Day 106 in 2020 (isolation day 32)
Wednesday, April 15, 2020
cortneyandjon in 365_2020, Pandemic 2020, homeschooling

We are still homeschooling as usual. My mom asked me the other day if Calvin was disappointed that his studies had not been interrupted like those of most of his peers. Because our district has a large rural population there is disparity in the accessibility of internet that even distribution of computer equipment to students won't address, so most kids are receiving for the remainder of the school year "enrichment opportunities" that it is "suggested" they spent two hours on, daily, for four days a week. Having been a homeschooler for nigh ten years now, I know that's actually plenty of learning time, especially if the remainder of their days are filled with household learning and a healthy dose of invigorating boredom, that great seed of ingenuity.

I don't think Calvin is disappointed by the continuation of his regular schedule, though. Routine is helpful in a time of high anxiety and generalized grief, and for the most part he enjoys the things he is learning. Plus, he's gained free time out of the two hours that used to be spent at the public school every day, and though his extracurricular activities have now all moved online, meeting times are a little shorter, and we've all gained a lot of extra time in the day now that we aren't driving to all those places over and over and over again, so there is still plenty of time for the fun and games that are helping so many kids (and adults) get through this unprecedented nightmare.

Article originally appeared on Cortney and Jon Ophoff's Family Site (http://www.theophoffs.com/).
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