To Homeschool or Not to Homeschool

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By Lukisha Willet

I’m a COVID-era homeschool mom. This is our second year of homeschooling, and I am very excited! I hope after reading this, more families will be encouraged to start or consider homeschooling as an excellent alternative to public education.

I’ve always wanted to stay home and raise my children, especially when they were little. However, I was not familiar with homeschool; therefore, it had not been something I considered. It was only after the start of COVID-19 that my husband and I began to discuss it as the next step for our family. I met more and more homeschool families through church and other local events. They were always welcoming, helpful, and encouraging.

We did the online version of public school for a semester in the Spring of 2020 but realized it was not for my family. We decided that either the children should be homeschooled or return to inperson instruction. At home, we could control the environment, educate safety, and provide continuity knowing another shutdown could occur. At-home instruction, although different, would provide much-needed stability and was the best choice for us!

At this writing, there is a variant of the original COVID-19 virus, called the Delta variant, surfacing. I’m not advocating responding out of fear or letting it dominate our choices. I’m suggesting we operate in wisdom and courage to do the best thing for our family. Homeschooling in this season was the wisest choice for us. In fact, we plan to continue homeschooling even if the pandemic ends! My kids are doing well mentally, emotionally, socially, and academically.

If families can logistically afford to homeschool their children, I think their education can be more rewarding, fun, challenging, flexible, and exciting!

You do not have to have a teaching certificate to educate your kids. You have been their first teacher since they were born, and you can continue to teach them! Here are some tips that I would give to any mom or family that is new to homeschool or has recently decided to try homeschooling, mainly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. You can do this:

Connect with other homeschool families. Support and connection are so important, especially now. Many of us were in quarantine for quite a while. As a result, the mental, emotional or social impact could be felt in our kids, resulting in learning challenges or behavioral changes. Those that had a prolonged period of isolation to protect against the spread of disease may have noticed their child report more feelings of being overwhelmed, anxious, stressed, sad, or experiencing changes in mood due to the very sudden and sustained life changes.

Balance their education and social needs while trying to be wise and cautious as well. Join homeschool groups. Connecting, even in a small way, makes a big difference! Making connections and getting involved with your local homeschool groups is very helpful. Take a deep breath! Do not get overwhelmed. There are a lot of choices, and you don’t have to rush. Stay encouraged.

Ask for help. Talking to other moms about what they have tried was very helpful. Ask about what worked for their learners and what didn’t. What programs they preferred over others and why? These are a few questions more seasoned moms are happy to answer. It will give you valuable pieces of information that will help you streamline what you may want to do with your learner!

Do not be afraid to outsource. There are many options available, from local Co-Ops to signing up for a teacher to help teach your child in a particular subject.

Deschool: This was a term I was introduced to about two years ago to help “unlearn” some of the routines of public school, like having to start and stop at a particular time of day, having to teach for the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR Test), or the notion of having to teach all of my kids the same way. As homeschoolers, we are moving forward all the time and at any time! The learning may not necessarily be from a textbook. I find those experiences are the most fun! You can explore this website for more details on deschooling. https://www.thehomeschoolmom.com/ homeschooling-101/deschooling/

I recommend checking the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and joining a local homeschool advocacy group such as:

Homeschool Legal Defense Association (HSLA). For moms new to homeschooling in Texas, visit www.tea.texas.gov for lots of helpful information. The Homeschool Legal Defense Association is beneficial and advocates for the freedom to homeschool and offers support for families on the homeschool journey.

Do not give up! No one will advocate, push for your kids, love them or want the best for them in this world more than you.