I’m not saying that you have to teach your child Math, English, History, or Science, but you can ensure that your student is doing their school work in such subjects, as many school district’s are sending school work to students home remotely. Whereas before the coronavirus pandemic, homeschooling was mostly utilized by families who had gifted students, exceptional learners, some special education students, and parents who just choose not to keep their students in traditional school settings.
The way public education works today will change due to the COVID 19 Crisis and will more than likely cause many school districts to offer distance learning formats, as a regular part of instruction. Any why not! Many educators themselves receive their professional development (PD) training via online courses/offerings, and it utilizes 21st Century technology, which most school aged children are well versed in.
But let’s now look at some of the things you can do while at home, and not just for your student – but for anyone.
Things to do:
- Complete the census survey, monitor your student’s school/homework, (and not just ask if they completed it but actually ask them to explain it to you….to see if it makes sense
- Help your children explore careers (it’s not too early to talk about careers as early as elementary)
- Use technology to visit other states, countries, and talk about possible vacations to some of those places (*school districts are providing free internet for many families)
- Work with your child’s teacher/school to discuss any learning challenges, and provide help as needed
- Research COVID 19 as a family
- Pull out your photo albums and share with family members in various ways
- Do some spring cleaning, clean out garage or shed
- Collect all mail and go through it, respond by acting on it, file it, or toss it
- Consider starting a new hobby or business
- Contact your local, state, federal representatives and tell them your needs
- Etc.
Finally, stay focused, be productive, have fun, and stay safe…. we are all in this together!