Distance Learning 2020

We had a name for this already. It’s called home schooling. What’s with the “distance learning” thing? Isn’t everyone doing this at home?

Whatever you want to call it, we’ve been doing it just like everybody else during Coronavirus 2020.

I have to admit, I wasn’t looking forward to doing this. I’ve already completed fifth grade. And first grade. And kindergarten. And I’m used to working with/entertaining Hawk throughout the day, but now I was going to have to keep him from going crazy while making sure the other three got their work done.

It’s gone much better than I ever thought it would. The workload has been very manageable, and it’s nice to be able to do the work at any time of the day that we want. We’ve let the kids stay up later than usual and started the class day a bit later as well.

Missy is more of a night owl than I am, so I’ve been letting her sleep in while I get up and work with the kids in the mornings. Then she more or less takes over in the afternoons. There’s a good combination of technology-based learning and printed paperwork. Sometimes I’ll have all the kids do their paperwork at the same time while I rove around and check/help as needed. Sometimes I’ll put two kids on tablets to do the computer stuff while I work with the other one-on-one. They have separate math and reading programs on the computer, so it doesn’t get too repetitive.

The art, music, STEAM, library and PE teachers have also provided curriculum. We’ve mixed in some of that but are largely doing those things on our own. Missy’s garden is bigger and better than ever, and the kids have helped her get that going. She’s also a great cook so the kids have helped with that. I try to get all of the boring rote work out of the way in the mornings so Missy can lead the fun stuff like that in the evenings. Addie enjoys leading some art and science projects with the younger kids, so we’ve let her do that and (most of the time) the results have been great. I’m really proud of Addie being a great leader of the other kids during this time.

Of course, the weather has been fantastic overall. That’s made a huge difference. We’re taking Bailey on a walk every day, and the kids are getting plenty of playtime outside. All of the playground equipment and back yard toys Missy finds for super cheap are paying off big-time. I already blogged about our camping trip, which is something we’ll always remember. I’ve been running about four miles per day, which has helped with my mental state. I’d rather be playing basketball but since that’s not an option, running in this weather is a good substitute.

This is the last week of school. Schools are planning to return to normal next fall, but nobody really knows how this COVID-19 deal will work out. Things seem to change every day.

If it ends up being “distance learning” again, I’m OK with that. I’ve really enjoyed bonding with the kids. Also, home-schooling as a future option doesn’t seem nearly as daunting as it did a few months ago.

Before I leave you with some cute pics of my wife and kiddos, I have to brag on the kids for their performance on Mother’s Day. They really went all out, planning for two weeks in advance and working on it every day. They each did four or five pieces of art, adding up to about 20 items for Missy to see on Sunday. They also decorated the house and gathered lots of “presents” from around the house to wrap up and give to her. We ate Missy’s favorite pizza, Hideaway. She deserves a better husband but she sure hit a home run with our four lovely kids.