Wisconsin schools are now closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, and we’ve received a lot of questions about ideas for things to do with your kids during this time.
The good news is plentiful: the weather is supposed to be nice, there are amazing online resources that are offering free access during this time, and you are not alone!
We’ve created a homeschool schedule template with a resource library to help you through. If you won’t be at home with your children, you can give your plans to whoever will be.
Here are our tips:
1. Set aside a few hours to plan.
Schools are closed for awhile, and the possibility remains that this time may be extended. So it’s important that you’re proactive and plan the best that you can. Kids thrive on routine, and it will help them (and you!) get through this uncertain time.
If you have a partner who can watch the kids for a few hours while you plan, that’s ideal. If not, throw PBS on for a few hours and get your plan together. It will pay off in the long run.
2. Create a schedule that works for your family.
Try to envision what you’d like each day to look like for your family, and create your schedule around that. It may change or need to be tweaked, but this is a good place to start.
Here are two sample schedules, just to get your wheels turning.
GET OUR GOOGLE SHEETS TEMPLATE. YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE A COPY TO USE IT. >>
Sample Schedule 1: (School Age Kids)
7:30 Wake up
8:00 Breakfast
8:30 Math
9:00 Foreign Language
9:30 Family Exercise
10:00 Snack
10:15 Science
10:45 Social Studies / Religious Studies, if applicable
11:15 Outdoor Recess
12:00 Lunch
12:30 Literacy/Writing
1:30 Outdoor Recess
2:15 Online Resources / Facetime With Family / Friends
3:00 Art / Music
3:45 “Dismissal”
After School: Chores, Dinner Prep, Free Play, Board Games, Screen Time, etc.
Sample Schedule 2 (Young Children)
7:30 Wake up
8:00 Breakfast
8:30 Fine Motor Activities
9:30 Family Exercise
10:00 Snack
10:15 STEM Activities
11:15 Outdoor Recess
12:00 Lunch
12:30 Literacy (Reading / Writing)
1:30 Outdoor Recess
2:15 Online Resources / Facetime With Family / Friends
3:00 Art / Music
After School: Chores, Dinner Prep, Free Play, Board Games, Screen Time, etc.
3. Plug In The Daily Activities For The First Week
Create a spreadsheet with your daily schedule in the first column, and each child in the additional columns. Duplicate that page for each day you’ll be homeschooling. You can download our template here and customize as needed.
Focus on one subject at a time for the entire week. What will you do each day for that time period? If you child’s teacher sent home suggestions, start there. If not, download our template here and take a look at the Resource Library on the last page.
4. Tweak As Needed.
Follow your plan with confidence, but don’t be afraid to tweak where necessary. It won’t go perfectly, and it doesn’t have to. We’re all just doing the best we can through unprecedented times. If you need a break, there is no shame in screen time.
5. There’s No Shame In Screen Time.
This is truly unprecedented. Prioritize your mental health and take breaks when you need it. Schedule time for screen time, and give your kids choices you are comfortable with.
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
