Coronavirus and School Closings: Unexpected Homeschooling

Everyone is a little unsettled and unsure right now. Your child’s school may be closed or going online for a few weeks and everyone’s routine is disrupted.

Know that you’re not alone and as a community, we’ll get through it.

Specifically, Granite State Home Educators wants to help our traditional-school neighbors feel comfortable continuing their children’s education during this interval.

We’ve got you!

You do not need to declare as homeschoolers if you intend to keep your child enrolled at their current school and return once the school resumes normal operations. However, if you do intend to become full-time homeschoolers, either now or at a later time, then check out our website, particularly the FAQ and Where to Begin pages. No matter your decision, please be welcome to join our Facebook group where we have over 2,000 members who are happy to share our homeschool experiences to support you during this difficult time.

UPDATE 3/19/2020: We created a group specifically for those families whose children are displaced from their usual school due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is intended to be a supportive place where we can encourage each other and come together to support our children’s learning during this uncertain time. If you are in search of temporary support during the health crisis, please take this an an invitation to join GSHE Unexpectedly Homeschooling. We also have many veteran homeschoolers who are willing to support you 1:1 if you need advice, a listening ear, or just someone to vent to about your struggles. Here is more information, if you’re interested.

UPDATE 4/16/2020: Governor Sununu announced today that public schools remain closed for the rest of the school year and continue remote learning. Districts may chose when to complete the academic year and whether they will have April vacation. Some districts have already announced early closings. The Governor also encouraged districts to be flexible regarding grades, including pass/fail options.

If this is a temporary situation for your family, try to keep some sense of normalcy as it will be a big help to both you and the kids during this time of uncertainty. Establish a flexible routine about what happens when, and what they are responsible to do. Stick to normal bedtimes and activities as much as possible. It will help keep everyone on track and allow you to do the things you need to do, especially if you work remotely.

“Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood. ~ Fred Rogers

Try to use this break as an opportunity to let your child explore something of interest that is not included in their usual educational setting. What does your child like? What gets him or her excited? Does your child love dinosaurs or insects? Watch a bunch of nature shows, check out books from the library, and explore online resources. It does not matter what the subject is — it can be anything that sparks their interest such as an art activity, computer programming, woodworking or sewing projects, nature journaling and studies, garden planning, home/life skills, or anything that they want to study. Listen to audio books, watch history or science programs, learn how things are made, try something new! Does your child want to develop a hobby but doesn’t usually have the time to pursue it? This is an opportunity for your child to explore whatever lights them up! It will capture their imagination, keep them productively occupied, and encourage independent learning.

Older children can absolutely help around the house! Laundry, meal planning and preparation, house cleaning, yard work, pet care, and more are all great experiences and life-skills.

Even young children can benefit from this alternative learning experience. Keep the littles engaged with puzzles, board games, reading time, craft projects, building materials, toys that encourage imaginary play, and age-appropriate household responsibilities.

Your local library is a treasure-trove of resources for all ages! They often provide access to e-books and other online materials, movies, and almost anything is available through Inter Library Loan.

The day doesn’t have to be all work! It’s important to give kids a chance to relax, unwind, and have quiet time. Remember, this is a stressful time for them, too.

If possible, do something fun together as a family, something you wouldn’t ordinarily have an opportunity to do. Maybe have a movie and popcorn night. Bake a cake from scratch together. Play a board game. It doesn’t matter what you do, as long as you do it together.

If you’re looking for more specific suggestions and resources, our GSHE community of homeschoolers has numerous recommendations that we compiled for you. We will update this list periodically as we find more useful resources, so check back periodically for something new to explore.

Massive list of resources available free during this temporary school closure

Big History Project – examines our past, explains our present, and imagines our future

Coursea – courses, certificates, and degrees online from world-class universities and companies

CuriosityStream – thousands of documentaries, award-winning exclusives and originals

Khan Academy – free online courses, lessons and practice

Kids Discover – free online access through June 2020

LinkedIn Learning – software development, design, business, web development, and photography courses

McHarper Manor — free art projects

Outschool – live online classes for ages 3 to 18

SkillShare – find what fascinates you

YouTube – millions of educational videos on any topic you can imagine

We also compiled interesting articles about school closures and homeschooling.

5 Tips for Learning at Home When Coronavirus Closes Schools by the Homeschool Compass

School Canceled Because of Coronavirus? A Homeschooler Offers Some Tips by Reason

Suddenly Homeschooling: A Message from a Veteran Homeschool Parent by Loving, Learning, Living, and Parenting with Light and Happiness

At GSHE, we’re here for you during your child’s school closure. Let us know how we can help by sending us an email at info@GraniteStateHomeEducators or finding us on Facebook and sending us a PM.

By Michelle Levell, co-founder