It is safe to say the shit show has continued.
I am so sorry I have not written in a few weeks. After enjoying a few days with my family on a stay-cation I went into “get the house ready for virtual learning” mode and converted what was originally a craft room/drop zone turned into a classroom/craft room. For a chronic this is not always easy to do and of course I managed to over do it and use up too many spoons. But it was so worth it, wouldn’t you say!
And then “bam” the virtual school year began and I found myself in so many additional roles:
- Teacher’s aide
- Teacher
- Technology support desk
- Chef and cafeteria worker
- School nurse
- Motivational speaker
- Recess duty person
- Reading specialist
- Math specialist (even though I cannot teach a lick of the “new” math)
- Videographer
- Photographer
Instead of getting rid of many roles I just added these on to my existing roles. It is overwhelming to say the least.
Curious, anyone else feeling this way?
With virtual learning comes a set of circumstances and issues while having kiddos face-to-face learning has an entirely different set of issues such as ensuring masks are disinfected ready to go every day, feel anxious about exposure, are they getting enough mask break times and how are they doing sitting in the same seat for most of the day. And then there is the hybrid model where it is like a game of chess. None of this is easy.
Thankfully I was well-prepared and had already made arrangements with Jake’s retired kindergarten teacher who also happens to be a dear friend of mine and our babysitter who wants to be an elementary school teacher to assist the kids with school. What a blessing both ladies have been! Alivia really struggles to stay engaged and motivated especially when it is her mom who is trying to help her get work done. Jake can be quite independent but we have found he does not like to ask for help. After a few “moments” he now sees the benefit of having a few in-person people to help him.
After getting the second week of school under our belt, getting accustom to our new schedule we landed back in quarantine while waiting for my mom to get results of her Covid test. Thankfully she was negative and her symptoms were all due to an infection in her leg. But with quarantine comes not allowing anyone else inside the house (i.e. no help) nor did we leave the house.
I quickly realized that while we can get comfy in our new routine but there will be times when it blows up. Just part of the new normal is all.
While I have significantly reduced my medical and pain management appointments to take on the day-to-day schooling and taking care of the kids, I still have them whether they are in-person or virtual. They also have their own medical appointments such as Alivia started another round of physical therapy. Even my senior pup has pain management veterinary appointments. Then there is wanting to write, take care of the house, etc. Another factor to all of this is the kids’ dad made it clear that if we were to do virtual he would not be able to help so all of their schooling is done at my home either with me or one of the others.
Any way we slice it Covid has put quite the wrench in learning. For majority of the schools in the country, the school day looks very different whether it is in-person, virtual or even homeschool. Sure I have had my frustrations when it comes to school, who hasn’t? Really, who? Because it may take a saint to not get frustrated with the technology, the other kids and parents and the constant need to remind and motivate. Look at the bottom right-hand corner, anyone else familiar with this type of face?
Or the teachers who I often imagine either wanting to throw their IPads out the window or go crazy having to wear multiple shields and masks while trying to teach. It is not easy no matter where or how they are teaching.
So we shift the perspective to what the focus should be this school year. Perhaps it is more about patience and grace. Or it is more about cooperative learning with teachers and parents help each other. Or maybe it is about learning life skills.
Despite having some frustrating moments I am really enjoying this time with Jake & Alivia. God has given me the opportunity to grow as their mom. I have found news ways to parent which includes working with a parenting coach – more on this, I pinky swear promise. God has also given me the gift of witnessing how they learn and to be a part of their day to day schooling. When I get to see how their brains work such as how they come to a solution or understand a deeper meaning of a book brings me so much joy and a bit of pride too.
It is not lost on me how blessed I am to be able to choose to do virtual learning. For some it was not a choice while others wanted to do virtual but they cannot make it happen.
In time it will be less chaotic and the days will go smoother. But until then I remain the ringleader of our shit show.
Irena says
I enjoyed reading this episode very much ! Well done ? luckily I have no kids to teach. Your article helped me to realize how many different people used to participate in the process of kids education before the coronavirus overwhelmed our reality. Ashley you approached the virtual schooling ambitiously and on the high note. As always : when you do something it must be either perfect or doesn’t count . I am so impressed that the virus that can kill can also cause emerging hidden talents and skills. In your case it made you better mom. Call
It “ virus side effects”. Many parents will see them as “ pain in …”, some will appreciate . After they manage to get some rest and sleep. Thank you ?