Any one with children in school right now knows that this is a time period like no other. Every school district is different in what it is asking of their children. Some have given them a few pages to do at their leisure over the course of a week. Others have a full days curriculum for each and every day, plus bonus activities. Some have weekly meet-ups, some have no contact at all, and others have full daily classes that the students are asked to show up for.
As an adult I have always known that I was not meant to be a teacher. I have some all kinds of personality tests throughout the years, as well as spiritual guides, and real-life experience through being a leader at my company, and each and every time teaching is at the bottom of my skill set. I do not have it in me. I am not patient, or understanding when it comes to learning and teaching. I do not know how to explain why 2 plus 2 equals 4. IT JUST DOES! Why do we always fold the papers a certain way? BECAUSE THAT IS HOW I SAID TO DO IT! See? Not my strongest asset.
As a parent I have tried to be patient with B. I have taken a step back and just built on things she would learn from others. I would teach her right from wrong, but then hope that someone else would tell her why that was the way it was. Now? Now I am the parent, and the teacher, and to say the least it is challenging. I am so thankful that her real teacher has been such a blessing. She gives us weekly charts that tell us what to do each day, for each subject. She is also available by email and "Remind" which has been a great asset to keep us connected.
Well, today was the last homework pick up for this year's assignments. It was a bittersweet moment. I got to see the teacher, with her mask and gloves on. She handed me the homework assignments for the next 3 weeks, and also all of the contents of my daughter's locker. Her first school locker. The only that her dad and I went in to decorate as a surprise while she was in class one day. The one where she asked for a rug, and magnets to hang her artwork. The locker that I took pictures of her next to on her first day of school. And, just like that, it's over. Her name was taken off the outside. Her belongings packed up in a bag and sent home.
"School" is coming to an end for this season, and it is not how any of us imagined it. Not the Kindergarten parents who wanted to start a tradition of first and last day pictures by the lockers. Not the Fifth graders who are moving to a bigger school next year, and don't get to go to summer camp, not the Eighth graders who are deciding what to do - stay with their friends or opt for a private school education that may change the direction of their lives. And, especially not the Seniors in High School. They don't get Prom, Mother-Daughter Luncheons, Senior Skip Day, Valedictorian Speeches, and the Walk across Stage for Graduation.
Take a moment to mourn the loss of all of these things, but then remember that you are still strong, and amazing, and have a lifetime to create new memories. We have a beautiful summer in front of us, so let's not waste it in our sorrow.
What experience are you looking forward to?
As an adult I have always known that I was not meant to be a teacher. I have some all kinds of personality tests throughout the years, as well as spiritual guides, and real-life experience through being a leader at my company, and each and every time teaching is at the bottom of my skill set. I do not have it in me. I am not patient, or understanding when it comes to learning and teaching. I do not know how to explain why 2 plus 2 equals 4. IT JUST DOES! Why do we always fold the papers a certain way? BECAUSE THAT IS HOW I SAID TO DO IT! See? Not my strongest asset.
As a parent I have tried to be patient with B. I have taken a step back and just built on things she would learn from others. I would teach her right from wrong, but then hope that someone else would tell her why that was the way it was. Now? Now I am the parent, and the teacher, and to say the least it is challenging. I am so thankful that her real teacher has been such a blessing. She gives us weekly charts that tell us what to do each day, for each subject. She is also available by email and "Remind" which has been a great asset to keep us connected.
Well, today was the last homework pick up for this year's assignments. It was a bittersweet moment. I got to see the teacher, with her mask and gloves on. She handed me the homework assignments for the next 3 weeks, and also all of the contents of my daughter's locker. Her first school locker. The only that her dad and I went in to decorate as a surprise while she was in class one day. The one where she asked for a rug, and magnets to hang her artwork. The locker that I took pictures of her next to on her first day of school. And, just like that, it's over. Her name was taken off the outside. Her belongings packed up in a bag and sent home.
"School" is coming to an end for this season, and it is not how any of us imagined it. Not the Kindergarten parents who wanted to start a tradition of first and last day pictures by the lockers. Not the Fifth graders who are moving to a bigger school next year, and don't get to go to summer camp, not the Eighth graders who are deciding what to do - stay with their friends or opt for a private school education that may change the direction of their lives. And, especially not the Seniors in High School. They don't get Prom, Mother-Daughter Luncheons, Senior Skip Day, Valedictorian Speeches, and the Walk across Stage for Graduation.
Take a moment to mourn the loss of all of these things, but then remember that you are still strong, and amazing, and have a lifetime to create new memories. We have a beautiful summer in front of us, so let's not waste it in our sorrow.
What experience are you looking forward to?
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