While beginning our homeschooling year this year I had a lengthy conversation with a friend messaging me about homeschooling. One of the comments I had received was that all of this Pandemic must be super simple for my family because we have always homeschooled.
The truth is though this year is going to be hard. While we may have homeschooled for years now we have never done so during a Pandemic. Unfortunately Pandemic homeschooling has led to its own challenges.
For one we are socially distancing just as much as any child would in Public School settings. Even if you do not believe in the Pandemic there are still many homeschooling families that cannot and will not put their children at risk through social interaction. We fall into the family that cannot meet with other people during this time because more than one of our family members at higher risk for catching COVID. So we continue to stay home as much as possible.
One huge way in which we are lucky is that we have access to internet and are able to connect with friends and family through messenger and video chats. So our children have become familiar with social interaction in this way. On another upside our children have learned to be more creative in their games with their friends. We have had many long hours of playing Guess Who and Master Mind over video chat. My daughter has also shown great interest in writing to her friends as well!
Another way in which we are impacted is in our ability to take field trips. Many of our trips have been taken online virtually. Which while fun just does not have the same tactile experience as in person visits to various places.
We have explained to our children what COVID-19 is and why going on these trips is not a good idea. In our state health and wellness is one subject that must be covered at some point in elementary school. We have found this a prime opportunity to do so. We presented our children with the numbers and various view points, with our children coming to the agreement that it was just safer to say no to field trips for now.
Another aspect that has impacted many families this year is the closure of Co-Ops. Many of us homeschoolers rely on each other and other parents to help teach. It is especially beneficial to belong to a Co-Op when you may not be stronger in one subject, but can help teach children another. Co-Ops are also a huge means of communication for children and parents.
I've really seen veteran homeschoolers step up in this area though creating online Co-Ops or groups where we can get together virtually for activities and learning. This has helped many of us to feel a community connection still and also help our children further their interest. It has also led to creativity on the parent's part too. For this I am grateful.
So as many of you pull your children out of the public schools and plan for homeschooling know that you are not alone in how you are feeling right now. We are all very frustrated and encountering new situations with school ourselves. We all feel overwhelmed! Do not be afraid to connect with local homeschool groups for ideas. Do not be afraid to ask questions. We can figure this out together.
By Anu Morgan
They/Them
Join us this year in your homeschool journey at Social Justice Parents - Homeschool Support. We are here to answer questions and hopefully provide inspiration.
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