I’ve missed a few days! It’s been an odd combination of first having nothing new to report, and then having too much to do.
My children attend the same school system in which I teach, and Thursday was the day the district officially implemented our remote learning activities. (The teacher’s union helpfully and rightfully negotiated Tuesday and Wednesday as prep days for teachers develop resources and materials for an unprecedented situation). For me as a teacher, putting together activities for my students is actually a nice outlet–I do rather enjoy designing curriculum in general, and the present situation is something of a unique and enjoyable challenge. Even better, it’s really nice to read what my students are writing about this unique event. Now more than ever, it’s our writing that will help create community when we’re apart from each other.
As a parent, it’s a welcome relief to see my own children get back into their own school work. Their teachers have posted an impressive set of resources, complete with daily schedule and plenty of student choice, and none of it unreasonable or overly demanding. Truth be told, I think my kiddos are happy to have something new and engaging to do, though I don’t think they’d admit it. My second-grader had a virtual “snack time meeting” with his teacher and class this morning on Zoom. Really lovely to see the continued sense of community there, too.
Stuff that’s gotten done
- Reading for the Nebulas has continued, if at a somewhat slower pace. Still reading my way through the novelettes, with a detour into the game writing category, as well. Really interesting to see the diversity of games there! I’ll write more about that particular category in a future post.
- In my last post I mentioned watching The Walking Dead, which is one of three current shows I’m watching these days. The others are Better Call Saul, which continues to be just phenomenal. Monday night’s episode was so good, but then again I think I say that every week with this show. Definitely a topic for a future post. The third show I’m watching, of course, is Star Trek: Picard. Full disclosure: I’m entirely unable to remain objective about this one. Let’s just say I’m thoroughly enjoying it, and I’ll save my gushing at least until the first season ends (next week!), and I’m able to think and articulate a little more critically what I’ve enjoyed about it.
- My kids got me to download and try playing Brawl Stars with them, which if you haven’t heard, is all the rage right now (at least with 2nd and 3rd graders). I can see the appeal for them, but I was like… meh. It’s hard to get into when you’ve just started playing The Outer Worlds! (Which, by the way… phenomenally immersive. Kind of like a cross between Fallout and Mass Effect so far. Absolutely nothing wrong with that!) Anyway, I’d much rather play M:TG or a board game with my kids than Brawl Stars. (Disclaimer: My negative attitude may be a direct result of having my butt whooped within the first five minutes of playing… Just saying. ;P ).