People are constantly asking me if I’m ok, which is sweet considering I’ve survived a worldwide killer virus outbreak, climate changing bushfires, volcanic eruptions and yummy by Justin Bieber – none of which were on my vision board for the new decade but all of which you have survived too (so far).
Then, there is distant learning.
I’ve never been against home schooling and considered it quite a bit before the school age came around. The thought of being the sole person in charge of my men’s academics caused enough fear to send them straight to school. I mean, let’s be real, I can barely spell.
Although I wasn’t an army brat, I was the child of rebel hippies that went where the work was. Born in Colorado and transplanted to 4 different Minnesota schools in a manner of months/years left me a little behind the curve. Once I was firmly rooted in a school system they couldn’t understand my mountain accent and sent me straight to speech class which apparently, in Minnesota, is more important than math and spelling classes.
Eventually I would catch up in math, but spelling…that’s a different ball game.
I would imagine you think there is a punch line to that joke and of course there is; but I wouldn’t know it until I traveled to Dallas for work. Sitting in the lobby at a fancy hotel my boss and I were chatting with some travelers. The chit-chatting went on for quite some time when they asked us where we were from. They didn’t even have to ask me they guessed Minnesota RIGHT away! My boss, born and raised in the land of 10,000 lakes wasn’t pigeon holed instantly.
Because Minnesota couldn’t understand me, they changed me to have the WORST (or BEST MN) accent ever!
(Insert shaking head here.)
According to my mom it was either the speech class or they would have held me back a grade. The school thought she was doing my homework, especially since they couldn’t understand me when they asked me questions.
Nobody wants to be the age of a super senior their first go round so I’m glad she opted for me to stay in the speech class, even though I feel very misunderstood most of the time.
I digress.
When the schools decided to stop sending the students, I agreed with them. I want my little birds in my nest where I can protect them. When they decided I’d have an even bigger role in their education, well…I wasn’t sure. When I became unemployed I thought: now I have something to do with my time.
Learning stations were set up. Because my kids are in two different grades there are different technologies that they will deal with. My eldest LOVES technology and took some pride in setting up his station. The little one I had to move around quite a bit and decided to set him up on an iPad. It makes sense for him to use something he’s comfortable with. I am a big Apple fan and the apps that have been developed for learning are incredible.
The teenage mindset they developed over an extra long spring break had to be broken and they are still getting used to the routine, 2 days in, we’re gaining a rhythm and although it’s a little hard to hear so much Chinese before my first cup of coffee we’re doing just fine.
The school my men go to does a really good job of keeping parents informed of what is going on in the classroom. Now I feel like I have an even better idea. There is a lot more work to do outside of their daily hour chat with the teacher but we’re getting there.
And hey, even I’m becoming a better speller in the process.
Stay safe (and 6 feet away from others) my friends, be well and think healthy thoughts!
Much love, Namaste,
Jes xoxo