Beyond the Classroom
Geena Whyte
Digital Creator and mother of two Geena Whyte on the importance of routine, one-on-one-time and getting out in nature.
What will the transition look like from summer to fall for your family? How will you mark the beginning of school from home?
Routine! My girls have a sense of safety and predictability in structure and routines. The beginning of homeschool will transition quite well for us. Since the kids love routines and have gotten quite comfortable with what was established over the summer months we will still have our reading and art sessions daily. However, instead of it being free play most of our activities will be more structured and focused.
Routine! My girls have a sense of safety and predictability in structure and routines. The beginning of homeschool will transition quite well for us. Since the kids love routines and have gotten quite comfortable with what was established over the summer months we will still have our reading and art sessions daily. However, instead of it being free play most of our activities will be more structured and focused.
And what is the most important thing you hope to teach them?
It’s important to me that they’re kind, empathic, respectful and loving humans. I don’t care if they’re extreme academics. I desire that they live a life they can be proud of.
It’s important to me that they’re kind, empathic, respectful and loving humans. I don’t care if they’re extreme academics. I desire that they live a life they can be proud of.
You live in the most beautiful place! How will you incorporate the environment into your daughters' learning?
Everyday in Hawaii is an opportunity for our Keiki’s (child in hawaiian) to learn. Hiking, beach days, being immersed in nature has been the norm for our family. They learn about the ocean and how we must treat it with respect along with beach clean ups because we must take care of the aina (land).
Everyday in Hawaii is an opportunity for our Keiki’s (child in hawaiian) to learn. Hiking, beach days, being immersed in nature has been the norm for our family. They learn about the ocean and how we must treat it with respect along with beach clean ups because we must take care of the aina (land).
As you are also expecting, any tips for balancing the newborn phase with homeschooling for other moms who may be in a similar boat?
If you’re able and it’s possible, seek outsourced help, whether that’s a tutor, nanny or a mother’s helper. The newborn phase can be such a blur and all hands on deck are needed for a happy healthy aligned home.
If you’re able and it’s possible, seek outsourced help, whether that’s a tutor, nanny or a mother’s helper. The newborn phase can be such a blur and all hands on deck are needed for a happy healthy aligned home.
Finally, what is the best part of your day? Or any silver linings you have discovered from this difficult time?
It would have to be mornings. I love to start our mornings off with good music and the energy to match. A house filled with the smell of florals gets my girls in a calm, refreshed mood. This has been a game changer for the rest of our day.
It would have to be mornings. I love to start our mornings off with good music and the energy to match. A house filled with the smell of florals gets my girls in a calm, refreshed mood. This has been a game changer for the rest of our day.
How old are your two daughters? How do you approach meeting each of them where they are?
Paloma is my inquisitive five year old and Amaris is my spicy two year old. They’re at such different stages. Trying to find balance can sometimes be challenging, which is why one-on-one-time is so essential.
Paloma is my inquisitive five year old and Amaris is my spicy two year old. They’re at such different stages. Trying to find balance can sometimes be challenging, which is why one-on-one-time is so essential.