FIVE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT HOME SCHOOLING
1
THE REALITY OF FORCED HOME-SCHOOLING Here’s the thing: Almost everything we know about home schooling has been based on families that choose it. But research on places where schools have been forcibly closed because of natural disasters or war shows that social and educational outcomes are dismal. Children who thrive in the social atmosphere of a classroom or who need order will not make as much progress, and forced home schooling is likely to intensify existing inequalities.
2
KEEP A RIGID
DAILY SCHEDULE Generally, children thrive on routines, especially in uncertain times. But individualized instruction requires flexibility to spend more time on the areas where kids need and want to work. Kids also need ample breaks (including going outside, with social distance,
even if it isn’t scheduled). Those with ADD may concentrate better after a 20-minute dose of nature. Teens might be allowed to get up later in the
morning.
3
TEACHING BY VIDEO
IS BEST, RIGHT?
Yes, it’s engaging for kids but better results come from a blended model, combining computer-based, real-time
teaching with self-paced work and plenty of breaks — a rhythm similar to what remote
workers follow.
4
FINDING THE ‘PERFECT’
RESOURCE IS KEY
The enthusiasm for “amazing” and “free” home-schooling solutions being touted bears a striking similarity to last decade’s craze around free university classes over the internet. But studies showed that most of those who registered already had degrees and only a small fraction of the millions who signed up sustained interest past the first lecture. What the education world learned then, and what parents are about to learn now, is that content — textbooks, Ai-enabled tutoring programs or interactive webinars — does not equal education. Kids need guidance.
5
DISABILITIES
CHANGE EVERYTHING
Even before the pandemic, many families chose to homeschool their kids with disabilities, drawing on such resources as Accessibyte apps for those with visual impairment and Fastbraiin for learners with ADHD. Speech therapy, tutoring and even physical therapy are available online, and families should still connect to these services.