What are families doing about education and school closings due to COVID-19?

[Godsgirl83]

A week ago, when the first couple of cases of the COVID-19 had been reported here (not yet confirmed at that time), our schools shut down in effort to try and slow the spread. At that time we were told "schools will be closed for the duration of the public health emergency.” - which was expected to be a few weeks.
Now as it has spread more throughout our state and several cases have been confirmed we are being told This currently does not have an end date, but extends beyond the initial return to school date. As such, our schools will remain closed until further notice.


The teachers may send work assignments (that won't be graded) out via text/email or whatever forms of communication they have set up for their classes to help bridge the gap between now and our return to normalcy, whenever that may come.

I'm wondering what other families are experiencing with school closings.
What are your schools doing for assignments?
What types of supplementing are you using?
Anyone know any websites that educational AND FREE (way to many have fees )
For homeschooling families- what curriculum sources do you use?
What questions have I not asked here that you may have answers to OR what questions have not been asked here yet that another family might be asking along the same lines?

Thanks everyone.

 

[Billyd]

I only know about Florida. Florida provides free virtual school to anyone who wants to home school their children. Children who participate must take the State's standardized tests through a local school. My grandchildren have been home schooled using the program. Check them out at https://www.flvs.net/

 

[Lanolin]

in nz we arent closed yet but I am preparing.
we dont have the tech infrastructure set up (only recently has broadband been rolled out to homes and tvs upgraded to smart tvs) to the extent americans have. So we are looking at low tech solutions and school libarians are distributing books. Children still need books. all they have to do is read them at primary age, as many are still learning how to read.

activity books, cookbooks, series, pens and pencils to colour in etc.

 

[Lanolin]

Educational websites, the only ones I can think of are the library and achool websites. You can do your own blog, or you can do book reviews on your library website by logging in. This is free.

There is no way I would be hooked into buying a lot of what is online. what a drain on your cash reserves.
You also need to make sure you block and filter sites, chrome browsers can block site, its free, and duck duck go is a good alternative to google, which has way too many ads. Just check your settings.

to block, type in gaming, or say facebook, r13, r16 and any site that requires a r13 login will be blocked. You abosolutely have to stay safe online. any ad could pop up leading you to gambling and porn. Not to mention make sure you have a good antivirus and flame wall!

 

[mar09]

Yes, thankfully our youngest is in high school, and has some initiative in what she could do on her own. I have not tried homeschooling, but understand I do need to find materials and activities for our children who have to stop suddenly on the 4th quarter of school.

Praying God lead us to good stewardship of the time He gave, that our activities and readings will glorify HIm in the midst of the crisis.

 

[Locoponydirtman]

We have homeschooled ours all along so no change.

In fact I am highly opposed to the public school system for a myriad of reasons.

 

[Aerials1978]

While I understand school closures, the online curriculum has been less than efficient. This is especially true for my 7 year old son. Why not just suspend the remaining school year if no deadline if given.

 

[Godsgirl83]

While I understand school closures, the online curriculum has been less than efficient. This is especially true for my 7 year old son. Why not just suspend the remaining school year if no deadline if given.

Is yours required and/or graded?
our schools are on hold for the time being. And the teachers are starting to send educational supplements, to help keep kids on track, though nothing will be graded.
our 1st grade teacher signed up for the reading site EPIC where it has thousands of books to download to your device and read/play with. Teachers are able to sign up for free and give the access for free to their class families (until end of June)

 

[Lanolin]

We closed yesterday, my classes that came in (only half the students where there) borrowed as many books as they could. I gave out crayons and felt pens and colouring sheets.
The holidays are being brought forwards so I just said to them read as many books as you can. Dont worry about lessons!!! In nz it was only near the end of term 1 so unlike other parts of the world we werent nearing any exams etc.

 

[Aerials1978]

Is yours required and/or graded?
our schools are on hold for the time being. And the teachers are starting to send educational supplements, to help keep kids on track, though nothing will be graded.
our 1st grade teacher signed up for the reading site EPIC where it has thousands of books to download to your device and read/play with. Teachers are able to sign up for free and give the access for free to their class families (until end of June)

I believe it’s graded, but I could be mistaken. It’s just a mess trying to have a 2nd grader do work online.

 

[Godsgirl83]

I believe it’s graded, but I could be mistaken. It’s just a mess trying to have a 2nd grader do work online.

my oldest did online schooling in 1st grade.....
it was not easy. A lot to keep track of at that age.

 

[Craigb513]

Well just think in a weird way i think god has given these children more time to learn about god and the bible which i find is lacking in many christans.

 

[Genipher]

We've always homeschooled so no adjustments needed on our part.

A great FREE math site is Khan Academy.

 

[1christian1]

A week ago, when the first couple of cases of the COVID-19 had been reported here (not yet confirmed at that time), our schools shut down in effort to try and slow the spread. At that time we were told "schools will be closed for the duration of the public health emergency.” - which was expected to be a few weeks.
Now as it has spread more throughout our state and several cases have been confirmed we are being told This currently does not have an end date, but extends beyond the initial return to school date. As such, our schools will remain closed until further notice.


The teachers may send work assignments (that won't be graded) out via text/email or whatever forms of communication they have set up for their classes to help bridge the gap between now and our return to normalcy, whenever that may come.

I'm wondering what other families are experiencing with school closings.
What are your schools doing for assignments?
What types of supplementing are you using?
Anyone know any websites that educational AND FREE (way to many have fees )
For homeschooling families- what curriculum sources do you use?
What questions have I not asked here that you may have answers to OR what questions have not been asked here yet that another family might be asking along the same lines?

Thanks everyone.

My daughter is a freshman in high school. This was my biggest issue! Our district was right on it. My daughter has actually been using the app for awhile now. It's called Googleclassroom. The teacher's liked to post their daily assignment's on line prior to their class. I was'nt comfortable with her doing 80% on line. Now I am thankful. I know what your going through.

 

[Prycejosh1987]

I did see a infant school handing out books for kids to read at home.