DAY 150

"What are you doing about school?" This is the main topic of conversation between parents over the last week or so. Moms are debating the pros and cons of all three options, in-school, virtual, or home school. Homeschooling Facebook groups have popped up on my newsfeed. I joined the Michigan Homeschoolers and Michigan Secular Homeschoolers. Howell Mi Virtual School Parent Co-op is the latest one I have been invited to join.

Homeschool curriculum sites are running out of printed materials. Many of them are offering digital downloads that you can print yourself. Parents who have been homeschooling for years are being bombarded with requests for advice. Families are joining up to form small groups of kids who can work together. 

I have talked to parents who are sending their kids back but fully expect the schools to close again and they are anxious about what that will mean for their family. A few schools that have opened across the country are already closed again. I sense a high level of uncertainty from everyone I talk to. Many parents are judging the choices of others harshly. I envy families who have been homeschooling all along. They don't have to agonize over these options, they can just carry on as usual. Their kids have not been traumatized by their school closing and uncertainty about the future.

I sent an email to our principal letting him know that Miss Ten would not be attending either the classroom or using the virtual platform. He was disappointed to hear it but said that he fully understood. I know from past experience that many teachers and administrators seem to feel threatened by the choice to homeschool like it is a judgment against them.

The thing is, children are born to learn. You can't stop them from learning. All you have to do is provide them with opportunities and encourage them, whether it is in a classroom or at home. The real challenge for us as parents and teachers is to stay calm so that we can guide our kids through this very difficult period in all of our lives.