Since mid March, the United States has been face-to-face with COVID-19, and the affects of this virus have not faded as we had hoped they would. Children encountered mandatory virtual based schools across the globe for the first time. Parents were wrought with anxiety, frustration, and confusion, all while teaching their little one’s from home. We’ve lived through this pandemic for over half a year, and now it’s time for our kids to go back to school. As mothers we are worried, afraid, and unsure of how our children’s safety is going to be a top priority. Do we send our kids back to school when the numbers of COVID cases are skyrocketing? Do we home-school, or do virtual education? Where do we go from here, especially being a mother with a full-time job?
Going Back to Brick & Mortar School
Those mothers sending their kids back to school can understand that our teachers are going to be just as concerned as you. These teachers are the people who looked after your children before this virus happened, and put their lives on the line every day. They went through active shooter drills, hurricane preparedness, and lock-downs when dangerous situations occurred near school. These men and women are just as concerned with safety as we are.
First, we need to discuss with our children the differences that will be taking place at school. We need to talk with them and have them repeat back to us what social distancing means, how they should wear their mask, when to take it off, when not to, when to wash their hands, and practices that can ensure their safety. Communication is key, and yes, even those little bouncing kindergartners know how to listen even if they are jumping off the wall. You know how to talk to your child, you know how they listen, and you know what they will be able to mentally digest. Here are some ideas that we’ve seen in other countries which have effectively disabled the spread of the virus and kept children in a safe learning environment.
27 million U.S. Parents depend on school for child care each year…
– Weill Cornell Medicine July 2020
Classroom Prep
The layout of a classroom may be different, so make sure to let your kiddo know. Desks may be 6 feet apart with plastic partitions in the middle. Class sizes may be smaller, and school may start at a staggered time. Daily temperature checks could possibly be part of the daily routine. Not all districts have a full report describing how social distancing will be in effect, so lets keep worries out of the conversation with children and let them know some of the differences they may encounter. Many countries and districts have integrated the policy of children eating lunch at their desk.
Here are some practices to go over with your children before returning to a classroom setting:
- Use a mask that fits to face with adjustable bands (just like a new pair of glasses, the frame around ears may hurt so an adjustable band may be best.) Practice wearing a mask for periods of time so children can get used to it if they aren’t already;
- Teachers may be moving in between classes instead of children gathering in hallways;
- Hand washing practices (20 seconds with soap);
- Hands off (keep hands off of face: eyes, nose, mouth and especially others), and
- Use your own stuff (earbuds, keyboards, pencils, etc…)
Online School
We’re going to throw this out there in the universe because somewhere another mom is thinking about this as well, the online school environment. There are so many choices, self-paced, the county organized curriculum, and even private online school institutions. Here are some things to remember when picking a virtual school:
- Is this school accredited for your state?
- Self-paced means self-paced, there is guidance, however the teacher is not guiding daily instruction, and they are not leading your child step-by-step.
- Children/Parents are responsible for organizing learning material, staying on a self-created schedule, researching, asking questions, and gathering information to ensure children understand and are passing lessons.
- Tuition for virtual school varies depending on the institution (some range up to $1-5K per year).
Are you ready to take on the role of teacher and still juggle your 9-5 job?
Online State Curriculum
If you’ve enrolled your child in virtual school, here are some ideas that can help you cope with the daily structure and responsibilities of children, keeping them on course.
First off, organizations funded by local county’s will have a different type of learning layout. This may involve a set schedule every day, for example:
- Zoom math class at 10 a.m. followed by teacher led training, examples, and additional assistance; English skype meeting at 2 p.m…etc… (Zoom and Skype appear to be the biggest platforms of video conferencing for schools that are underfunded and have no online video meeting accessibility).
- Teachers may email students/parents curriculum for the week, or this information should be available to parents through online websites such as Skyward or Canva.
- Most schools have an app which draws the parent into the classroom, and is easy to use in regards to parent/teacher communication. **If your school doesn’t have one, email the superintendent or principal to see if this is a possible option. Here are some commonly used apps:
- Classting
- ParentSquare
- Remind
- SchoolCNXT
- Talking Points
- Class Dojo
- Parents, you are still going to have to bring out those “old-school” thinking hats when children run into questions.
Homeschool
Another option many parents are researching this year is homeschooling. With homeschool, you are not bound by a certain schedule and can choose your own curriculum. This choice may be easier for moms juggling a more demanding work from home schedule. Some things to consider:
Homeschool is not ‘traditional’ school. The goal is not to mimic the classroom setting. It is learning at home.- Every state has different requirements for homeschool instruction. Be sure to research what is required in your state. For example, some states require that you withdraw your child from public school.
- Choose a curriculum that you can actually manage. Some curriculums are online, others are complete workbook sets. Determine which curriculum best suits your child and your work from home needs. You can do a mix of online and workbook instruction. You are the principal and the teacher, you make the rules!
- Online curriculums include: All In One Homeschool, Time 4 Learning, and Discovery K12.
- Workbook based curriculums include: Abeka, Sonlight and The Good and the Beautiful.
- Create a schedule that works for you. Homeschool instruction does not generally lasts for eight hours, depending on the grade of the student (for example, kindergarten homeschool instruction is no more than 2 hours). Maybe plan for school from 9 till 2 (with an hour lunch). You can also do instruction in the evenings or on the weekends if your work schedule does not allow you to provide instruction during the week.
- Set clear expectations for your children. Even though this is homeschool, it is still school and learning is the goal. Make sure that your children understand that.
- Take fun classes online. Outschool is an awesome resource for all parents. The website offers classes on everything from coding to baking. There are also academic based classes for math, science, reading, etc.
- Make homeschool fun! Homeschool allows you to create memories with your children. Plan weekly activities relevant to instruction like art projects and science experiments.
There’s no doubt about it, school is going to be really different this year. Teachers and parents are worried, there’s a pandemic still going on, and it’s nerve wracking from all angles. We need to reiterate again, no matter what schooling option you choose, it’s OK and you’re a fantastic mom!! It is more important than ever to come together through our communities. We can overcome this fear and unknowing outcome if we all work together, keep our cool, and just remember to use our heads, wash our hands, and pray for one another.
Let us know what your plans are this school year and how you’re coping with the anxiety of making such an important decision!
