2020 Virtual Learning Experience From a Parent's Perspective

Like many of you, I too am a parent of little ones getting geared up for the reopening of school and trying my best to normalize this era as much as possible. I can personally say that it's different. Things have changed, but not all change is bad.

Virtual learning is becoming the new norm whether we want to face it or not.

I mean, it's 2020. How much longer do we really see kids going into a "school house" setting and writing on paper with a pen. Sadly, it's just not happening for much longer, I believe. Everything is becoming more digital. Think about how far we've come from CD's to aux cords to Bluetooth.

I have a 2nd grader this year, and many of you may know her by the name of Kamea Jade. She's my lifeline and has been home with me everyday since school closed in March due to COVID-19. Thankfully her school district made the decision to give parents the option of reopening either the traditional way or remotely with the option to toggle between the two between semesters if needed or if things worsened.

I decided to opt into the virtual option.

I have a two-year old son, Grant who is at home with me also. The three of us being home instead of me placing him into a daycare facility was the best financial and health-related decision for our family during this time.

My daughter's school district placed an order for 6000 Chromebooks, which will make for each student to have their own device if the school goes completely remote. One thing I can say is that Shelby Count School District, and especially Calera Elementary School has done a wonderful job at communicating and making this transition stress-free.

I was able to pick up a Chromebook along with other supplies needed for the school year via drive-thru supply pick-up times designated through the school. She was given all of the textbooks and writing books she needed for the semester along with a dry-erase board, counting blocks, ten charts, and more.

Everything has been very structured so far and easy to navigate. She meets online via Google Meet for attendance and to have class. This coming up week, each parent had to schedule a time with their kid to do a reading assessment with the teacher so that she can see where her reading level is. Kamea has been practicing and is looking forward to reading to her teacher next Tuesday.

For me, virtual learning has been nothing to stress about. I know a few parents have been struggling trying to adjust, but just hang in there. Ask for help. The teachers are there to guide you and your child through the process.

Make virtual learning fun for your kids!

Kamea was so excited when I decorated her workspace in the living room. I tried to keep it colorful and fun. She’s only 7, but she absolutely loves it. She even asked for a candle so she could light it while she works.

I still had Kamea to dress up in a new outfit like it were the first day of school. She got ready, got her hair combed, and picked out a cute dress to wear for her first day. The second day, she came to her workspace with a church dress on lol.

All in all, everything is going to work out how it should. We just have to make the best of what we are allowed to work with. Cut yourself some slack and give yourself a break.

I believe if we all keep a positive attitude and our heads up, that this too shall pass and get back to how thing were pre-COVID. I'm personally loving the virtual learning and hope they continue it once COVID-19 passes

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