E-Learning as a Family

E-Learning as a Family

Sara Janeshek is a real estate broker with her husband, living in Port Washington, Wisconsin. She is also a student at UW-Milwaukee. They have three children, Stuart (2nd Grade), Sullivan (Kindergraten) and Sienna (2 years old). The photograph was taken by Sara on March 17, 2020 as the children spend time making a poster. Sara has stated that "Real Estate services are considered essential services and just like many others, our life has been turned completely upside down. I'm home with the kids doing virtual schooling, chasing a [2 year old] around the house, running a small business, and 'trying' to do my own schoolwork. This is my first 'full' time semester back to school and boy what a challenge it has been! Sullivan is 5(kindergarten) and struggles with 'homeschooling' because he needs routines and structure. Stuart is 8(2nd Grade) he does better with 'homeschooling' but still needs guidance and one on one. Most of his assignments are done via the iPad. Sienna is 2 and she just gets tossed into the mix during 'homeschooling.' The hardest part of 'homeschooling' is the lack of daily structure, routine, and just staying positive. We try and start the day by 9am with prayer, pledge of allegiance, and a silly daily song (thank you to the amazing teachers that provide silly songs through YouTube daily). We try to do daily zoom meetings, but with a toddler, they're normally a stressful disaster! I have learned you can't skip snack time...BIG mistake! Reading, religion, lunch, then math and we always end our day with prayer and reflection. But wait, we still have specials yet to do. Luckily the specials are apps the kids can do somewhat independently. By 8pm, I'm spent, but now have my own homework and some work to do. Because of the "Safer at Home' order, the kids cannot play or interact with their friends as they normally would do. This lack of playing adds to the stress and the kids know something bad has happened."

Sara Janeshek

Frank Kalisik