Today was the first day of school.
There was nothing traditional about it. We didn’t put on a brand-new outfit, or fill his bookbag with the necessary supplies.
COVID-19 has changed the way my 4-year-old is able to learn and interact with children.
All summer, I debated in my own mind with family members and friends, about the best option for the impending school year. I heard parents discuss half days and three-day schedules and new sanitizing policies – and my anxiety only grew.
I had let my son go to the store a handful of times since the pandemic and I couldn’t imagine sending him into a classroom of messy kids that couldn’t care less about the spread of germs.
I awaited the decision from Castleton University, checking my email every day, praying that we would be remote so I could keep my son’s fickle lungs safe at home.
I consider this a privilege, more than a burden, although I know it will be tough.
We will receive “virtual learner kits” once a week that are conveniently delivered to our driveway by his mask-donned teachers. These kits include all the necessities for this week’s lesson as well as some fun extras. It includes a little homework for mom to fill out and assess Cire on his completion of the activities.
So far, we’ve made a hedgehog, or “bodgehog from Cire’s world” as he renamed it, an acorn, and correctly identified all letters, numbers 1-10, shapes and colors.
I haven’t imagined being a teacher since I abandoned that dream at 21, but I couldn’t be happier being “Miss Mommy” this year.