Month: April 2020

School’s out; Learning Doesn’t Stop!

One thing for sure, we all are feeling the effects of the pandemic – Covid-19.  Particularly parents are worried about their children.  Has learning stopped?  Will my child be prepared for the next grade? These are all valid questions.

The good thing is, all of our children are in the same boat.  This is also an opportunity to explain to children, just because school is out, learning doesn’t stop.  Distance learning and having to prioritize is a great precursor to give high school students a dose of college life.  This is what college is about- planning your time, prioritizing, and setting your own schedule to get it done!  In my previous post, we discussed ways to enjoy the outdoors during the lockdown.  For parents of elementary students, I want to encourage you to read to your children, read with your children, and encourage writing.  Give your children a topic to write about.  Ask how they are feeling and to write about the world as they see it now.  Asking them to write is beneficial to their literacy skills.  When you read with them, stop along the way and ask some questions (Who are the characters?  What just happened?  Is this book fiction or nonfiction?) My friend Stacey M. strikes again with her guided writing journals.  This may help children who may be stuck on “what to write.”  You can find  her journal here Guided Writing Journal

Remember, we are all in this together.  As you take that walk after a long day of cooking, doing the dishes, juggling working online from home and homeschooling the children, don’t forget to be grateful for all of the little blessings that come along the way.  Maybe we are spending more time eating together as a family. Maybe we actually have time to read to our children and just maybe we have time to actually ask each other, “how are you doing?”   I encourage you all to stop and smell the roses, pick up a good book and remember, school is out but learning never stops.

joy and K website

Checking on our children

Mom: “Come eat breakfast” as I set the table with their eggs and sausage.  The children sit down and eat.  There is laughter and giggles.  After eating, as we are all cleaning the kitchen, I noticed my son suddenly was still sitting at the table with a solemn look on his face.

As I observed, I noticed he was really fighting back tears.  I say, “what’s the matter, baby?  Are you okay?”  He nods, yes.  I keep cleaning the kitchen until I just cannot take it anymore.  I go over to him and he tells me he misses his friends, school and the routine.

WHOA!  Being completely honest, my son is in a safe house, has technology, air condition, heat, television, online classes (high school), has access to plenty of food, and has his family with him.  I knew all of this, but I still failed to ask him how he was feeling since abruptly being snatched from school and the outside world due to the COVID19 pandemic.

What a learning experience!  I had made sure he had everything he needed, but I never asked him, “how he was doing”  since the school closure. Now, every day, I make a point to ask my son, “how are you?”  I make a point to take a walk with him and keep him on a schedule.  He was previously on a schedule, but now more than ever, it is extremely important they have consistency.

At a certain time in their lives, our children may finally be confident with who they are and look forward to going to school, making decisions and displaying their leadership skills.  When it is all taken away in a matter of days, the mental health of our children can be at risk.  We often are concerned that we stay in shape physically, but don’t forget we must be sure our children are in shape mentally.

Many employers now are offering mental health services free of charge.  I encourage all to take advantage of this benefit if you have it.  Also, do not underestimate the power of some sunshine.  My friend, Stacey wrote, “Go Outside! 10 Ways to Enjoy the Outdoors During the Lockdown.”  I encourage you to visit this blog. Find it here.

We are all in this together.  Let your children know!

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