Back-to-School Time

Wow! The summer is already over, and it is time to get back to school. I know that most of you are uncertain about what school looks like this year. I live in Cuba, Missouri, and our school district is actually going back tomorrow. Students had the option to participate in alternative method instruction (AMI) or physically attend school. My oldest is a sophomore, and he is excited to go back to school and see his friends. My girls are doing school virtually at Connections Academy. It was a tough choice, but ultimately I decided it is in the best interest of my girls to keep them home.

So, what sane person would choose to keep the kids home if given the option to send them? If your household was dealing with the same stuff as ours when the schools shut down I imagine you would be pushing them out the door...I was considering it too. Our school was closed for 55 days! It felt like a lifetime. The school was not prepared, and we were even less prepared. My six-year-old's attention span was like 15 minutes. Being thrown into a new routine created a serious power struggle in my home. My high schooler was doing difficult work, and I found myself using Khan Academy and other resources to help him with his Algebra. In addition to tough math, my kids chose to take two science classes. I literally had to sit him at a desk next to him and hover over him to get his work done. My middle child was a saint and did everything independently.

I'm feeling nervous about starting a homeschool routine, but this time I am prepared and in control. Good luck to all the parents out there.