The COVID-19 pandemic forced many schools to switch to remote learning. However, concerns arose when it became evident that online instruction was not engaging students in the same way as in-person learning. Disparities in education quickly became evident as well: Not all students had access to a working computer, and some students had additional responsibilities at home that prevented them from being engaged in online school.
In response, many parents have begun to rely on “pandemic pods” to educate their children. Neighborhoods have pulled together to find a comfortable learning space to teach kids during quarantine and ensure they receive a quality education. Some parents are thinking about relying on this particular schooling system this fall, but there may be some questions about how to make it work.
Setting up a pod community may seem confusing at first. Fortunately, there are many resources that can help parents cope with this change.
How can I set up a pandemic pod?
If you’re thinking about doing something aside from remote learning this year, a pandemic pod is a viable solution. You may be wondering how to set this up. Once companies learned parents were looking for alternative education resources, several stepped up to help:
SchoolHouse: Are you looking to set up your own microschool? If you’re a working parent, then SchoolHouse can connect you with a teacher in your area to instruct neighborhood kids of all ages. This group can also help you understand any requisite state laws and provide students with academic transcripts.
Prisma: This learning network can sort students into cohorts of 15 to 20. It can help them develop key skills in socialization, collaboration, online learning, and independent work.
Primer: Students are able to learn from content area experts and collaborate with peers across the country. Primer offers educational resources and gets students involved with engaging projects having to do with filmmaking or physics. If you have any questions about homeschool regulations, then Primer can answer them.
Pandemic pods have been likened to a modern version of a one-room schoolhouse. It may be something new, but it can enable you to regain control of your child’s education in this time of uncertainty.
By Samantha Kamman