Education at Home

Given today's circumstances, many families have been forced to begin thinking about what education
at home may look like, even if it's just for the next month. For many, these are unchartered waters and can feel unfamiliar, overwhelming and stressful.

First, I want to encourage parents. You can do this! Give this time to Jesus, and trust in Him. Ask Him to lead you. He will show you the way. Our King tells us in the Gospel of Matthew:

Do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Let the day's own trouble be sufficient for the day. Matthew 6: 34

So don't worry! We will find a way through these times. Our children will get the education they need, and this will turn out just fine. Enjoy this time with your children! Again, don't waste your time or your heart worrying, and savor the time you get to spend with them.

Also, it may help to remember that all teachers fall short in some way or other. All parents do. We all have strengths and weaknesses, and everyone's education has shortcomings. Play to your strengths. Whatever you are strong in, use this time to pass that knowledge onto your children.

Are you an artist? Teach your children to draw! Do you love astronomy? Get out the telescope or buy one! Do you love to read? Start a family book club! Have you always wanted to learn how to cook Thai food? Learn with your kids! Have fun!

And remember that the Holy Spirit is the real teacher.

Pray, "Come, Holy Spirit, come." We can't force our children, or ourselves, to learn anything. That "ah-ha moment," when someone's mind or heart more firmly grasps certain truth, wisdom or knowledge, is the work of the Holy Spirit. Trust Him and lean into Him. He's got this.

You may feel unqualified to do this. You aren't. The Church believes in you! The Church teaches that, "Since parents have given children their life, they are bound by the most serious obligation to educate their offspring and therefore must be recognized as the primary and principal educators." (Declaration on Christian Education, 1965)

You may feel like you need help. So do all parents! We all need help sometimes; this does not mean that you are unqualified. In the same document, the Church tells us, "The family which has the primary duty of imparting education needs help of the whole community."

If you need help, ask. Our whole society is coming together right now to support parents. Contact your children's teachers and principal, asking for support. If you know a homeschooler, reach out to them and ask some questions. Or leave a question in the comments below, and I would be happy to answer.

We are all in this together.  Here are some resources that may be helpful:

Homeschool Connections Online
This Catholic web site offers both live and recorded courses in all subjects for middle school and high school. Our boys have taken several of their classes, and they have been wonderful. You can subscribe to their library of recorded courses, and take as many as you like!

Free Online Arts & Craft Tutorials
This web site is offering free art lessons each week during this time.

Museums with Virtual Tours
Museums are closed, but you can see some amazing museums virtually!

Khan Academy
When we are in between math books, this is what our children use until their new workbook arrives in the mail. They always ask for more!

Catholic Icing Drawing Videos
Our girls love these drawing tutorials, and ask for them daily.

Scholastic Learn at Home
Scholastic is offering free online classes during this time.

Math For Love
Math For Love offers wonderful free math games on their web site. Also, if you subscribe to their email, they are supporting parents at home by sending out emails with new math games. You can see the games they have send out during the Coronavirus pandemic here.

Museum of Flight's Free Online Lessons for Solar Week (March 23-27)

Catholic Icing's Boredom Busters for Catholic Kids