So take that deep breath and give yourself a few days. It is okay if the kids watch TV or go on the game console more than normal!
Health, both Physical and Mental comes before education. Perhaps priorities getting some air today in a safe way (2 meters between your family and others,) doing some self care activities and having fun together. Maybe do some baking, play a game, hang out in the garden, plan an adventure for when this is all over, watch a movie, do a video calls with family or friends, get the arts and crafts out, or just let your kids play so that you can get tour feet under you. Take the pressure off of yourself, be kind to yourself and take care of your emotional energy or you may end up burning out (Please see articles on emotional energy)
Inspire Liberty 