Remote Learning

"Remote Learning"

That's what they've come to call this crazy "homeschool" situation.

The people who do traditional homeschool were the first to be like "BUT THIS ISN'T WHAT WE DO"

Traditional homeschool still involves activities with other people/kids. They learn a curriculum that is not directed by the school, (and I think, I'm no expert) they just have to complete that curriculum however and they test and move on to the next grade.

THIS was NOT homeschooling in the traditional sense.

We couldn't go on field trips.

We couldn't learn with other friends.

Neither parent could spend 100% of our effort teaching these kids.

However.

Something VERY surprising happened.

I'm still processing it.

If you know me and Steve IRL, you'll all know that I'm the crazy one and he's the calm one. He's super laid back and is very much a fly by the seat of your pants, make NO plans and just go with the flow.

It drives me BATTY.

I'm extremely rigid, structured, Type A all the way.

Steve is patient. 

Steve is kind. 

I'm incredibly Impatient.

I'm not the friendliest of folks. 

But yet.

He could not for the LIFE OF HIM do school with the girls.

He did it a few times and immediately said "I have no idea how to teach them" 

Don't get me wrong. 

He's taught them a lot during this time.

Just not typical school work. 

They definitely started doing more chores around the house - regularly. 

They helped him outside with those chores.

Feeding the dogs.

Feeding the pigs. 

Gathering eggs.

I, on the other hand, have shocked myself with my patience with the girls while doing school. 

I mean, of course I can have my moments, but overall, the times when I could really help them, it was really cool and fun to see them "get it". Those moments were awesome. And I have to say, I didn't DO any of Mila's work for her at all - I helped her through things, but she did 100% of her work by herself. 

While we didn't keep up with EVERY SINGLE assignment, I think we put in a pretty decent effort, considering Steve and I are still working full time. 

I was so much more patient than I ever, ever thought I'd be. 

It's clear I cannot do it all effectively - parent, work, teach, clean, cook, animal carer, etc. 

However. 

If I can just manage my stress.

And manage my calendar and know what I can handle at any given time, I can make it less stressful. 

Not stress-free because that's nearly impossible, but figuring this shit out over the course of 3 months has proved fruitful. I definitely feel better about it all now than I did a month ago.

They also had their last "day of school" today and we had Mila's last zoom meeting with her class. Yesterday she read a letter she wrote to her class. 

Today everyone got their awards and Mila got the "Best Behavior Award" and I yelled and clapped and all that when her teacher announced her name. LOL. I'm sure all the other kids and parents think I'm a nut.