7.5 COVID Education Ideas for Parents

In the past week we've received several emails and phone messages from the school districts where our children attend. The pendulum swings from one side to the other, often within 24 hours. 

If you're like us, head scratching, teeth grinding, and confusion swarms what might have otherwise been a normal day. But, these days are anything but normal.

As our girls shed tears about the loss of connection around their friends and teachers, cancelled sports, postponed extra-curricular and arts programs, we try to find solutions to these challenges.

First, let me unequivocally say that I do not, nor will I ever, apologize for working for and acquiring the resources to support my family. It has never been, nor do I expect it to be, easy (whatever that means). I only know that it is worth it. I know that it is my responsibility as a father, and I do the best that I am able under the circumstances.

Here are seven point five ideas for parents who have students who are forced by unelected officials into online learning;

1. Podschooling - do your own bit of research here. You are perfectly capable. Let me lead by saying that my lovely and talented sister has successfully homeschooled 12 adopted children, but never alone. These local groups pool resources and networks for absolutely top tier learning experiences.
2. If you decide to put together a podschool, rotate homes - two or three days a week. Check with your employer about working from home routines, and perhaps help from them to resource the group. Hit up your district for transportation vouchers, taxi vouchers, or bus passes.
3. If there is a district with a jack boot or heavy hand, hire a high school student/sibling to proctor the schooling group. This allows the teacher of record from the school to maintain the legal requirements for the administration of public funds.
4. Teach the students in the group about menus when asking everyone to prepare their own meals. Let them facilitate round table lunch discussions about nutrition (please, parents, don't value and virtue signal kids who eat differently than you do). Hit up the district for lunch reimbursement funds.
5. Take temperatures. Ask the district to provide thermometers.
6. Not only should kiddos wear masks, they can also learn the lost art of sewing, and make masks for their fellow group members.
7. Get outside. There are so many games that can and should be played - meeting the needs of social distancing. Spike Ball. Cross-net Volleyball. Cornhole. Croquet. These games have rules, a history, and require strategies for play. They also meet the requirements for Physical Education so school budgets can reimburse you for equipment necessary to the curriculum.

7.5.    If you need more ideas and support, reach out to my friends at Center Creek Institute, Educational Wingman, or Safe Place to Talk.

Finally, let me say, that we hire our publics school districts to provide a service, paid for with our hard earned wage. If that service does not meet your expectations, run for school board, attend a meeting, write a letter, make a phone call. Do not go quietly into the night. Do not allow the shrill cacophony of fear to drown out reason and accountability.

Onward!

Dr. J