As I scroll through social media these days, there’s a lot of discussion on what parents will be doing with their kids in light of going back to school during the pandemic. It can definitely be a tough decision, and there’s a lot of information to keep in mind to make the best decision for one’s family. Some districts are offering options such as traditional/in-person learning, as well as virtual learning. Other parents have decided to homeschool their children. I hope this article helps you make an informed decision if you are still undecided.
If you are looking for information on what the different school districts are doing in Mississippi, take a look at this article: Reopening Plans for Mississippi Schools.
You might also look at the individual school your child is attending and see what plans they have in terms of taking temperatures, sanitizing, etc.
After considering these plans, it’s also important to think about preparing your kids to go back to school if that’s what you decide to do. For instance, it may be helpful to get your child accustomed to wearing a mask for extended periods of time and also consider if your child can practice social distancing. Also, consider whether your child is healthy enough to go back, and if so, how can you continue to support your child’s immune system if they do go back? It may also be helpful to teach your child a little bit about how germs are spread, so they understand why they have to wear masks and wash their hands. This article has some fun games to help your child learn about germs: Fun games about germs.
On the other hand, you might decide that homeschooling is the best option for your family. If this is the case, there are options. You might decide to be your own independent school, or you may decide to be attached to an umbrella school (see How to Start Homeschooling). You can also find some great homeschooling resources here: Homeschooling Guide. This site offers information on the laws related to homeschooling, as well as curriculum ideas.
While no one can predict the future, we can be as prepared as we can with all the information we have at the moment. I hope this helps you make a more informed decision for you and your family as you navigate “this new normal.”
