Star readers' share their thoughts and experiences of homeschooling

We had some lovely and insightful comments from parents across the city. This is what they had to say on homeschooling:

Hayley Ross admitted that it was; “Not my favourite but it actually has been really good for my daughter as she autistic she doesn't fully get the one on one she needs at school so home schooling seems to have helped her catch up to her age group” — and we’re sure that she benefitted so much from being shown how to do things by someone who loves her so. Every cloud Hayley.

Paul Flewitt said; “Our son's school has done brilliantly with Zoom lessons 4 times per day. My daughter has been doing her college work via Google too. Both have gotten on with things and my son particularly has preferred being able to get on with things without distraction. They haven't missed out on socialising either. My son plays games online with his friends after classes, and my daughter is continually on Discord channels with college and other friends. It's what you make of it, and both my kids have done seemingly okay.”

It’s not always sunshine and rainbows though, and that’s okay in the circumstances, particularly in the case of Melanie Woodhead, who said; “It's been awfull so hard I have 3 at home and distraction has been so hard” — it takes a brave person to admit when something isn’t going their way. Stay positive Melanie.

Karima Musallinni has seemingly been taking it all in her stride with a only a couple of gripes; “Homeschooling is not that bad. But the restrictions and no places to visit, that’s a big frustration.”

So many parents will be living vicariously through the feelings of Danielle June Cox, who said; “It's been a live hate relationship. Some days I've enjoyed it. Other days I can't stand it” — honesty is the best policy though.

Meanwhile, Melissa Francis-edge wasn’t enjoying it at all, she said that she; “Hated it having children in different year groups i couldn't keep up it was giving me migraines worse than usual” and her thoughts were echoed by Robin Perry, who said; “totally agree, I’m never ill and my doctors told me to stop home schooling because the stress has made me ill 4 times in last few months, we have 6 in different years” — hope you’re feeling better now.

And, Cathy Newell is clear on where the praise should be, when she said; “Wath Academy have handled this lockdown brilliantly. Full timetable of live lessons on teams, left both kids to it while I’ve been at work, both have preferred it to being at school. Teachers can see and give feedback on work while they’re doing it. Much better provision for them this time around.”

Some weren’t happy at all with the support, like Maria Glover who shared a very passionate response; “our school has failed the kids in my opinion. No work set at all last year and work patents did with their children was never marked in school. No check ins with kids or families (or maybe only those they are worried about? I hope so at least). Work is set this time round but the content and format is not consistent. They can print for you but you tend to get it mid week. IT is not on the curriculum so many kids have struggled to navigate share point and most files are read only” — and she had more to say, which you can check out here.

Natalie Adkins said that; “I found homeschooling during this lockdown challenging with my youngest but my oldest has cracked on beautifully if anything she has in my opinion tried harder and concentrated better at home without distraction of friends to chat to and other classroom distractions, she hasn't missed out on socialising she has still done that online after lessons, my son loves to be home but definitely works better in the school environment. I will miss them when they go back and I am nervous of what the future holds if the numbers spike again. I don't want to lose anyone else to this virus” — cannot argue with that, at all.

It was fair to say that feelings on homeschooling were mixed, and that’s not necessarily a negative thing. It’s just how things have happened in some incredibly difficult circumstances for us all. What works for some of us, definitely doesn’t work for all of us. We all have different learning styles, tolerences, surrounding distractions and so much more besides. The most important thing is that your children were home and safe, surrounded by love (even if you wanted to throttle them at times, but don’t do that) and hopefully when school returns they can settle back into the swing of things nicely, what is clear is that it’s been a tumultuous year for all concerned and the efforts of parents has been rather commendable. Breadwinners, home stability, role models, teachers, all while trying to stay mentally afloat themselves. Well done to all of you, seriously!

For more comments, check out the discussion topic here, as sadly we couldn’t include all replies.