Beyond the Classroom
Lezi Zita
Hleziphansi "Lezi" Zita of @indra.nandi, mother of two and creator of Nandi Naya, shares her finely honed approach to homeschool, how to make the most of your surroundings and the very best way to balance it all.
You were a homeschooler before COVID happened...how have you had to adapt your methods for the new normal?
We have had to create more hands-on projects at home versus going to museums and recreational centers and libraries, which provide the atmosphere we liked as a family.
We have had to create more hands-on projects at home versus going to museums and recreational centers and libraries, which provide the atmosphere we liked as a family.
Nandi is eight and Indra is three. How do you approach teaching them both at their respective levels?
Yes, Nandi is a fast learner so on days when she is learning a new topic in which I have to explain the lesson, I would make sure Indra has a hands-on activity (Montessori or Waldorf inspired) to keep her occupied. This way it's less stressful because a toddler is unpredictable when it comes to having patience.
Yes, Nandi is a fast learner so on days when she is learning a new topic in which I have to explain the lesson, I would make sure Indra has a hands-on activity (Montessori or Waldorf inspired) to keep her occupied. This way it's less stressful because a toddler is unpredictable when it comes to having patience.
How are you incorporating the city into your lesson plans? Or where are you moving? How will you be incorporating the outdoors?
Now that the museums are open we will incorporate African history and ancient civilizations lessons with our visits. When we relocate to Costa Rica the learning experience will be based on a nature-based curriculum. Digging deeply into personal wonderings and observations. We’ll be developing projects from our own learnings and teachings from local communities, which will link our respect of the natural world.
Now that the museums are open we will incorporate African history and ancient civilizations lessons with our visits. When we relocate to Costa Rica the learning experience will be based on a nature-based curriculum. Digging deeply into personal wonderings and observations. We’ll be developing projects from our own learnings and teachings from local communities, which will link our respect of the natural world.
Any tips for making the most of a nature walk?
It’s best to connect with your surroundings and to observe with your child or children the different kind of critters and plant life and birds. Make it fun but also a learning experience in terms of identifying what is what. Kids will have questions so it’s best to have a reference book to read together. Always allow them to be free when exploring their surroundings and be present in the moment of exploring with them.
It’s best to connect with your surroundings and to observe with your child or children the different kind of critters and plant life and birds. Make it fun but also a learning experience in terms of identifying what is what. Kids will have questions so it’s best to have a reference book to read together. Always allow them to be free when exploring their surroundings and be present in the moment of exploring with them.
It has been such a crazy time and so many parents are struggling now! Is there anything from this moment that has surprised you or that you want to take with you?
Simply taking my time because we were always on the go before. We needed that time to appreciate what we have and what we as a family can create and manifest together with no boundaries.
Simply taking my time because we were always on the go before. We needed that time to appreciate what we have and what we as a family can create and manifest together with no boundaries.
What advice do you have for balancing work, home and school?
Don't over stress by wanting to accomplish multiple tasks in one day. Schedule time for schooling and work in a way that your whole family has a role to play when it comes to domestic chores. Incorporating daily life routines into your lesson schedule for your child or children can bring a steady flow to the household. It will also give your child or children a sense of purpose and independence.
Don't over stress by wanting to accomplish multiple tasks in one day. Schedule time for schooling and work in a way that your whole family has a role to play when it comes to domestic chores. Incorporating daily life routines into your lesson schedule for your child or children can bring a steady flow to the household. It will also give your child or children a sense of purpose and independence.