Send us your pictures: Parents and children have fun with home schooling
Parents all across the Black Country and Staffordshire have had to dive head first into teaching roles – as children get stuck into lessons in lockdown.
One family coming to terms with turning their home into a place of learning is Dane Miller, Jay Walker and their sons Luca, nine, Leo, four, and eight-month-old Levi.
The Oldbury family have been carrying out work set by school – Luca and Leo attend Langley Primary – but also creating their own fun activities to keep the days interesting.
Mum Dane, age 29, who normally works as a SEND teaching assistant in Birmingham, said the boys have been enjoying it so far.
She said: "Luca and Leo complete work set by school and email it back to them but we also implement our own activities. We read different books together, we deliver phonics using sound cards, practice counting and writing numbers. They love food and have enjoying cooking doughnuts, pizza, and banana cake. Leo loves getting messy so we make sure we get creative through painting, water play, gluing, and making playdough.
"They help with household chores, like washing up, and we let them discover how to use some household appliances safely whilst supervised such as the washing machine and vacuum."
Dad Jay, age 32, is a sports teacher in Handsworth and keeps his eldest sons active with exercise outside.
Dane added: "We are very fortunate to have a garden and we make good use out of it. Jay also works as a part-time gardener and enjoys involving Luca and Leo in plenty of gardening activities. We are currently growing vegetables which is fun. Luca and Leo will help plant and water them. They are very active kids and use the garden to play football, basketball and trampolining to get a bit of exercise."
The family do not stick to a strict schedule because they want their boys to have fun and not worry too much about everything going on in the world.
She said: "Homeschooling is manageable but we don't stick to a strict schedule because we want the boys to have fun too. As young children Luca and Leo are going through a lot emotionally at the moment. They miss their school, family and friends."
We want to see your pictures of home schooling, whether it be working, painting or just having a good time. Send them to webdesk@expressandstar.co.uk
