To make distance learning easier for their children, a Cheltenham group decided to pool their resources and form a local learning pod, writes Bethany Watson-Ostrowski for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

When pandemic-caused isolation started to take its toll on their children, a group of Cheltenham parents began spending time together. At first, they spoke across lawns. Then they decided to allow their children to play together.

“Like-minded, we trusted each other to limit trips, social distance, wash hands, wear a mask around others, and use common sense,” wrote Watson-Ostrowski.

As the school year grew closer, the group decided to form a neighborhood learning pod. They hired a full-time teacher for the older children and a part-time preschool teacher, with the costs split between the group members.

And while the first few days were a chaotic mess of dramatic tension and abject confusion for both parents and students, soon things started to settle down into a routine.

“We defined each adult’s area of responsibility, including my responsibility to manage the pod — while staying out of the way,” wrote Watson-Ostrowski. “And so far it’s working, mostly.”

Read more about pod learning at The Philadelphia Inquirer by clicking here.

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