Life is Full of Surprises

Life is full of surprises. Who would have thought we would all be home teaching and learning at this time? But life does go on. Covid-19 has impacted all of our lives, not just in Longview, but all over the world. Classes are now being taught via “remote learning” instead of in classrooms, teachers are now recording their lessons, and everyone is a wee bit stressed out. This was not what we had planned, but we will get through it.
Trinity’s teachers have stepped up and are reconfiguring their lesson plans; faculty and staff are cleaning classrooms, contacting parents, and working to keep the school running. Parents are helping their children with their lessons, learning to use new technologies, and reassuring their children that everything will be okay. This is just a small roadblock that we will get over.

It is important that we all stay positive, as this might last a while. The more we can do to reassure our children and keep them in a routine, the better off we will be. That doesn’t mean having them sit at a desk or table for a full school day; it means keeping them learning. Some days you will have better luck than others. If they need a break, let them take it. If they want to curl up in a chair and read all morning, let them. Have them do chores, help with dinner, or play with the dog. Teachers are not expecting their students to spend all day working on schoolwork; they understand that we are all operating in a different world. Parents may be working and leaving their children with an older sibling, babysitter, or neighbor. Our teachers have the same problems. We understand and empathize.

Children are worried about their friends and families. We are all in this together, and we will get through it. Soon we will be back to our normal routines. Sadly we have missed out on things – field trips, soccer games, birthday parties, and family gatherings. But if everyone does his or her part, it will end and life will go back to normal. So, my advice is to take it one day at a time. When the math homework starts stressing you (or your child) out, take a break and play a board game or work on a puzzle. Playing cards or Yahtzee is a great way to work on those math skills. Make time for your children to talk to you about what is worrying them. Have them write old fashioned letters to their friends and relatives, and ask them to think of others as well. They can also write letters to the residents in nursing homes who are cut off from their families and friends. We can all do our part. Keep in mind, this too shall pass. We will all learn and grow from it.

Mellissa McCreary
Curriculum Director