Learning remotely from home took work from both students, parents, and teachers to figure out the best approach. The first 2 weeks there was not much happening for any of the kids. However once a curriculum was developed, we were in full school mode at home. Sometimes school was what you would expect with reading, writing, and math. At other times it was a lot more playful. Teachers went above and beyond to make this as exciting and fun as they could. The school was amazing and allowed us to loan two chromebooks so that none of the children were without a device to connect with her classes during their meeting scattered throughout the week. Though we do not know what next year will bring, there is talk of a hybrid model. Barring a more deadly second wave of COVID, this will remain a unique experience for is all.
Towards the end of school, Izzy's class had themes for their weekly class check ins. This theme was weird hair. Other themes included favorite sports or a day at the beach. She was happy to don her fencing gear and created a beach oasis on the floor complete with an umbrella. I love her creativity.
One of the new learning units that occurred during remote school was measuring. Every day Micah and Victoria would have numerous objects to measure. This was one of our more favorites. We were asked to measure gummy candy. Off to Walgreens we went for each of them to pick out their Gummies. The goal was to measure the gummy and then stretch it out as far as possible to see what was the difference. Many worms sacrificed their life during this lesson.
Most of the favorite lessons were science based. The kids learned how to turn a regular egg into a "bouncy" egg by soaking an egg in vinegar over a week. We learned very quickly that you had to be gentle as these eggs easily burst.
In another experiment, the kids were asked to create their own many iceburgs by fishing in cold water with salt.
Another measurement exercise was to see how far you could jump. We went outside for this lesson. Our neighbors creeped out of their homes as well and joined in the learning. It was fun to watch how a competition amongst friends can increase the distance of jumping.
Another science experiment was creating your own xylophone. This was a lesson on sound.
This lesson was a combination between measurements and science. The school provided a ramp and a marble for the kids to see how far their marble could roll if they change the angle of the ramp. The cats were equally as interested in this activity.
The final project of school was creating a Ruben Goldberg machine. Izzy quickly joined in the creation of this one which fed the cats treats.
Micah and Victoria learning about water tension.
There were a few 90 degree days while we were still in school. This lined up perfectly with the science lesson was how to create your own ice cream at home using Ziploc bags and ice.
Though all teachers worked hard during this unprecedented time, one teacher will always stand out amongst all of them for how much she went above and beyond. This was Micah's teacher, Ms. Leipman. It was evident that many parents recognized her contributions. The end of the year school gift was one of the largest monetary amounts I have seen a class donate. Micah's class also decided to do a parade by her house to acknowledge what she did. Classmates who have not seen each other for over 2 months were ecstatic. There were tears when she came out and saw all of us.
Micah and Ms. Leipman
After nearly 3 months of remote learning from home, the last day of school came! There was some sadness and that the traditional celebration with teachers and classmates did not occur. There was also happiness in closure of the chapter in our lives.
As we traditionally take a picture of the kids on her last day of school, I thought it only fitting to have my own picture. I never would have guessed that I would have to be a full-time teacher, mother, and physician.
Quarantine school.... WE DID IT!
