Our Homeschool Journey…
Like most other families around the globe, when COVID-19 became a pandemic, it slowed us down to a near standstill. I went from traveling across the country producing and executing events with thousands of people, to literally having to pivot my entire business model and produce virtual events. Admittedly, I was shook. I mean, I’m an introvert by most standards but the one place where I really come out of my shell is when I’m on site at a live event…..(more about that later)……
So Spring Break of 2020 came and went, and when we returned back into the “real world’, COVID had forced our country into quarantine. Things changed so fast — almost at the blink of an eye — and me and the hubs were left staring at each other trying to figure out how we were going to manage 4 kids at home, 2 of which were now attending “virtual school” and our 2 little boys (who I call “the littles” ) need constant attention and care. Instantly I found myself pretending to be a teacher (I say pretending because I will not EVER discount the amazing grace, grit and patience that REAL teachers possess) and failing pretty miserably.
Teaching is not my ministry. I repeat. Teaching is NOT my ministry.
Between helping my big boys with their schoolwork, juggling the littles, conference calls and work commitments, a grumpy hubs that was now working from home - it felt like the walls were caving in fast around these parts. Summer couldn’t come fast enough for me or the big boys — we both desperately needed a break from school and this “new normal” routine.
Even despite valiant efforts by the boys school — the way that they were now forced to learn due to the pandemic was just not working out. I watched my overachieving and hardworking 5th grader end his school year looking and feeling tired, frustrated and concerned about what the future of his school looked like. My 2nd grader was literally “checked out”….it was a struggle just to get him complete worksheets and assigned readings — even as he continued to get nearly 100% on everything.
They were tired. Bored. Concerned. Frustrated. Overwhelmed. Anxious…….. all the same feelings that their mom and dad were experiencing.
We knew that something needed to change. So me and the hubs talked with the boys about trying the more traditional homeschool approach. Not virtual school like they ended their school year — but rather real homeschooling, They bought in to the idea, and we officially withdrew them from their school — a catholic school nearby that they’ve attended for years.
Because I knew that teaching wasn’t my strength, I set out to find the best ways to engage my boys in their education. Totally open to traditional and not-so traditional approaches, we came up with the mix that works for us. It may not work for everyone, but it has worked really well for us so far! We use Bridgeway Academy curriculum for their core classes (Math, Science, Social Studies and Language Arts). They have an online “classroom” component that comes along with this, so they do have a “classroom” of sorts with a real teacher — that is not their mom. Then, in addition to this, we’ve supplemented with tutors for them — a wonderful lady named Moriah, that works with the boys on what they are currently learning as well as trying to accelerate them beyond grade level. Additionally, we’ve supplemented their learning by using Outschool for content rich courses in black history, cooking, creative writing and even chess. We let the boys select their “electives” from Outschool, which really makes them feel like they are in control of their experience.
A little chess break after class…
Only time will tell if we continue down this route — but knowing my boys, despite how engaging and fun we make learning at home, there’s no replacing the interaction and fun they have at school with their friends. An arrangement like this may not work for every family — but its working well for ours— for now! Sharing a few photos below — our original kitchen setup during “virtual school” as we ended the school year……and now - our classroom upstairs with chalkboards, comfy desks and free of distractions!
