​I am a middle school teacher.  We were told on Friday, March 13, that we would not be coming back to school until after our spring break, which meant April 13.  That day has now changed to May 4th.  The COVID-19 pandemic has California in lockdown - we are in "self-isolation" which means staying home and only going out for essentials like food, gas, etc. Social-Distancing (staying 6 ft. away from each other) has defined the pandemic of 2020.  So, needless to say my district is trying to work out the kinks and issues regarding Distance Learning.  

This whole Distance Learning concept seems to have caught most school districts and teachers off guard.  As someone who has taken classes online for my masters, my credential and various other classes, it seems like a natural progression.  But to many teachers who are used to the face to face teaching, this is traversing new territory.  And, as a tech teacher, I am at least familiar with a lot of tools that I can use to teach online, where many teachers have either not kept up with the new tools or are just having a hard time catching on to a different teaching paradigm. Online classes have been around for 10 - 20 years, but not at the elementary and middle school level, at least not for public schools.  So the infrastructure, the training, and the expectations are all issues each school district is trying to manage from the ground up.

So far in my district we have spent two weeks of Flexible Learning.  I have provided activities that go with my curriculum for students to help engage them and keep them interested in my classes.  These were not graded, or mandatory.  We have spring break next week - so a break (except for teachers who will probably spend the time planning), then we will start "regular" graded classes.  As with most teachers, I'm missing my students and looking forward to seeing their work and getting them ready for next year.  Now, the trick is getting students who have been on a non-school schedule for two weeks, motivated to go back to school, even if it is online.  I'm up to the challenge.  There is no better time to show students how schoolwork is relevant to everyday life, continue with relationships and push on to the new normal!

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 I'm not usually a blogger, but I am a talker, so I thought this would be a good way to reflect on the change in the times, how I am surviving this and finding the silver lining in an otherwise stormy cloud.  

A little background, I'm a teacher of about 20+ years, teaching mainly middle school but some elementary, married 38 years, a parent of 3, a grandma of 6 - 3 boys and 3 girls, and we have one dog.  My daughter recently got a new job and as a result of losing their previous apartment (she managed the building), I have 5 new residents in our house.  It brings a little more noise, some excitement and a lot of love.  I have to admit I'm glad they are here during this self-isolation.  It is more difficult to keep them all busy, but it is a lot less lonely and I'm not just sitting watching TV.

Both myself and my daughter have to work from home during this time.  My daughter's husband has to go to work at Costco, so he is gone for most of the day.  I've made schedules for the boys so we have some semblance of an organized day.  It is more of a reference, so when they start getting in trouble we can see what they should be doing.  We are trying to keep up with what the school provided for our first grader as well as add additional things for him to do beside tablet/video game time. 

Luckily I have a backyard, so that gives a spot for the boys to run and play, dig, make a mud pie, and climb the fruit tree.  I did send them out with some seeds to plant in one of the raised beds - not sure how well they will grow, but they were excited to do it by themselves.  The two older boys help with yardwork, mowing the lawn (with assistance), pulling weeds, etc.  Just participating in regular activities around the house, commonly called chores, is instructive.  Pride in what they have accomplished, acquiring a love of power tools like the vacuum and the rules about safety are all life skills I'm happy to impart to a 6, 3, and 2 year old.  Our favorite chore is cooking.  All the boys love to cook.  From making mini-muffins, to making spaghetti or putting a rub on a pork shoulder butt - yes, butt - it was hilarious.  

We are surviving and taking things day to day.  From our family to yours we wish you health and happiness and I hope you find the joy in each day!