Most of the time, I teach a Co-op Chemistry or Biology course. I offer electives, such as Brit Lit or French, too. For the past fours years, I’ve been home-schooling a teen, Lacie, for a friend. Recently, I started home-schooling her third grade sister, Mary. It’s an unusual situation, where mom, a close family friend, is teaching in Alaska. Have you considered enlisting help? I got help immediately! I asked my son, Fr.Josh, a military priest, to meet remotely with Mary weekly to review her theology lessons. Why? I’m about to start tax season. In addition to teaching three mornings a week, I tutor. Mary’s family is close to my son, Fr. Josh. They love having another connection. Since Fr. Josh is a military chaplain, he can meet with Mary to review theology, as part of his community outreach efforts, much like offering daily Mass to the community.
Mary and Lacie also work with their Grandma. She oversees work, proctors tests, and answers questions. If your family is long-distance, set up regular remote sessions. I meet weekly with Mary either in person or remotely. This week Mary wasn’t cooperating with Lacie and Grandma. We are meeting again Wednesday to see if this situation has improved or if we need to meet daily and do all of her lesson remotely, with my supervision.
What is you don’t have family willing to help? Have you checked with your church? Is there a church member who would like to spend time reading together with your child? Could you combine school lessons with cooking lessons or craft sessions? Many retired people do not have enough to do and would love more time with children. Another pair of hands at your house could mean more time to help a sibling with math. Consider teaching your volunteer how to meet remotely with Zoom or Google Meet. Just think how thrilled your child would be having a special weekly meeting. Hey! I’m betting the retired adult would be just as thrilled.
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