I was in my second year of teaching when the pandemic started. At the time, my son was in kindergarten. Together, we experienced the school shutdown and the transition to virtual learning.
Initially, I enjoyed the break. My nervous system needed a rest from juggling a new career and single motherhood, but the workload that came with balancing everything took a toll at times.
I was also missing colleagues and students, and I knew my son was missing his friends. It was nice to be home, but we were also longing for parts of our outside lives.
Still, I decided to leave my job and homeschool my son for two years.
Suddenly, I had to formulate a completely different lifestyle
When we were supposed to return to school that fall, I was caught off guard. Because of concerns over the virus, I began thinking of what we could do instead of returning to the classroom immediately. I knew several other teachers who were transitioning to tutoring, and I asked my son’s school if there were any virtual options for him.
Our county had a virtual school for homeschool students that appealed to me. I knew my son would be on the same school curriculum as he would be if he were in class and would therefore remain on pace. I also liked that he would have other teachers through his virtual school and that I wouldn’t be the only learning coach he had.
It took us several weeks to adjust to a new routine of homeschooling and working from home. I had to figure out how to best structure my son’s routine with his lessons, time for assignments, and other ways to build in learning opportunities. I resorted to outdoor experiences, including the zoo, the beach, and lots of outdoor breaks in our front and backyard.
I saw the advantages of a slower-paced schedule
The outside time we were both experiencing felt healthier than being inside most of the day at school. I also liked that we could easily make adjustments in our schedule and fit in lots of breaks. As both a teacher and a mother, I think the traditional in-person school day can be a lot of work.
My favorite part about homeschooling was that my son had more space to explore his interests. I always found that my students did best when the subject matter involved something that intrigued them. One way I tried to make homeschooling advantageous was by supporting the topics my son was curious about. If he was really interested in animals for example, then I scheduled visits to the zoo and planned trips to the library to check out books on specific animals.
There were also downsides to our new way of life
In the long term, I knew that independence from each other was better for our relationship. I missed things like him running into my arms when I picked him up from school because he was so excited to see me. I even missed being at work all day and having the opportunity to really miss him, too.
Because homeschooling was supposed to be temporary, my work income situation was not feasible long-term. As a part-time tutor, I no longer had a full-time income or healthcare benefits. I had to adjust quickly to a smaller budget and manage my financial anxiety.
Even though we were enjoying aspects of our new normal, I knew I’d have to go back to work soon, and that impending change was always looming over me.
I don’t think there’s a perfect system
After two years of homeschooling, my son and I both went back to school. My son loved being with his peers again and making new friends.
But because he is so interested in the social aspects of school, he is less interested in the academic aspects. During homeschooling, he had a one-on-one teacher. It is nearly impossible to get that level of attention in a group setting.
Once he was back in the classroom, he had to learn how to be more of an independent learner again. Overall, I think he was excelling academically at home more than in the traditional school setting.
As a parent, I still can’t say that I have a preference for homeschooling or in-person learning. Each situation comes with perks and pitfalls.
After experiencing both, I think the best thing I can do is continue to find ways to foster my son’s interests outside the classroom and give him the space to navigate his own independence at school.
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