As schools, parents, and teachers prepare for the upcoming school year, they face the difficult challenge of juggling health concerns amid Covid-19 with the educational welfare of children. While the debate on whether it’s safe to reopen schools in the fall rages on, some parents have taken matters into their own hands. Pandemic Pods or Learning Pods, where small groups of two-to-six children learn together in private settings, continue to grow in popularity as an alternative or supplement to their local school’s online classes.
Since opening in 2006, Mindfish has been the leading academic tutoring company in the local Denver and Boulder area. Led by two Stanford-grad founders, the Mindfish team of world-class tutors and education consultants can develop a home school or remote learning support program tailored to meet students’ learning goals. Backed by our mission to empower students to achieve their intellectual and academic potential, the Mindfish team strives to support learning pods as an alternative means of education or enrichment for Colorado students during these unprecedented times.
What are Learning Pods?
Learning pods have developed as an alternative or supplement to online learning, which many parents found did not work well for their students this past spring. Parents want their students to thrive, but the shift to remote learning sometimes resulted in disengaged students, unreasonable expectations for parents, and less student progress.
Sometimes called Distance Learning Pods, each pandemic pod is composed of roughly two-to-six children grouped by age and course material, who gather in a safe location to learn from a dedicated instructor. Alternatively, a micro-school is a broad term for small neighborhood schools that usually enroll fewer than ten children. In some pods, parents will co-supervise students during periods of remote learning. In other learning pods, parents pool together the costs needed to hire a full-time teacher to work directly with students.
What are the Different Types of Learning Pods?
Every student possesses a different set of needs, goals, and learning styles. As such, some students may not see success in a one-size-fits-all approach when forming learning pods. Distance/remote learning pods – sometimes referred to as micro-schools – support virtual instruction from schools or a homeschool curriculum of the parents’ choice. Parents might also consider combining learning pods and one-on-one remote tutoring as part of a hybrid pod package in which the student participates in some sessions with a larger learning pod group and also has some additional tutoring for a particular subject or learning difference on a one-on-one level.
How do Learning Pods Benefit Students?
Despite still being in its infant stage, learning pods can yield advantages. After months of quarantine, a lack of social interaction may put a child’s mental health at risk. So lonely students who have not seen their peers or teachers for months will enjoy returning to some level of normalcy through socialization opportunities in a safer setting.
Free from district budget constraints and overcrowded classrooms, teachers leading these learning pods can provide students with an enriching academic experience by dedicating extra time to each student. Students also have the time and space to dive deeper into compelling subjects.
Returning to traditional schools with restrictions still poses serious health concerns. At Mindfish, our expert team of distance learning tutors designed an alternative approach to classic schooling, which provides a learning environment that safeguards students and adults from potential exposure to Covid-19.
Learning Pods Made Easy for Students in Denver, CO
Perfect for families, professionals, college students craving an active outdoor lifestyle, Denver also serves as the state capital. With breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains, Denver’s open landscapes and verdant hiking trails, make it suitable for locals and tourists all year round. As one of the top growing tourist destinations in the country, Denver has piqued interest with its dedication to the arts and outdoor activities. With views of the Rocky Mountains, the open landscapes, hiking, and ski trails make it suitable for locals and tourists all year round. During the summer months, Colorado residents and visitors travel from all over to take part in the Colfax Art Fest and Denver PrideFest at the Levitt Pavilion.
Academic Learning Pods Now Available for Students in Boulder, CO
Ranked #8 on the list of healthiest cities to live in America, Boulder has a reputation for its lively energy. With 85 percent of the businesses locally owned and operated, patrons get to experience an eclectic assortment of restaurants, shops, and activities. At the downtown Pearl Street Mall, residents and tourists grab a bite to eat at the classic Jax Fish House and Oyster Bar after checking out attractions like the modern Smith Klein Art Gallery. While walking through Boulder, you will find people out jogging, running, biking, rollerblading, and even mountain climbing. Boulder also has over 35,000 acres of publicly accessible protected land with miles of walking, hiking, and biking trails.
The #1 Colorado-based Tutors for Distance Learning Pods. Partner with Mindfish Today!
Finding a qualified educator is a critical factor for students’ educational development. A teacher with experience in a classroom setting gives your child and your learning bubble, the safe and supportive environment needed to continue their education and succeed with pandemic pod distance learning. Mindfish will match your students with a qualified, experienced grade 6-12 teacher to provide in-home education for a learning pod of two-to-six students. Our tutors are top 1% test-takers who have graduated from the best schools in the country. Furthermore, our expert tutors have deep backgrounds in many academic subjects:
- Math (Algebra I and II, Geometry, Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, AP Calculus, Statistics)
- Science (Chemistry, Biology, and Physics)
- Literature (AP Lang and Comp, AP Comp and Lit, etc.)
- Social Studies (U.S. History, European History, World History, US Government, Economics, etc.)
- AP & SAT subject test preparation
The process is very straightforward. You form the learning pod, and Mindfish will help determine your weekly schedule, customize the curriculum, and provide individualized updates and feedback from your instructor after each session. With five convenient locations near Boulder, Denver, Lakewood, Greenwood Village, as well as Boise, Idaho, let Mindfish set your student up for a successful and safer school year. Contact us today to discuss creating a learning pod that efficiently meets all your students’ distance learning pods needs.