Episode 11: Homeschooling During COVID-19

Jun 10

Episode 11: Homeschooling During COVID-19.

We launched this series back in 2018 when Habitat Schoolhouse was founded. Fast forward to now and we are still just as passionate about sharing stories about homeschooling told from real moms just like you. These posts are to encourage you along your homeschooling journey, share experiences, and connect with other homeschooling moms all over the world.

This week's homeschooling story is from Daniella, a mom who found herself enjoying homeschooling even more because of the pandemic.

This type of teaching style is not for everyone, however, it certainly became the norm when our world fell into one of the most traumatic states. The majority of everyone’s lives were being dictated by a virus that brought forth uncertainty, anxiety, and fear. The new reality for parents is to take on the role as their child’s teacher, all while attempting to stay calm during this pandemic.

When I was pregnant with my son in 2017, my husband and I thought it was best for our family if I were to stay home with the kids until they were ready for school. Once they attend school, I will return to work as an elementary school teacher. In the meantime, I have been home with both my kids and have taken on the role of a homeschooling mom. It seemed the most proficient since I have appropriate knowledge in this area.

Fast forward to March 2020 - our world has undoubtedly changed. We are in a global pandemic due to COVID -19. This was our families’ and everyone else’s new reality. My initial fear regarded our family. The longing to see my mother took a toll on me. How long will we have to stay away from them? How will my kids react when they find out they won’t be able to embrace their grandparents? Will my husband lose his job? How will we manage our finances? All these fears raced through my mind for the first few days, leaving me to be unsettled. It wasn’t fair to my kids.

Then, something amazing happened - my son came up to me and said, “ I love staying with you mama, I love you.” It was then in those pure, innocent words that I was able to see the silver lining. Through the eyes of my three-year-old son, not much has changed, except, his mother and father being more present in his life. I decided from then on that I would look at this virus as positive - extended family time with daddy, engaging crafts, and more hands-on lessons. Family walks with a focus on the beauty of nature. Becoming less wasteful and more grateful. Daily facetime calls with extended family. A healthy less polluted world. Most importantly, instead of sheltering my kids from this virus, I did what I do best - teach. With that, I explained the importance of handwashing, proper hygiene, and conducted germ experiments.

In terms of our daily routine, not much has changed since I currently am a stay at home mommy. However, we restructured our living area to feel more like an open-ended learning space. This gives our kids the opportunity to feel inspired to learn. Every morning during learning time, I teach my son his pre-K, hands-on learning curriculum with Habitat Schoolhouse. My daughter, at 17 months, is still too young to follow this curriculum. Nevertheless, she remains involved through crafts, sensory, readings, and free play.

Homeschooling doesn’t require a teaching degree. All you need is to be a loving parent, and a child’s willing desire to learn.