President Obama and Education Secretary Arne Duncan are issuing advice for schools which may need to close due to the spreading swine flu virus.YAHOO news reports that the Education Department stated more than 430 schools had closed in 18 states, affecting roughly 245,000 children.
How long can one expect the kids home should your school close?
Well, per recent government recommendations a school with confirmed swine flu cases should close for at least 14 days since the kids can be contagious for seven to 10 days.
Education secretary Duncan is making the following recommendations:
To teachers: "Think about reworking upcoming lesson plans so students can do their schoolwork at home if necessary."To parents: "Learn about what they're learning at school. Keep them on task."
Some of us have calculated the odds and less worried about catching the swine flu, but more concerned over the thought of homeschooling. The good news is that charter school folks often hob-knob with other school choice families, like homeschooling families. Such networking will sure come in handy shall our schools close and we are left to our own devices for a couple of weeks.
Homeschoolcentral.com advices:
Start talking to people you know who already homeschool their children. They will have plenty of good advice to get you started.
Conveniently the Denver Newbie Homeschooling Examiner just posted a piece on 3 things you need to start homeschooling (read the entire article here). She says this about step 3:
Pick curriculum. Don’t panic. It can be totally overwhelming, but I’ve actually done something about this step.
Just in case you don’t have homeschooling friends in your charter school roller index, I will share mine.
Here are some fantastic homeschooling references:
By the way, our nations leaders are also optimistic that just like the ordinary strain of influenza, the swine flu will soon run it's course.
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Comments
Great article! If you are even thinking of homeschooling, you owe it to your children to investigate this wonderful option.
I'm a homeschooling parent (and getting ready to start as the Seattle Homeschool Examiner), but one resource I've come across that would be very handy for teachers and their students during unexpected school closures is Wikispaces for Teachers. I use it with my own kids. It allows teachers, students, and parents to all collaborate together on projects via an online wikispace.
Sara,
Welcome to the examiner!
Thanks for that tip. I'm sure we'll be flocking the inboxes of our homeschooling pals should we need to teach at home for a few weeks.
This may be a great opportunity (not taking the circumstances in account) to truly gain appreciation for families who are dedicated to home education on the regular.
Karin,
I think you make an excellent point, that networking makes such a big difference when educating your child at home or choosing another option. It really helps you to know that you aren't alone. :)
And I am definitely open to any questions people might have concerning homeschooling.
The latest question, "Homeschoolers have prom?"
And yes they do, both my kids went this year.
I think taking out some of the quirkiness and showing that homeschooled kids have regular social lives makes homeschooling a more inviting option.
Thanks again for adding me to your list. :)
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