Dispatches from Home

Day 1 of distance learning for our students is, pardon the pun, in the books. Before school was canceled, my students were participating in a month long Slice of Life challenge which requires them to post a daily anecdote or other reflection on a personal experience, and so my plan was for them to continue that while we are away. I thought it would be a good way for us to stay connected as a learning community, as well as a chance for kids to put their thoughts and feelings into writing during this unprecedented time. And they sure have taken advantage of that opportunity!

On Saturday and Sunday, some of those who wrote complained of how bored they already were and wondered how they would possibly make it through a "30 day weekend," while others expressed annoyance that they would have to do school work over their "break". Today, though, the first week away from school commenced with several students reporting on the routines that their parents were establishing for them at home:

So my mom has made this kind of school with this whole schedule including 2 PE periods, a total of three hours of class work, half an hour of chores, and an hour of family time. So basically I was woken up at 7:30, I took a shower, got dressed and had breakfast, and then from 8:00 to 9:30 is class work time. After this I have an hour of first PE and then a snack break. So this is going to be an exhausting couple of days until I get used to this. And also I have to write a five page essay for my dad. 

Ugh today my mom is forcing me to make today a normal school day! And I hate the idea but my mom still wants me to do because she’s the boss of me

So I think that my parents are going crazy over this whole not going to school and everything is canceled thing. Especially my mom. Since dance was canceled she is making me do conditioning classes and online dance classes. Also, she is giving me so many chores. I have to fold the laundry and water the grass. She says that watering the grass is good for me to get some time outside, but I can go outside on my own without watering the grass. So, I think she is just using me for manual labor. Plus, I have to lookup and tell her about the census. And not just what it is but how long we have had it, who made it, etc. It’s kind of overwhelming. Now, I have to go to water the grass for my “outside time” and if I don’t I will probably get yelled at so bye! 

So today my dad wants to make today like a school day but i keep telling him that we have things on canvas and we also got packets. But then he said that instead of him being teaching math and stuff like that he’s going to teach PE fun.
So in "PE" today were going to be learning core exercises that going to be interesting. Oh and my mom she is on me like a tick to get my work done. And my brother he is going to get so stressed out i already know. So in conclusion my day and most days for about a month are going to be crazy. 

Hi guys, I’m so exhausted from my workout today. My mom makes me do a 30 minute work out which is super tiring. I had to do 50 push-ups and 50 curl ups. And 10 or something pull-ups. I hate having no school. There’s nothing to do but there’s lots to do. It’s weird. 

Last night my mom went over our schedule for the next day. She said school wouldn’t be any different than home. “Are you sure about that mom?!

Nice work, parents! Looking forward to Day 2!