Home-schooling hacks from real parents. (Hint: You need a schedule yesterday)

Erik Umphery, a photographer from Smyrna, Ga., says a schedule is key in the home schooling of his son and nephew, pictured. Kids’ ages: 7 and 9 Home-school hack: “We made a fort with Christmas lights strung inside before our virtual learning started, so they have been excited to get in their fort and get started on work in the mornings.” The mood in your home: “Emotional, optimistic and creative.” Megan Gefsky, assistant general manager of a fine-dining restaurant, Studio City Kids’ ages: 6 and 11 Home-school hack: “At 8 a.m., we do family dance parties to get our bodies moving and our brains to wake up. We have subscribed to our children’s school dance enrichment teacher’s YouTube channel, which is The mood in your home: “Tense at moments, but by and large joyful to be spending this incredible family time together.” Crystal Toledo, stay-at-home mom, San Diego Kids’ ages: 5, 7, 10, 13, 16; also schooling nieces and nephews 7, 14, 17 Crystal Toledo of San Diego made spinners with her children, whose schools are closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Home-school hack: “We meditate together and I often have her doing learning activities on her school laptop next to me.” What he recommends for other parents: “Practice more self-care techniques like mindfulness to keep your mood and environment calm.” The mood in your home: “Restless, happy and encouraging.” Bree DeLano, DJ/music and creative consultant, Los Angeles Kid’s age: 11 Jaxon Cohen, 11, bakes with her mother during a home-schooling lesson. She made a poster with the schedule on it and the kids read and understand what is happening throughout the day.” What he recommends for other parents: “A schedule, active time for the kids to burn out all their energy and allowing kids to help make some decisions about what activities we do.” The mood in your home: “Thankful, blessed and uncertainty.” Brandy Curry, educator at an independent K-12 school, Los Angeles Kid’s age: 10 Parker Curry, 10, of Los Angeles uses a laptop to do her schoolwork online.