BTW, if yesterday's post seemed very frivolous considering COVID-19, that's OK. I've really needed some escapism from the endless bad news and things not getting better. That said, my family, is not going out of the house to do our part to help our country and our world recover from this pandemic. I pray daily for my family, friends and all others that are required to work daily as they are considered essential ... health care workers, grocery store employees and truckers that are making it possible for the rest of us to remain home and only go out for emergency supplies.
I'm glad I had yesterday's escapism, as today was probably the hardest day since this started. Our 5th grade boys are doing more school work today than they've done since they've been home. The past two weeks was practice exercises to keep them from losing knowledge. Starting today, they are learning new work and trying to stay on track with the lessons that were originally planned. Of course all of this is when Mommy is trying to handle her corporate job from home. Although I'm sure this is stressful for anyone that is not used to being in total charge of making sure our children are still learning. Today's math was learning to multiply fractions, language arts was reading and dissecting non-fiction, science is the earth and moon and social studies is current events. I also set them up on Libby for Overdrive with their library cards and both boys took out their first books and put some on hold for when they are available. Next up is setting up their own Goodreads accounts so we can track what they are reading this year. I'm going to show them my reading goal, which I'm a bit behind on, but believe I can get back on track shortly! We had some good moments, but lots of rough moments, especially around trying to navigate the coursework and identify what needs to be done. They have a daily schedule and checklist I put together for them, but I'm sure we're going to refine it over the rest of this week as we find our footing learning at home.
Last, but not least is the Hollis Co's #Next90Days challenge. I'm in! I highly recommend you join us. This is usually the last 90 days of the year, but with COVID-19, they saw a need for us to make sure we come out of this stronger and more resilient than we went in. The basic concept is to ensure you do the "5 to Thrive" daily, post about it on social, the Hollis's are sending weekly emails with a theme and encouragement for these times and you can read other posts on social of others who are participating. The 5 to Thrive at a high level are:
- Wake up one hour earlier than the kids to work on things for yourself personally - exercise, journal, cup of coffee, gratitude, etc.
- Move your body at least 30 minutes a day
- Drink 1/2 your body weight in ounces of water
- Write down 5 things you are grateful for today (be real specific if you can, not generic "I love my family")
- Give up one thing (usually food) - I'm giving up alcoholic beverages on weeknights. I'm going to allow myself to have some on the weekends.
I'm so happy they decided to do this, as these times are tough, but I'm trying to come out of them stronger ... and if my house can be cleaner and more organized, that would be great too! But the way this schoolwork and working from home is going, I'll save the house organization for the weekend.
Comments