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Original poster

What comes first - work or homeschooling?

43 replies

coffeeforone1 · 09/01/2021 11:03

DC is in 4 (reception) and the school have organised live daily zoom sessions from next week. The problem is the timing seem to clash with work calls. I WFH full time and have a lot of calls, it's not clear before the call how important it is. Would you skip the school calls or mix and match? The school have set parent expectations that these calls will be attended by the child. They would use my laptop to access zoom so can't do both at same time.

Most of the pre-recorded learning is ok but I'm already not complying with the school expectations to do it daily - I can save it up and do a lot of it with him at the weekend, it's the live daily ones I will struggle to juggle.

I do luckily have childcare in place so I can work as a grandparent lives with us and can supervise DC and take out for walks. They can't support home schooling though unfortunately.

Do you think it's okay to skip most of the live sessions?

OP posts:
TheGriffle · 09/01/2021 11:05

Honestly, it’s fine. The school is expecting too much from you. Your work is important and Kees a roof over your head and food in your bellies. That is the priority. At 4 your school has years to catch up and should just be playing at this age anyway.

TheGriffle · 09/01/2021 11:06

Sorry that should be keeps and at 4 your DC has years to catch up!

lcdododo · 09/01/2021 11:07

Work is much more important.

Without school you can keep a roof over your children's head.
Without work, you can't.

TwirlingTwizzler · 09/01/2021 11:07

Work comes first, it houses you, feeds you and keeps a roof over your head. A live Zoom session will do none of those things.

notinthiseconomy · 09/01/2021 11:08

Work is more important.

He's four. Shove Numberblocks on and leave him to it.

Waxonwaxoff0 · 09/01/2021 11:08

Work is more important. A 4 year old doesn't need zoom lessons all day. I strongly believe at that age they should still be learning through play.

TwirlingTwizzler · 09/01/2021 11:08

Damn I've repeated myself, the third thing was supposed to say keeps you warm.

AndcalloffChristmas · 09/01/2021 11:08

Work has to come first. It’s not ideal but it’s what’s paying the bills!

Seasaltyhair · 09/01/2021 11:09

Work.

I have a reception child and a 7 year old. My 7 year old has done none of her work despite zoom classes through the day and a full schedule.

I cant believe my 4 year old has got work to do as well!

We’re in survival mode at the moment!

lcdododo · 09/01/2021 11:09

Oh just realised you said 4 years old

OP I'm an EYFS teacher and don't agree with any form of schooling until at least 5 so at so young I really wouldn't worry

Mercedes519 · 09/01/2021 11:10

Can he access the zoom calls on your phone while you use the laptop?

If you can balance then great. If not then agree with work taking priority

Original poster
coffeeforone1 · 09/01/2021 11:11

Thank you! I already feel better. The school expectations communication has just stressed me a bit! In the previous lockdown he was just in nursery and there was no home learning at all so it feels more overwhelming this time that I'm just leaving him. He does love numberblocks though Smile

OP posts:
Whammyyammy · 09/01/2021 11:11

Which one will prevent you from paying yiur mortgage?

LittleBearPad · 09/01/2021 11:12

Why can’t the grandparent supervise the school zoom and you dial into the call from your mobile at least try it. All the gp has to do is sit there and listen - if anything more is needed and they can’t do it that will be fine. Your dc is 4.

Otherwise prioritise the work calls when they clash.

Brighterthansunflowers · 09/01/2021 11:13

Absolutely work. A four year old doesn’t really need zoom calls, but you need to keep your job

modgepodge · 09/01/2021 11:14

Last time schools were not told to set work (though most did, with many parents complaining it wasn’t enough). This time the government has said schools should set a minimum of 3 hours a day for KS1 (not sure if this included reception) and most schools are using live lessons as so many parents wanted them last time. But they won’t work for everyone, clearly your job has to take precedence. On teams, teachers can record live sessions for children to watch later - can you ask if this is an option for your child? I don’t know how zoom works.

LividLoving · 09/01/2021 11:16

I’m a teacher.

Do your work. School don’t have any hold over you. You’re doing your best.

hangryeyes · 09/01/2021 11:16

Definitely work! Though I would let school know, and do you have any other device at all that they could access some Zooms through? A phone/tablet/Xbox/PlayStation/TV?

Original poster
coffeeforone1 · 09/01/2021 11:17

Why can’t the grandparent supervise the school zoom and you dial into the call from your mobile at least try it. All the gp has to do is sit there and listen - if anything more is needed and they can’t do it that will be fine. Your dc is 4.

That might be worth a try. I also have a 2 year old who gp is caring for so adding even the tiniest responsibility might be pushing it (especially tech related!) but the 2 yo is a reliable napper so could be worth a shot at nap times Smile

OP posts:
Aroundtheworldin80moves · 09/01/2021 11:21

Work.
Send a message saying that due to work you cannot guarantee that your son CA access learning at specific times, but you will ensure he does school work when he can. I doubt you would be the only one.
Im happy our school is providing prerecorded stuff only, so i don't have to chose which one to educate each day. Our ruralinternet is officially acknowledged to be rubbish.

I understand why schools ate feeling the pressure to do live at, but they need to understand it may not be possible.

Original poster
coffeeforone1 · 09/01/2021 11:23

We do have a couple of iPads too. I just relate Zoom to work laptop and forgot you can access on phone/iPad etc. Not sure how that didn't occur to me Blush

OP posts:
JillofTrades · 09/01/2021 11:23

How long are these daily lessons?. My ds is 4.5yo and he was completely fine to sit for 45min max by himself doing his lesson. It was only one 45 min session though and the classes were split into smaller classes of 5 kids so more individual attention and the kids really did brilliantly. I would be nearby but he was fine to get on with it.

I think an entire day of lessons is unreasonable at that age.

AldiAisleofCrap · 09/01/2021 11:25

@coffeeforone1 your child is not csa and zoom lessons are not appropriate at all for a four year old. They need to play and that is all. That is how four year olds learn.

ellenleaves · 09/01/2021 11:26

I would prioritise work but make sure he goes to ask least one live zoom a week to stay connected with school and to see his teacher and friends on the screen. If the grandparent can facilitate it, then great! My reception age child is going to get one live session a week and i definitely want her to go.

annevonkleve · 09/01/2021 11:29

Of course work comes first. The school should be setting work that the kids can do by themselves.

Failing that, BBC Bitesize or Oak Academy and get them to watch things.

I keep saying this, but parents are not home-schooling, they are supervising kids doing work the schools have set. If the schools are not setting meaningful and doable work for the age group in question, they are not doing their jobs properly or in line with the rules that came in at the end of October.

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