Learning from home is a huge adjustment for the state’s children – or at least, most of them. The disruption in routine has been lessened for those who are homeschooled, but the canceling of extracurricular activities, sports programs and reduction in community services and other hiccups have created their own issues.
Beth Theisen of Wilton decided to homeschool her daughter, Grace, who is now 17, because she is autistic and Theisen wasn’t satisfied with how the school was following her individualized education plan. Now, she teaches Grace at home, and attends weekly sessions to get Grace the occupational, speech and behavioral therapy.
At least that was the routine before the coronavirus struck.
Theisen said Grace’s homeschooling is uninterrupted for the most part, but her other therapy sessions, usually done in person, had to be adjusted. Her speech therapy moved to video chat calls with her therapists, and Theisen continues her occupational and physical therapy at home, after creating a plan with Grace’s therapists through email.
Theisen said while it’s not ideal, she’s been able to keep working on what her daughter needs.
“I think with the amount of technology we have today, if this was going to happen, this is the time to have it happen. We have so much technology to help us,” Theisen said.
Betsey Winiecki of Jaffrey said homeschooling has continued “business as usual” for her three children, ages 16, 15 and 12.
“There are hard realities that are a part of life. Unfortunately, this virus is part of their new reality, and we have to educate them through it,” Winiecki said.
That’s not to say there haven’t been disruptions to their schedules. Extracurricular activities, once a part of their day, have been canceled. And so have educational opportunities outside the home, which the Winieckis make use of.
“We’d go in and out of the house at least twice a day for activities. Everything in life but the schooling is upside down right now. This is a new crisis for everyone, and we’re all navigating it the best we can,” Winiecki said.
Grace Palmer, a native of Lyndeborough now living in Merrimack, said it’s a common misconception of homeschool children that they are home all the time. That’s not the case with her own homeschooler, who is currently in fourth grade.
“Due to the coronavirus, we are stuck at home and it is throwing us all off of our routines. It’s one thing to choose to be at home and another to be stuck at home,” Palmer said. “I feel like there are very few people whom have not been impacted. Some homeschoolers are saying they don’t notice a change in their routines, but we are.”
Palmer said the routine of her son’s homeschool curriculum hasn’t really changed, but visits to outside classes, ski club and ice skating lessons, a play group and the library have all be interrupted.
Julie Skinner-Brown, of Rindge, homeschooled her daughter until this year. Her sixth-grade daughter is currently doing telelearning, and while she’s being educated at home, Skinner-Brown said it’s a very different experience from having her follow a homeschool curriculum. However, some aspects are the same, such as a more flexible schedule, which has included helping her with daily chores around the house and extra time with her during the day.
“One of the reasons I’m a proponent of homeschooling, is your kids are only kids once. You don’t get this time back, and so many people are just busy with life, they lose perspective of just how cool our kids are as people. So enjoy this time,” Skinner-Brown said.
Theisen said parents should try to take things one day at a time, and remember the situation is temporary.
“This is a special circumstance, and just need to focus on that,” Theisen said. “We’re in a very unique situation, where we don’t know if this is going to be two weeks, a month or six months. We just need to take things day by day and use each other as resources.”
For those learning to juggle working from home as well as a student learning from home, parents advised, structure, patience, and to remember we’re living in extraordinary times.
“Their lives are just as messed up as our adult lives,” Skinner-Brown said. “But we have coping skills. This time in history is going to go down as a period where grace for yourself is going to be an immense necessity. The kids are going to drive you crazy. You’re just going to have to forgive yourself, and keep telling yourself we’re going to get through this.”
Palmer advised to provide structure for your children, while remembering to take breaks. And to take the opportunity to enjoy this rarely seen side to your children’s lives.
“Enjoy seeing them learn. Remember when your children were little and you were excited to teach them how to talk and walk? This is an opportunity to teach them new and exciting things,” Palmer said.