A Letter to My Children
Dear Future Students,
Since March, you have been through so much. You experienced months of remote learning as your world abruptly came to halt in the middle of a pandemic. You endured months without leaving the house or seeing your grandparents and the people you love. As things opened back up, you adapted, learned to social distance, wear a mask, sanitize ALL the time, and accepted many of your activities being cancelled with such grace. Oh, and we also added a baby to our family in the middle too.
There was SO MUCH CHANGE. Were there hard days? Absolutely. Were there tears and frustration? Of course. But WOW you guys made me proud and adapted so well. And here I am again, asking you to adapt and buckle up for another new ride.
Beginning in September, we will start a new phase of remote learning at home at least until November. I am feeling so many emotions as we accept this decision. Worried. Sad. Anxious. Hopeful. Excited. Thankful.
I am worried and sad that you won’t get the best opportunity to learn so many new things that you experience in an in person environment. Taking turns, sharing, making a new friendship is just difficult on Zoom. I am anxious that it will be a long time until we can get things back to somewhat normal. BUT I am also hopeful.
I hope you know that I am in fact excited to watch you learn and see the way you adapt to a new style of learning. Is it the best situation? Nope, of course not. I would love for you to be back in school with your friends and teachers. But as your parents, our number one job is to keep you safe and loved and for this I am thankful. Being home a few months more is how we are going to keep all of us safe. I know that my attitude towards school will become your attitude.
I want to start by saying I’m sorry. I’m sorry for the missed walks to school, the recess you won’t get to have, the smiles you won’t see from your teacher, and the excitement of meeting new friends you will miss out on during remote learning. I’m sorry for the tears I couldn’t hold back as we watched your meet the teacher videos on the computer. I cried for you and for them too- because the teachers are incredible and trying to make this the best experience.
To my oldest- You were just really getting into the swing of things at school and 1st grade was going to be great. It breaks my heart that you won’t get to pack your lunch, be in the big school, or show your sister around. My heart hurts just thinking of the things you will miss but I promise to help keep your excitement for learning alive.
To my little kindergartner- I was so excited for you to spread your wings and start school at a new place. I knew you were ready and that you would learn so much being the sponge that you are. I wanted you to start at the same school as your sister and I know you were ready to shine. I wanted to see you try the monkey bars and line up with a big smile on your face with a book bag that was way too big for you. Tears fill my eyes when I think about you losing on the magic of a kindergarten year. I will do everything in my power to help you feel that magic.
I wish it weren’t this way and I know some day we will be on the other side of this. I wish remote learning wasn’t the best answer right now. I hope you know how many nights I lay awake questioning the best scenario for you and your sister. I hope you know how many conversations I had with doctors, friends, neighbors, grandparents and basically anyone I talked to. I hope you know the pros and cons lists I made and the racing thoughts in my mind were all because I wanted what was best for you. I hope you know that the pit in my stomach just reiterates how much I love and care about you. I hope you know I understand it’s hard for you too. We all have big feelings right now.
But guess what?
Remember when YOU taught ME during quarantine that attitude is everything? We are going to use that strategy when it comes to remote learning this fall too. We are going to be okay. We can do this. We can do this together. I know just how resilient you are.
We can sleep in a little later. We won’t have to rush out the door in the morning. We get to be together and you guys won’t have to leave that little brother that you love so much. You will hopefully get to explore a learning style that allows you to learn best. We won’t have to worry so much about the big germ or wearing our masks at home. We can turn our sunroom into a new classroom and get new desks instead of new lunch boxes (for now.) We can have a snack while we learn. We can explore outside and expand our learning. We will be able to look back on this time and appreciate the unique experience. A time we will never forget.
In the words of Glennon Doyle– We CAN DO HARD THINGS. We CAN do this and we will get through it together. You’ve already taught me so much about life. I hope I can return the favor in these next few months and teach you a few things too.
Hugs and Kisses,
Your mom, teacher, and biggest fan
