6 Steps to set up community-based learning pods

Step 1: Specify your goals

If you decide what you want before looking for another family, you’ll be able to start your learning pod much more quickly and better manage expectations. Collaborating with other families and a teacher to create your learning pod may be a lot of fun. But if you strive to please everybody, it can end up breaking apart. We suggest selecting your curriculum, schedule, age group, and teacher before presenting your proposal to your community to see if anyone is interested in joining.

Step 2: Select a curriculum

Families that homeschool their children can choose from a wide variety of excellent programs and you are not required to be a teacher in order to use them. A parent or other responsible adult can easily lead any of them in a small group with little to no preparation. Many curricula are available free online! Many websites also offer videos that are mapped to the curriculum as well.

Here are a few links to help you form the perfect curriculum:

https://www.nios.ac.in/online-course-material.aspx

https://beyondexams.org/revise-your-syllabus

https://ncf.ncert.gov.in/webadmin/assets/92ab73f8-5ee9-478d-a3e9-78978f4f685d

https://swayam.gov.in/explorer?category=SCHOOL

Step 3: Establish creative spaces

The success of the pod may depend on where it is located. Wherever the Pod meets, you must make sure it is a safe space that can be used in all weather conditions, has the tools necessary for effective learning (reliable internet, desks with chairs, accessible bathrooms), and whenever possible, have access to fresh air (open windows, outdoors, etc.).

Step 4: Develop a learning environment

Your intention should be to foster an environment that will help your students succeed. Students should feel comfortable entering the learning pods and not feel pressured to conform to social norms in order to be accepted. They are more likely to take risks in their learning when they feel safe in their surroundings since sometimes failing is the best way to learn. A true community is one in which both students and teachers are eager to interact with one another in supportive environments.

Step 5: Be a teacher

However, parents are the only ones who truly understand children! For those who can make it work, this viewpoint, along with close connection and collaboration, makes parent-run learning pods an alluring and effective way to approach community-based learning.

Step 6: Invite students and their parents

Finding additional families to join is the next step once your concept has been formed. The fact that so many parents are constantly looking for personalized, reasonably priced learning environments for their children makes this aspect simpler. If you spread the news that you are searching for other families to join your pod while being extremely explicit about the mission, vision, and other factors, you will probably have a ton of responses. As much as you can, stay true to your vision since accommodating someone who is interested in joining will probably require you to do so.

“The foundation of a successful learning pod lies in thoughtful planning and clear objectives.”