Coronavirus Effect: We Are All Homeschoolers Now

Monday afternoon, President Trump and the Coronavirus Task Force announced new guidelines in an attempt to minimize the coronavirus spread. Among other things, he stated, “My administration is recommending that all Americans, including the young and healthy, work to engage in schooling from home when possible…”

This comes on the heels of several states closing down all public schools, with many school districts making similar decisions at the local level across the country.

As parents prepared themselves for a new reality of educating their own children at home, #homeschooling began trending on Twitter, Monday. Moms and dads were sharing their plans, checklists, schedules, resources, successes, and ‘failures’ on this first day of the school week. And all the while, veteran homeschoolers were like –

Some parents were very organized in their approach, with colorful, structured schedules (god bless ‘em).

Others were slightly less formal, but still with a good (if not somewhat vague) plan laid out.

Still others tried more of a non-traditional curriculum plan, only to be vetoed by their spouse… (This didn’t sound so bad to me – there are learning opportunities in nearly everything!)

Only a few short hours in, many parents were confronted with the varied challenges that come with homeschooling.

Teachers (parents) rejoiced in their successes, as well (we’ll see how they feel in another week).

The freedom for parents to choose how to educate their children has been an ongoing battle. It was most recently brought to the forefront when Reason Foundation’s Corey DeAngelis caught former presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren on video lying about sending her children to public schools. He has continued to call out Republican and Democrat officials alike for their hypocrisy in fighting against school choice while sending their own children to private schools. Parents from all walks of life continue to lobby their state legislatures for more education choices.

Perhaps a good that will come out of this coronavirus pandemic that has upended life as we have known it in America will be the realization that government schools are not the only and certainly not the best option for our children. Each child deserves the opportunity to be educated in the way that works best for them, whether that be homeschool, private school, charter school, public school, or any other number of options. The ‘schooling’ is unimportant. What is important is that they be given every opportunity to learn.

Whether you are a veteran homeschooler or a #coronaquarantine parent teaching your child at home for the first time, go check out the #homeschool posts on Twitter. You will laugh, be encouraged, and find a treasure trove of support and resources.

Whether your homeschool looks like this:

Or like this:

The important thing is that you do you. We all learn differently and you do what works best for you and your children. A child who is taught to love learning will never stop learning. And that is the best lesson you can teach them.