Homeschool.
The first week back at school after Christmas Break the Government deemed was to be online learning or "Homeschool". This brought back SOOOOO many emotions. We were all nervous about it but I was determined to make this one week a good one because we all have negative feelings about what happened last spring and I knew this would be my chance to leave the kids with a "better taste" about homeschool. I shoved deep down all my personal feelings and put on a positive spin and away we went. Because homeschool was only one week, I wanted to have a special treat set out on the table every morning, somehting that they could look forward to every morning, it worked great! On Sunday night, everything was set out and ready to go. I surprised them with a few new books and the treat was gingersnaps.
Monday was hard. Really Hard. We started school at 8:30am and worked until 3pm with only a few little breaks and a small lunch window. The house was spotless and ready for the week on Monday morning but by early afternoon, the house was trashed, papers everywhere. Kids saying "Mom, I need help..." again and again. It took everything in me not to get frustrated. Everything took so long and we all tried our very best.
The kids moved from working at the table to all over the main level. Nothing seemed organized and it took me a good hour to put all the pieces back together and get ready for Tuesday. Really, I couldn't believe that was ONLY Monday.
Tuesdays treat was Timbits. Tuesday was a better day and things seemed to not be as overwhelming or long. Phewff! Wedneday was another tricky day but we got through it. We had a fruit platter as our treat for the day which was a huge hit! Before you worry about cross contamination for Brian and his unknown allergy.. he did not touch his platter at all.. he wasn't even around when it was eaten or made.. we've thought about all the possibilities. Kobe LOVED having the kids home with blankets all over the floor that he made himself close and comfortable everyday. He also found their huge snow mountain in the backyard to be his new throne everytime he went outside. Silly guy.
Thursday was a day for double chocolate peppermint cookies with bite size rice crispie squares. We were so happy it was Thursday! Things were starting to wrap up and it felt good. Thursday we deemed a "Pyjama Day". We felt most unproductive this day so Im glad it was only this one day. The kids had daily Zoom meets with their class and teacher and although they didn't like doing it, I was able to catch some fun smiley moments of it!
Thursday night after dinner, I took off my fake teacher hat and put on my hairdresser hat. Oh all the things that lockdown has taught me. I am not even close to professional and will never claim to be but when this mama sees shaggy hair, you know Im gonna cut it! Penny was so sad that her hair appointment got cancelled because of restrictions and she could not get her hair cut so I cut a few inches off hers too.. I'll still take her when it opens up again but this was sufficient and made her so happy!
Once the kids were in bed on Thursday night, we clearned up and put out our final day of treats. I made it extra special because.. well, it was for the last day! So, candy... so much candy.
Little did I know Thursday night would go so wrong and so right in so many ways. With Brian's terrifying scare, we didn't get to bed until 5am and the kids were up and ready for their last day of homeschool at SEVEN AM! I didn't think I would make it and honestly, looking back, I should have just emailed the teachers explaining what happened and said we won't be finishing Friday but I don't know, the kids were excited and I used their energy to just get up and do it.
They finished school before noon and just had to finish their final zoom meets. Kobe even got to join in on Penny's final zoom and although he didn't look thrilled, he was a good sport.
Im proud of these kids. They nailed it. We all left with a better experience of home school than last time and I am just grateful its over and that this week they're back in class.
I have missed them being gone all day at school this week but also find peace in the silence of our home where I can reflect and support them when they get back without having limited patience left. Having my kids home IS my thing...homeschool really is NOT my thing!
Here's to hoping that they get to stay in school until the end of the school year!
Every single finger is crossed!
Tuesdays treat was Timbits. Tuesday was a better day and things seemed to not be as overwhelming or long. Phewff! Wedneday was another tricky day but we got through it. We had a fruit platter as our treat for the day which was a huge hit! Before you worry about cross contamination for Brian and his unknown allergy.. he did not touch his platter at all.. he wasn't even around when it was eaten or made.. we've thought about all the possibilities. Kobe LOVED having the kids home with blankets all over the floor that he made himself close and comfortable everyday. He also found their huge snow mountain in the backyard to be his new throne everytime he went outside. Silly guy.
Little did I know Thursday night would go so wrong and so right in so many ways. With Brian's terrifying scare, we didn't get to bed until 5am and the kids were up and ready for their last day of homeschool at SEVEN AM! I didn't think I would make it and honestly, looking back, I should have just emailed the teachers explaining what happened and said we won't be finishing Friday but I don't know, the kids were excited and I used their energy to just get up and do it.
I have missed them being gone all day at school this week but also find peace in the silence of our home where I can reflect and support them when they get back without having limited patience left. Having my kids home IS my thing...homeschool really is NOT my thing!
Every single finger is crossed!