“Timmy, we need to sit down and have a talk.”
Tim comes over to the couch and sits down between me and Heather. We are both wearing our ‘serious’ faces, and Tim’s quickly changes to match our own.
“Yeah, Mom,” Tim says. “What is it?”
“Well, buddy,” Heather says, “you know how for next year, we have decided to have Isaac do school at home?”
Tim nods.
“Daddy and I just read about your school for next year, and how they are going to keep people safe from Coronavirus,” Heather says.
“What about it?” Tim asks.
“Well—,” Heather says, then pauses. We look at each other over the top of Tim’s head.
“This year,” I say, “things are going to be very, very different.”
“I just read on the school website that music and art and P.E. are all going to be in your classroom this year, buddy,” Heather says.
Tim looks confused but keeps listening.
“And no recess on the playground,” Heather continues.
“And you might end up eating lunch on the floor of the hallway,” I add.
Tim’s eyes get bigger with each revelation.
“So, we have to spend all day in the classroom?” he asks.
“Unfortunately, yes, buddy,” Heather says. “And that’s only if school goes back to being at school this year. We just don’t know yet.”
“So, we wanted to ask you,” I say to Tim, “if that sounds like a good idea, or if you want to stay home and do school here this year.”
“I want to see my friends,” Tim says.
“Well, buddy,” Heather says, “you’ll be in a new room this year with new people, so it’s not for sure that you’ll get to see your friends during the day.”
“And just think,” I add, “this way, we can go on field trips together as a family. How does that sound?”
Tim ponders this information as seriously as he can. “Ok,” he says. “I want to do school at home.”
Since the Stay-at-Home order was put in place in Illinois back in March, Heather and I have been pondering what ‘next year’ would look like for our family in terms of schooling. Since that time, we have been weighing options and doing research and fretting endlessly about how to give our kids the best possible education while still living under the threat of COVID-19.
For two and-a-half months, we helped the kids limp through virtual learning, which, at least for our kids, was a disaster. From out-of-control Zoom meetings to endless math pages to pointless “make-work” assignments, virtual learning made our house a nightmare for the two hours or so each day that it took to complete the assignments. Yes, we were told repeatedly that not all assignments had to be completed, but as former teachers, we felt pulled to complete the work that the teachers were assigning.
From June through the middle of July we had time to reflect on what our reality was going to be, now that we had some experience with virtual learning. And then, just before we left for vacation, we learned that the kids’ district was going to have full-time, full-class learning, with all specials in the classroom, and lunch served wherever a spot could be found.
The path forward seemed clear. We were already going to keep Isaac at home for his Kindergarten year, so that he could be given the attention and guidance he needs to fully succeed academically. And we knew that we were not going to use the virtual learning path again. So, when Tim’s school released the details of their COVID-19 learning plan for the 2020-2021 school year, we sat him down to have the talk. You, know, the one about the dreaded ‘H’ word. Homeschooling.
Prior to the emergence of COVID-19, if you would have asked me, I would have said that most people think there is a stigma attached to the notion of homeschooling. In the past six months, however, I think that notion has shifted a great deal. Today, I think that many people wish that homeschooling were an option for them.
As former teachers, Heather and I have a background in educating children. Heather is a particular expert, as she has taught Pre-K 4 and 1st grade. So, when we made this decision, we had the advantage of being comfortable teaching young minds, as well as experience in working with curriculum. We knew that we could be at least as effective teaching our own kids, and helping them learn as much, or more, than they would in a classroom wearing a mask all day, with no real recess or P.E.
And so, we pulled the trigger. We de-enrolled our boys from the school district, and started setting up our home school. It has only been three days so far, but in those three days, we are happy to report that both boys are showing a great interest in their academics (listening to story-time while bouncing on a sensory ball beats sitting on the floor any day), but we are also seeing that they are starting to make connections between our lessons and the real world outside our walls.
I cannot say for certain how this adventure will pan out. I have a suspicion that the boys will love homeschooling and all of the extra-curricular activities it will allow us to turn into “homework”. At a much later date, I will write a companion piece to this one, to give readers an update on our progress. But what I know for sure is this: we will be together as a family, learning new things in a safe, fun environment. Is homeschooling for everyone? Probably not. I’m just thankful that we are blessed enough to have the opportunity and experience necessary to give our kids the very best overall education that we can.
As the proud father of three children, as well as an MFA graduate and published author, John spends most of his time trying to balance the demands of being a writer and a parent all at once. Most of the time, it’s an uphill battle. As the parent of a child with special needs, John tries to use his talent for writing to bring inspiration and hope to his readers.
For more information about John Will you can visit his website at the Writing Dad, Here and Facebook page Here.
Cover Photo: Peter Judson