And just like that, it's back to school. Or, for some of us, it's back to the kitchen table. Tell me if this sounds familiar:
Your child: "That's NOT how we do division!"
You: "What do you mean that's not how you do division? You see how many times the smaller number goes into the bigger number. That's division."
Your child: "But that's not how Mr/s X does it!"
Tears ensue.
And usually your child cries, too.
Been there. Done that. My situation is a little different now: My kid is in high school. So, it usually involves some variation of "Are you in class or watching Netflix?" or "Wake up."
I struggled writing this blog because I feel like there is a tsunami of information coming at us regarding school, and it just starts with in-class versus online learning. We are bombarded with class size, teacher unions, student safety, teacher safety, instruction, testing, and technology. There are a seemingly unlimited number of websites eager to tell you how to manage your child's education from home. It's overwhelming and almost impossible to digest.
Trust me. I'm a librarian. I know these things. Digesting large amounts of information is my job.
I don't think I'm the only one who is going to lose her tenuous hold on reality if I hear one more talking head tell me to get rid of distractions and create cute calendars for time management. Thanks, Captain Obvious, but I've got a kitchen table, a schizophrenic Wi-Fi connection, and a full-time job. I need some out-of-the-box answers.
So, where do you start? NPR put together a list of questions that can help us determine our children's and family's educational needs in the era of COVID. I don't know about you, but I find knowing the question is instrumental to finding the answers and figuring out my next steps.
Another resource that can be instrumental is Khan Academy. This website has been putting together educational support materials for students for years; it's almost like they were prepping for COVID. More specifically, I saw an interview with Sal Khan, the founder and CEO, and he had me at "focus on the basics." Just get through it. Focus on math, reading, and writing, and then layer on more as you get a handle on the basics. The Khan Academy has also upped its game during this time and now offers resources for students, parents, teachers, and districts. It's a great tool if your child has moved beyond the basics (like division) and you have no clue on how to help with subjects like calculus or physics.
Finally, know you are not alone. This is different from the "we are all in this together" message from television commercials. Let's face it: There are different levels of together and, much to my irritation, I am not "in it together" with the Hollywood elite suffering through COVID from their summer estates with a full staff and mac-daddy internet connection. Yes, that's the jealousy and sketchy Wi-Fi talking.
But we can connect with others around us.
Now is not the time to be shy and, believe me, everyone is looking for the answers. There are the ubiquitous Facebook groups, of course. Or a word popping up these days is "pods," as in "learning pods" or "pandemic pods." These are small groups of students learning together with a teacher or tutor. There are usually costs involved in learning pods, as they can include hiring an instructor. They are not a perfect option for support, but they are an option and maybe learning about these pods will trigger ideas on how to create hybrids for your children.
I could give you a list of resources to look at but, as my kids frequently tell me, you can Google that. Instead, let me throw out some ideas on where to collect credible, applicable information.
- Your school district website. It may have tutoring and support options and links to get tech support for things like Zoom and Google Meet, not to mention offer actual technology available to students.
- Your local public library. Remember that place? You don't even have to go there. Many offer online research help in the form of live chat.
- Tutoring websites. Save yourself the cost of rehab/therapy. Sites like HippoCampus, SmartTutor, and Big History Project are just a few options.
I say with all sincerity - good luck...as I check the Netflix account and look for signs of consciousness from my own student.