Beginning of a New Normal

It's been two and a half weeks since life in America changed for the foreseeable future. In January we had heard of a new virus over in China but didn't think much of it as it seemed so far away. In the weeks that followed cases started popping up in the United States then spreading around the country. The first case in our county was detected the week of March 9. Our county school district announced on Thursday, March 12 that it would be closing schools starting the following Monday...indefinitely. I substitute taught in a third grade classroom on Friday, March 13 (Friday, the 13...full moon...the week after daylight savings time ended...and now coronavirus?). There was a buzz in the air as the students and teachers processed the news. The teachers worked tirelessly to plan for the new "Digital Learning Plan" as they weren't going to be allowed back into the building after Friday evening. On Friday afternoon, teachers cautiously hugged their students (because, germs) and sent them on their way with the promise that they would send work to them and see them hopefully soon.

Week 1 of Digital Learning...

The teachers sent work, and we started work. With kids in 6th, 4th, and 1st grades I was busy helping them get logged in, finding the correct websites, and keeping calm through all the change. The first week went well. I created a homeschool schedule and planned STEM activities for each day. After two days I realized that there was no way I was going to keep up with the pace of daily projects and eased up a little. They got a little more free time and a little more IPad time. Things were going okay, but for me there was an underlying sadness that they weren't at school with their friends. 

Week 2...

I felt even sadder, especially after Rowan said "I hope school isn't cancelled for the rest of the year. I didn't get the chance to say goodbye." Cue the tears. I could tell the novelty of the situation wore off slightly, especially toward the end of the week. The boys were tired and felt like they had a lot of work to do. However, we all sat around the dining room table trying to learn and complete assignments. I feel very lucky that although I'm temporarily out of a job (no school=no subs needed) that I am available to focus on the boys all day. It's tiring with no alone time, but I am enjoying spending more time with them. Luckily this week it wasn't raining as much so we were able to enjoy the outdoors more. Mike is still working, but worked from home some and came home earlier some. We've had some good family time! 

We are trying to stay positive. I can't look too far ahead because I feel like this is never going to end. Trump now says that we have to "social distance" until April 30, but I think it will be longer than that. I'm taking it one day at a time.