This is sponsored guest post.
There is no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic has turned the world upside down. Many countries have experienced lockdowns, the virus is still prevalent, and social distancing measures look set to continue for the foreseeable future.
Even as places start to reopen and children return to great education facilities such as this early learning Lower North Shore, there are concerns regarding the potential for a second wave and whether parents should be focusing on homeschooling instead of traditional education.
Of course, there is no simple answer to this issue. For most people the decision will rest on several key factors:
Ability
The first thing to consider is whether you have the knowledge to teach your child successfully. Simply having been to school in the past isn’t enough to confirm that you have the knowledge needed to teach your child.
It’s not just imparting knowledge, which you could get from the internet. You will also need to create a schedule that gives them a specific structure. Then you’ll have to commit to sticking to the schedule and ensuring your child learns at the right pace.
Don’t forget the teacher need to be able to effectively discipline the child, can you earn their respect and handle disciplining them?
Time
Alongside having the capability to learn it is important to decide if you have the time to commit to teaching your child. Working, even part-time, and teaching a child is not an easy task. It’s likely to create an unusual learning schedule for your child and decrease the amount of time you spend bonding as a family.
Resources
As lockdowns ease you can visit book stores and libraries to top up your knowledge. But, if the lockdown returns will you have all the resources you need at home to teach your children properly?
It’s not just the physical resources you need, it’s also important to find ways to make learning fun and for your child to want to do it.
It’s not just a matter of having the right resources, you also need to be certain that your child will reach the right level for their age, even if they don’t have access to the actual exam at the moment.
The Risk
It is also important to consider the risk to your child and indirectly you. Sending them to any school will increase their exposure time and potential for catching Coronavirus. You’ll need to consider how well a school can ensure hand washing is maintained and social distancing.
If you think the risk is too great you’ll need to find the time to do homeschooling.
Should you decide to continue homeschooling you won’t be alone. There is an increasing number of parents seeing the benefits of offering homeschooling, especially with an array of digital aids to help them teach.
The COVID-19 pandemic may transform the way children are taught for years to come, but that doesn’t mean you have to homeschool. It’s important to do what you think is right for you and your children.
