If you’re thinking about homeschooling this year, you’re not alone. With COVID-19 numbers on the rise in many parts of the world, homeschooling is looking like a safer, more practical option for parents this fall.
While most of the world was forced to embrace virtual learning this past spring, seasoned homeschool families like mine want you to know that what you experienced was NOT normal. Traditional homeschooling involves taking time to prep and gather supplies, embracing opportunities to socialize and interact, and enjoying an extremely flexible work schedule.
What we experienced this spring was frantic and often chaotic. There was little time for teachers to alter their lesson plans for virtual learning, for school districts to train their teachers to work in this new space of online education, or for parents to work out a plan for balancing work with schooling their children from home.
Yet, many families found great benefit from keeping their children at home. It offers parents more time to bond with their children. It provides safety from viruses, bullies, and other disruptive forces. And it helps many children feel more loved and secure than they feel when they are away.
With plans to implement social distancing initiatives such as desk spacing and mask wearing in the fall, many parents worry that the sterile environment of the classroom will make students uncomfortable and anxious. The idea of snuggling on the couch during story time seems much more inviting and child-friendly to many parents.
So, before you let your chaotic experience of 2020 Virtual Learning taint your view on home education, enjoy this video which offers a few tips, explanations, and resources to help you make an informed decision about your children’s education.
