The spring school semester, in my opinion, was a very successful response to pandemic limitations. As the song we played at the clap-out video exclaimed, We did it! Was it ideal? No, but that's because the pandemic inflicted a number of limitations. But was it good, yes, it was very good because we kept almost every connection strong, worked at the connections that weren't as strong, and led every child through meaningful, engaging, and empowering study options.
Now, it's summer vacation, and I'm thinking about how I'll reimagine and recreate summer with the limitations that exist. Typically, on the last day of school, I would begin a week of celebration in a beautiful place with people I love, but due to many, many factors that's not possible this year. Instead, I'll host a few family members at my house for a small celebration.
Just as I did during the spring semester of school, I'll look for the silver linings and create a schedule that elevates the positivity. What will I do?
Limit Exposure
I don't want to get sick, and I will work against that in many ways including the following:
Now, it's summer vacation, and I'm thinking about how I'll reimagine and recreate summer with the limitations that exist. Typically, on the last day of school, I would begin a week of celebration in a beautiful place with people I love, but due to many, many factors that's not possible this year. Instead, I'll host a few family members at my house for a small celebration.
Just as I did during the spring semester of school, I'll look for the silver linings and create a schedule that elevates the positivity. What will I do?
Limit Exposure
I don't want to get sick, and I will work against that in many ways including the following:
- Limit exposure. I will limit my exposure to others to mitigate risk. I won't put myself in harms way often.
- Choose wisely with regard to whom I will spend time with. Mostly, I'll spend time with close family members in safe, socially distanced ways.
- If my children venture off and come home, I'll ask them to get tested. I did that recently with one son and it did add a sense of comfort. Even though I know that the testing is not perfect, it's a step in the right direction.
Reimagine and Recreate Summer Fun
Summer fun as I knew it, in many ways, will not be possible this year, so I will need to plan differently with the following focus in mind:
- At-home fun: I will be home more, and I will have to create summer fun at home. I will do that with gardening, reading, writing, updating my home, and exploring local nature trails by foot and bike.
- Family fun: We've planned a few family get togethers in beautiful, remote places. We'll follow social distancing rules and spend most of our together-time outside.
- Planning for the future: I'll engage in activities that will make me ready for future, fun events--a number of events have been postponed, and there are things I can do now to plan for those fun events in the future.
The virus is a frightening reality, and a reality we have to take seriously. We can do this and we have to support one another in doing this so that we stay safe and happy. Onward.