New Normal is coming your way!

Hello all,

Well, the changes are here and many of you are back at school.  Well virtual school anyway.  I can't imagine how teachers and parents are going to pull this off.  Well, yes I can, as a team.  We've talked about the parent/guardian - teacher teams for years, but now it is very important for the adults in a child's life team up to do what is best for the child.

Now this may not be advice that districts are going to back, but it is the advice I'm going to give none the less.  We need to do what is best for children and do the best we can with what we've been given to work with this year.  Families and teachers all you can do is the best you can do.  You can encourage online students to stay put at a desk, but you have little control over that, for example.  Families please do your best to encourage your child to stay in their learning spot during learning time.  My hope and prayer for all is that districts and states won't try to have children at monitors hours and hours each day as that isn't what is best for them.  Check your brain research and be ready to discuss, with those in charge, that sitting for hours, at a computer, is not in a child's best interest.  Now for those with kiddos 3rd grade and below, children are meant to more and will do so when they need to do so.  They need movement---that is what kids to so give them time to wiggle.   Here's a handy song for getting those wiggles out and keeping things fun.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyNClOyKwN0    IF the link doesn't work cut and past into your browser.  Check out HelloJoe.com for more great music.  https://hellojoe.com/

Teachers and families I have a couple things I believe will be important for you to do so that you can provide data to schools, districts, and the Dept. of Ed.  I strongly suggest that you all keep journals.  Grab a notebook or start a document on Google Docs to track both positive and negative things happening with the current system you are using to educate children.  Teachers, document things about attendance, for ex:---students who are there and then disappear, what goes well, what needs fine tuning...etc.  Write down what is fact and don't be judgemental as families may have multiple children to monitor and may also be working from home.  Families, document what you see working, what isn't working, maybe take photos too, try not to be critical of the teacher, they didn't select the format they've been given, or the equipment they have to work with each day.  Write down data for the folks "in charge" and write your thoughts and feelings in another section.  Teachers that is advice for you too.  This is finding a new normal time and this process is never easy.  We are better working together.

Make some play dough.  It is good for loads of things and relieving stress is one thing it is good for, for all ages.

Kool Aid Play Dough

2 cups of flour

1 cup of table salt

2 packages of Unsweetened Kook Aid

Mix dry ingredients together.  Add-

4 Tablespoons of vegetable oil

1-2 cups boiling water ( I heat it in the microwave.  The amount of  water needed varies between batches.) 

Slowly add in the liquid ingredients and blend together. Knead until dough like texture.  Store in an airtight container or baggie.

One last idea for today.  Teachers, take time for yourself in this time of setting a new normal.  Decide when you will be available for calls, texts, and answering emails.  Families, try to give your teacher some time to be with their families or just some down time, we all need that.

Wishing you well and praying you all stay safe,

Teacher Debbie

Trying a new background for the new school year.  Do you like it?