Our very good public school district has opted to start the year with remote learning for all grades. Per the district guidelines, that looks like 6 hours per day of being logged in with your teacher(s). That makes some sense at a secondary level, but even then, if we look to other successful models of online learning, you don’t see daily lectures/classes replaced by the same amount of remote class time. However, in my opinion, it makes less sense at the elementary level, that is just too much screen time for my kid.
So, we are considering homeschooling my 3rd grader this year. I am not a homeschool newbie. I homeschooled her for kindergarten and first grade. Second grade was her first year of public school since we moved into a really good district and were excited for her to be in class with all the local kids. But then… COVID-19 ended her school year early and now we are looking at remote learning to start the school year too.
The things I loved about homeschool would mostly still be available:
-Flexible schedules
-Choosing awesome curriculums
-Being actively involved in her learning, great family conversations about all the things
-Less seated time
-More creative time especially crafts, legos, etc.
-More time outdoors
-More learning about home/life skills
The things that I loved that would most likely not be available:
-Homeschool co-ops, classes, and play groups
The things that I preferred about public school education, that are mostly not available:
-My time became my own
-Music programs
-Girlscout troops
-Class holiday parties
-PE class with lots of fun group games
I have not mentioned money, because I felt like the overall expenses associated with each nearly equal. For public school here, there are hefty registration fees, mandatory school supplies, yearbooks, pictures, fundraisers, tech fees, activity fees, and more. For homeschooling we bought her curriculums, online app subscriptions, activity costs, co-op fees, extra class fees, craft supplies, and more. So while the things we spend on were different, the overall costs more or less evened out. I will say, some people manage to homeschool (very well) on a shoe-string. Homeschooling can cost as little as you want it to, especially while the libraries are open.
What else? Are there other factors that I am missing?