Dealing with a number of children in the homeschool classroom, day in and day out with hardly any time to call your own, is not simple. At times it can become difficult to have your loving children even listen to the instructions you have for them without raising your voice so that they will take you seriously. If your vocal cords seem hoarse and the homeschool students more than a bit unruly here are some tricks that you can use to not lose your cool.
Develop a System with a Simple Command Word
Have your children all follow a strict pattern with each new subject being introduced. Let them know what subjects they will be handling all week by putting up a time table. They must put away the old books, take out the new ones and have their pencils on the ready for taking down notes. The basic system should be followed as you as you say a simple word such as “Switch!” This way instead of giving constant instructions and tiring your voice, they know what to do and you don’t lose your cool.
Take Your Five Minute Break Away from the Classroom
Between each switch you can leave the classroom for five minutes. This short break will allow you a change of scene. You can handle some small chore or just sit down and enjoy a glass of juice before returning to the classroom. It gives both the students and the teacher a small respite and also allows you to not get angry over them dawdling over the books as they put them away and take out new ones. If you don’t see them taking forever to do the task, you don’t get irritated and you don’t have to scold them for it.
Have a Verbal Mantra to Calm Yourself
Pick a sentence that helps to calm and ground you. It could be a nice long sentence like, “I am able to control my negative emotions and provide the supportive environment that my children need to grow in to healthy adults,” or it could be something as short as “All is well. I am calm.” Every time you feel like you are going to lose it and start yelling, focus on this mantra.
