Not Everything Is An Assignment

You didn't really think I had the answer to that question, did you? I mean, honestly. This is a problem I deal with often. It's a blessing and a curse really. I'm forever grateful to have been graced with adaptability, skill, quick wit, and resilience. I can make a fully articulated octopus puppet from cardboard, duct tape, and a few wire hangers.       It allows me to lean in to problems, try solutions without fear of failure, and has garnered me the most diverse and bizarre of resumes. But it comes with phases of depression caused by those mostly insignificant relentlessly disappointing moments that become a tidal wave of failure. Or at least the feeling of failure. I have many strengths as an educator. But they are difficult to see when I constantly focus on those skills I can't seem to conquer. Instead of focusing on one to work on and improve, I try to do it all at once, never able to gain traction in any one area. Add to that, those blindsiding mom...

        So, Week 1 of Corona Break is over. At least 5 more to go. Part of me wonders why this is so hard for people. I mean, so far, it's not much different than Spring Break. After two weeks, it's like Christmas Break ( with less gifts and more hand-washing ). Five or six weeks? Well, for those of us who work from home or are teachers, it's and early summer break. So why are all these parents losing their minds when having to care for their children 24/7/6+ (see what I did there)?         Then I remember I am a mother of four, ages 7-15. And I am now responsible for continuing to check in on and educate my 150 students virtually, but ALSO manage my children's education from home.  We are taking on the job we trust other education professionals to do, while trying to manage our actual jobs, our households.         I've done a couple of things this week to prepare for the coming new way of life. I love Khan Academy ...