In 2020, the educational landscape evolved for us, and home education became our alternative to traditional schooling. When we started this journey, we tried different techniques for managing time in terms of concentration and our daughter’s cognitive capacity to process and understand information. We thought that 45 minutes non-stop was too long for her because, at some point, she would stop understanding, retaining, and connecting information, and would lose interest in what she was doing. We started looking for time management techniques that would fit with the educational methodologies we were applying, and we noticed that the Pomodoro Technique fit perfectly with Charlotte Mason’s learning time approach, which we were already using.
How does Charlotte Mason’s approach work?
She emphasizes the importance of using the natural rhythms of a child’s attention span by dividing lessons into brief, concentrated periods, typically ranging from 10-20 minutes for younger children, and then gradually increasing the time with age. She designed this approach to capture and maintain a child's interest and engagement, preventing mental fatigue, and promoting a more profound understanding and better retention of information.
In this article, we will explore the Pomodoro Technique and delve into six examples of how we implement it holistically during learning time with our daughter. We will also follow three examples of what to avoid in order to honor the natural rhythms of our children’s attention span and learning processes.
She emphasizes the importance of using the natural rhythms of a child’s attention span by dividing lessons into brief, concentrated periods, typically ranging from 10-20 minutes for younger children, and then gradually increasing the time with age. She designed this approach to capture and maintain a child's interest and engagement, preventing mental fatigue, and promoting a more profound understanding and better retention of information.
In this article, we will explore the Pomodoro Technique and delve into six examples of how we implement it holistically during learning time with our daughter. We will also follow three examples of what to avoid in order to honor the natural rhythms of our children’s attention span and learning processes.
What is the Pomodoro Technique?
The Pomodoro Technique is a time management strategy, developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s, which involves breaking tasks into short, focused intervals called pomodoros. Each time slot, or pomodoro, lasts 25 minutes, followed by a 5-minute break. After four consecutive time slots, learners take a more extended break of 15-30 minutes. This technique aims to improve productivity, concentration, and the ability to manage tasks effectively.
In our case, when we do projects, we set a timer in the background that rings and lets us know when we can take breaks. In this way, we focus on the task at hand and let the technique be a tool for the purpose of keeping track of time for us.
In our case, when we do projects, we set a timer in the background that rings and lets us know when we can take breaks. In this way, we focus on the task at hand and let the technique be a tool for the purpose of keeping track of time for us.
6 Holistic Ways to Implement the Pomodoro Technique in Homeschooling
After trying out many ways to implement this technique, we came up with six that empowered us to make the best out of our learning time while continuing to support our daughter's emotional and mental needs through her cognitive processing.
- Set clear objectives. We work with her to set specific, achievable goals for each pomodoro session. This approach fosters a sense of accomplishment and purpose, enhancing intrinsic motivation and reinforcing the significance of the technique.
- Cultivate mindfulness. We incorporate mindfulness exercises during breaks, such as deep breathing, yoga, or soft music. These practices help her refocus and re-energize, promoting mental clarity and emotional balance.
- Customize the pomodoro duration. We had to refine this part often until we developed the habit of using the interval of 25 minutes. Accordingly, I suggest parents observe younger children closely to see if they might struggle to maintain focus for that long. Always consider adjusting the pomodoro length to suit your child's attention span and gradually increase it as they become more adept.
- Integrate interdisciplinary learning. We create projects for this purpose by combining multiple subjects, fostering an interconnected understanding of different topics. For instance, each day we do sessions that encompass history literature, art, music or math, history, English, and geometry, enabling her to grasp the broader context.
- Encourage movement. We utilize the breaks between pomodoros to engage in physical activity, such as stretching, jumping, jogging, or yoga. Movement stimulates blood flow and oxygenates the brain, enhancing cognitive function and reducing mental fatigue.
- Facilitate collaboration. We try to organize group pomodoro sessions with other homeschooling families once or twice a month to promote her social interaction and cooperative learning. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of community and enables her to learn from her peers.
3 Pomodoro Pitfalls to Avoid in Homeschooling
- Overemphasis on productivity. While the Pomodoro Technique is designed to boost productivity, it's crucial not to overlook the importance of deep, meaningful learning. We learned to avoid emphasizing the number of completed pomodoros over the quality of the learning experience. For example, we use the alarm ring to let us know that we can take a break rather than to guide the process of our projects.
- Inflexible scheduling. Remember that each child is unique, and their needs may vary. Strict adherence to the Pomodoro Technique might not be suitable for everyone, so be prepared to adapt the technique to suit your child's individual learning style and requirements.
- Ignoring emotional well-being. Do your best to pay attention to your child's emotional state during the learning process. If they feel overwhelmed or stressed, it's essential to address these emotions and provide support, rather than pushing them to complete more pomodoros.
The Pomodoro Technique has proven to be a valuable asset in our homeschooling journey, allowing us to strike a balance between productivity and our daughter's emotional and mental well-being. By implementing this technique holistically, we have managed to create a supportive learning environment that fosters motivation, mindfulness, and interdisciplinary understanding. Our daughter’s educational experience has been further enriched by adapting the technique to her unique needs and by collaborating with other homeschooling families.