I've been getting a lot of questions from non-educator friends about this brand new "homeschool" journey we're all about to embark on together. The central question I get is "what should I be doing to make sure my child doesn't fall behind?" I am going to tell you all the same thing I have told everyone that has asked me that question: "You're likely already doing it." So what is this it that you are likely doing? Simple, you're actively teaching and showing your child how you handle and overcome adversity. Truthfully, life hasn't given us a moment this "teachable" since at least September 11, 2001 and almost every school age child today was not alive on that fateful day. So let me let you in on a little secret and don't tell anyone I told you this: no amount of knowledge regurgitation performed in a school or any other setting could ever achieve the same amount of learning that's taking place right now. Your child is learning that even in the most advanced world we've ever known, at least until tomorrow comes, there are always going to be challenges that pull the parking brake on us while we're full speed ahead. To use a card game analogy, we've just gone "all in" on a game of blackjack (because we were on a roll) and been dealt the 2 of clubs and the 3 of diamonds. Even more, when we look across the table the dealer has the King of Spades showing. We're going to have to play a tough hand and find a way to win. In a world were people named Alexa, Siri and a host of others can answer most of life's questions simply by asking, don't stress about whether your child would have been better served by just 1 more homework problem or 5 more spelling words. Oh, you've got an older child? Use this new found break to checkout wolframalpha.com if you don't already know about it. Spoiler alert: not only will it solve your calculus problems, it will show you how to show your work as well.
You know what any those tools won't do? They won't teach you how to handle your emotions when you've been stuck inside for 7 days (and counting). You'll never gain the newfound appreciation for human interaction from them. Most importantly, no device, homework assignment, quiz, test or project will be of any use to you compared to the emotional intelligence these moments are bound to teach you. So relax. You're already doing it. You're giving your child the greatest lesson in education just by helping them through another one of life's uncharted waters. Teach your child that they when they've got the 2 of clubs and 3 of diamonds it's a guarantee that they can take another card and not bust. Yes have them read, have them do what the school sends you to do. Those things are important but they're true value will never be realized without this opportunity to develop some grit. Like most things in life, you don't ever seem to feel you need it until the stakes get high. And when those stakes get high, you'll be amazed by the fact that you can't battle your emotions while persevering with the knowledge you've gotten along the way. Even if this goes on for sometime and on the off-chance your child does develop a gap during that time, recovery will be easy if they've got that burning desire to overcome.
1 Comment
Zhanna Miller
3/23/2020 09:17:26 am
I can attest and say it’s all very true! I’ve found this to be true as I’ve made my way through high school: isn’t it funny how some of the most important and memorable lessons aren’t taught in the classroom? Yes, the quadratic formula is important to learn (I guess haha); however, a lesson I’ll learn from making the best out of what I’ve got in front of me will definitely trump that and serve me well down the road. I’ll remember that as I move on and teach someday, and I’ll certainly remember the many lessons I’m learning right now when I’m not in the classroom. Thanks for sharing!
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AuthorJeff Lahey Archives
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