Homeschooling     Hot Topics     Home and Family     Early Education     K-12     Education Guide    

Combining homeschooling with housework



“Hacks” perfect for pandemic parenting

Combining homeschooling with housework


If we’ve learned anything in the last seven months of the Covid-19 pandemic, it’s to broaden our sense of what’s possible. In fact, we’ve been forced to do that, like it or not. While this development may conjure mostly negative thoughts – global crisis, widespread business closures, no more handshakes – it need not. 

Speaking for myself, my weekly visits to a Woodstock preschool have all been outside since April. For years now, I’ve shown up at this little building, played singalong songs, and encouraged dancing and interaction, often coaxing some very shy little ones out of their shells. These music classes have always been inside a cinderblock room, under fluorescent lights. Now, outside, beneath trees turning color, I’ve incorporated a lot more nature teachings.

READ MORE: How to keep the house neat with a resident toddler

I was well into adulthood before I could discern the difference between a spruce tree and a cedar tree, but hopefully most of my students will be able to do that by kindergarten, because that’s just one of many new environmentally-based things we’ve been singing and talking about. Also clouds, bugs, and the birds that fly overhead while we sing and dance. Just today, some teachers and I were lamenting the coming time when we’ll need to go back inside.

Like me being forced into nature to teach, writer Sarah Robsdottir, homeschooling mom of six boys, turned to homeschooling out of necessity, but is thankful for it. She offers some helpful “hacks” she has used over the years with much success, all examples of what she calls “dual-tasking.”

She writes: “We pair one specific academic discipline (memorization workwith one specific household chore (washing dishes).”

The Robsdottir family also listens to audiobooks when running errands, studies geography posters while sweeping the hall, and practices phonics while folding socks, among other “dual tasks.”

READ MORE: 10 house cleaning games for kids

It’s worth noting that the elder Robsdottir boys have excelled on standardized tests, and the 16-year-old is gainfully employed at a job he loves.

Notably, Sarah also attributes a lot of her boys’ success to “not having a TV in the living room.”



More Homeschooling


  • Indoor spots for teens to play

    Older kids need to have some play time too

    Teens need places to go that aren't lame and won't bore them to tears. We have the best in the Valley listed just for you. read more »
  • Visit cool sculpture parks in the Hudson Valley

    These sculptures are generally huge and sure to please

    Visit fun and educational sculpture gardens in the Hudson Valley. Sculpture Parks and their gardens are a unique way for families to appreciate and enjoy art. The open spaces are wonderful for kids of all ages. Most locations offer space to roam and enable us to enjoy these unique pieces at our own pace. read more »
  • Everything you need to know about student loans

    Traditional ways of paying for college aren't working

    More American families are borrowing for college. At the same time, merit aid and the use of personal income and savings i falling. read more »
  • 3 ways people of all ages can make the most of International Youth Day

    Celebrate youth activists and combat ageism

    August 12 is International Youth Day, a United Nations effort to celebrate youth activists, combat ageism and help bridge gaps between generations working toward the same change. read more »
  • Everything you should to know about student loans

    Traditional ways of paying for college aren't working

    More American families are borrowing for college. At the same time, merit aid and the use of personal income and savings i falling. read more »
  • 4 ways to get involved this global volunteer month

    It's a good time to get in on the action

    Global Volunteer Month, celebrated throughout April, is a time to recognize people who actively support their communities through volunteerism and active civic engagement. It’s also a time to get in on the action. However, if you’re like many people, you may not know where to begin. read more »
  • Minimize the risk of child identity theft

    NYS Division of Consumer Protection offers advice

    Child Identity Theft is a growing problem. According to recent data from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), identity theft for those under 19 years old grew 60% in three years. read more »
  • 5 reasons why your child should (and can) learn how to play chess

    A revolutionary new game that helps kids learn this game of strategy

    Chess is one of the oldest and most popular games in history, with early forms of the game dating back to the 6th century CE. The game has certainly seen a revival since the pandemic began, as people around the globe have dusted off their chess boards and even binged one of the most-watched series ever inspired by the masterful game for much-needed entertainment. read more »
  • 5 ways to get kids excited about STEM learning

    The country needs more good scientists

    The events of the past couple of years have shown how important scientists are to making the world a better and safer place. read more »
  • Keep kids learning during summer

    3 fun, easy ways

    With school out, summertime brings long, carefree days of play and fun. With a little thought and a few supplies, summer is a perfect opportunity to revitalize their innate love of learning that may be a bit squashed after a year of academic pressures, tests and schedules. read more »