Talking about parenting: When parents become the teacher of Algebra

Published 3:04 pm Saturday, April 11, 2020

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Chris Kovatch

Christi has been homeschooling the kids since the virus caused their school to be canceled. On the way home I made a quick stop at local gem, Free State Winery, and pick up a quick gift for the teacher of Tropical Sangria and a charcuterie tray. 

Needless to say, after a few weeks of homeschooling six kids, it was a well-received gift.

As I am writing this, so begins my week of homeschooling the kids. 

While I get a break from my normal job, new duties will quickly take its place. This should prove to be an interesting experience for me and for the kids.

At the moment, Summer is working through a reading worksheet. I started working with Summer first as she will likely be my most challenging student. It’s not because she has trouble with the content. She generally is pretty quick on learning concepts. 

The problem is she likes to talk. Like all the time. 

She talks about things related to the content and then she talks about the most random things. Keeping her focused and on task. So far, so good. Wish me luck.

As we move up the scholastic ladder and begin to inch our way toward my high schoolers, I become less confident in some of my skills. 

I can generally help in all subjects, but when we encounter math – that is when I start to falter. 

You see, if the kids need to calculate a loan payment or amount of interest earned, I have that covered. 

When we began to look at Algebra II and Geometry, I have immediate flashbacks to high school. 

I remember saying back then that I would never use these skills when I was an adult. 

I should have been forward-thinking and considered my worst-case scenario: a world-wide pandemic and the potential of homeschooling my children. Way to plan for the future, Chris.

Wish me luck as I step into the teaching role this next and give Christi a bit of a break. I will probably need it. 

I expect my patience to be put to the test and frustrations to rise at times. I also expect to be spending quality time with my kids and getting to work one on one with them. 

I expect many laughs and good times as well.

While the current health situation in the world is very scary, there are several good things that have come from it. 

Spending more time with my family is just one of them.

 

Chris Kovatch is a resident of Orange County. You can reach him at news@orangeleader.com