14 • July 31 - Aug 1, 2020 LOCAL • HOMESCHOOL Continued from page 10 if you can find something that they are excited about or want to learn about, and use that for their classes they enjoy learning more.” Another drawback to homeschooling, according to many Emeline Hughes, a local entertainer and high school student, finds a computer in a quiet corner of her family’s theatre to work on her homeschool classes. (Photo by K.D. Michaels) people, is a lack of socialization. However Hughes and her family have found ways to rectify that concern. Hughes explained, “ I think it’s really important for kids to interact with adults and with others their age. There are lots of homeschool groups, and people they can get together with. Also, we’ve had our kids involved in scouts, in church youth activities, or in different music programs where they do group lessons. You can find all kinds of positive activities for your kids, where they will be able to interact with other kids.” Another local homeschooling mom, Diane B, echoes Hughes’ thoughts on socialization, “There are homeschool co-ops. Some meet once a week, and some once a month. That is a great resource for field trips. A huge part of socialization, for us, is friends and classes at church. Homeschooled children also do sports and music lessons to help with that.” Like Hughes, Diane, who has two school-aged children, has also found both pros and cons to homeschooling. “It is a full-time job. So for those that have to work, it would be tougher to do both,” Diane explained. “A huge benefit to us is time. We don’t feel like we’re missing out on their lives. And, when they learn something new, and you are the one that taught or helped them with that, it’s a great experience. Another benefit is safety. I’m not worrying about a school shooting or any kind of sickness because they are home.” With so many educational options available, there are many opinions on what really is the best option for the coming school year. “It’s my daughter’s senior year,” said Rachel, mother of a teenager, along with younger school-aged children. “She can social distance and wear a mask. My younger two I’m keeping home for at least the first nine weeks. They can’t wear a mask all day. And, they know nothing about personal space!” Another local parent, Mary, the mother of three, added, “I’m homeschooling only if masks are required. I can barely stand to wear my mask to the store, so I’m not bransonglobe.com going to expect them to wear them for eight hours a day while trying to learn.” Letha, a local parent, had a different perspective. “I’m sending my daughter to school, but she has to wear a mask in the hallways and on the bus. My main reasoning is she thrives in school, and I definitely struggled in teaching her.” And, Jessie, a single mom of three, agreed, saying, :”I’m sending my child back to school. I have other kids at home, and simply do not have the time and capability to teach her and give her the correct amount of time, while working.” A mother of high-school students, Crystal Wolfe, had differing thoughts, explaining, “We will send the kids to school only if the school has mandatory masks, temp checks, social distancing and health safety for the kids at all times. Another option we are presently leaning toward is working with eight other families. The children would all attend online school at our home three days a week, so the kids have a healthy social circle to encourage each other. They would enroll in school, and miss three days a week when they take the online classes. Taking online classes still allows them to participate in all sports at the school, as though they were attending full-time. My children do NOT want to do online classes, but they understand our decision in regards to their health.” Despite many differences in opinion regarding their children’s schooling -- and with more and more people leaning towards educating from home -- most parents can definitely agree that education is important, that each family faces different and unique circumstances, and that we are all very concerned for the health and welfare of our children. Support Our Local Veterans!
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