Things are all mixed up. I don't mean the fact that I put the dirty laundry into the dryer instead of the washing machine. Or that I put the milk in the pantry. Or that I am no longer able to walk and talk at the same time. I mean things everywhere are mixed up.  

Instead of talking to my kids, I'm texting them. Instead of being in the same room with them, I'm looking at pictures. Instead of teaching them, I'm sending home packets.  Instead of posting colorful pictures of artwork, I'm packing up my room for the summer.

And the mix-up isn't just confined to the world of education.  Everywhere I go I see people who were once rational, in a frenzied panic.  People who used to smile and say hello are now taking a 10 foot detour.   Shopping carts are loaded down with toilet paper, of all things.  Parents are equipping their kids with their own shopping cart so that they can purchase more than the minimum.  People look at you with fear in their eyes.  Streets are empty.  Schools are empty.  While cars in retail parking lots fight for a space and shoppers crowd at the door.

Have we all gone mad?

No, but I do think we've lost some of our common sense. I know we've lost our manners.  Smiling at someone won't kill you or them.  There is no reason for common courtesy to vanish.  There is no reason to panic.  There is never a reason to use your child to violate restrictions (or for any other thing).

And why are parking lots crowded?  If we're supposed to stay at home, why are we out shopping? If kids can't go to  school, they shouldn't be going to the local gathering place to meet their friends.  If parents are consuming larger, than normal, amounts of alcohol because they are dealing with THEIR kids all day, then maybe they should be a bit more understanding the next time they get a  call from school.

I know the situation is serious. I know people that have to take extra precautions because of health issues.  But I don't think things are as dire as some would have us to believe.  I don't believe all the media hype.  Maybe I watched "Pollyanna" too much as a kid, but I do see the sunshine.   I see hope. I see a brighter tomorrow.   I'm ready to go to a restaurant (who isn't?).   I'm ready to see open signs on businesses.   I'm ready to see store shelves stocked. And I'm ready for school to resume in August.

I'm ready for things to return to 'normal.'


And more for distance learning......

Confusing Pairs



Nonfiction text






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This blog does not share personal information with third parties nor do I store any information about your visit to this blog other than to analyze (this blog is run by blogger, a Google company so Google analytics are used to provide me with general statistics about my blog readership) and optimize your content and reading experience through the use of cookies.  This blog is published on Facebook and Pinterest sites. This blog is not responsible for their use of cookies. If you wish to turn off the use of cookies you may do so at any time through your specific browser settings.  If you sign up to receive the blog by email, your email will not be added to any other mailing list or sold.  It is simply used to send the blog post to your inbox. No purchases may be made from this website. In order to purchase my resources you must visit the hosting website.   I am not responsible for republished content from this blog on other blogs or websites without my permission. This privacy policy is subject to change without notice and was last updated on August 1, 2019. If you have any questions feel free to contact me directly at kimberlyfrencken@gmail.com














If you think this is easy, you're wrong.  I'm not talking about planning for distance learning. I'm talking about being away from my kids.  My kids. I miss them.  I miss the smiles and the hugs and the laughter.  I miss the funny ones.  I miss the quiet ones.  I miss the ones who take their learning so seriously. I miss the ornery ones.  I don't know of one teacher that is enjoying this situation.  We'd rather be in our classrooms, instructing our kids, and  having the normal day-to-day interaction with them.

Planning a lesson for distance learning is hard. The hardest part of planning is not being there to instruct.  Not being there for each child's questions. Not being there to encourage. Not being there to cheer them on.  Missing out on the quirky jokes and humorous observations.  Putting out the fires of discontent. All of it.  I miss all of it. And I think it is safe to say that our kids miss it too.

Our lessons go home weekly. Kids can either return them the following week (at the weekly pick-up)  or send pics of them.  I love the pics. Especially the ones with my kids holding their assignment in their hands. Especially the moms that are taking extra time to send pics of their kids playing in the sunshine. The moms that send a short video of their kid telling me hello. The moms that understand how much we love our kids.   I've shed a few tears when I see them.

I know this time will pass. I know we'll eventually be back in school. I know that I'll join millions in praying for a snow day (eventually).  But I also know that I won't take a normal school day for granted.  Ever again.

For Older Learners

Nonfiction about Umbrellas


Privacy Policy

This blog does not share personal information with third parties nor do I store any information about your visit to this blog other than to analyze (this blog is run by blogger, a Google company so Google analytics are used to provide me with general statistics about my blog readership) and optimize your content and reading experience through the use of cookies.  This blog is published on Facebook and Pinterest sites. This blog is not responsible for their use of cookies. If you wish to turn off the use of cookies you may do so at any time through your specific browser settings.  If you sign up to receive the blog by email, your email will not be added to any other mailing list or sold.  It is simply used to send the blog post to your inbox. No purchases may be made from this website. In order to purchase my resources you must visit the hosting website.   I am not responsible for republished content from this blog on other blogs or websites without my permission. This privacy policy is subject to change without notice and was last updated on August 1, 2019. If you have any questions feel free to contact me directly at kimberlyfrencken@gmail.com


Distance Learning is a quickly coined term to cover all lessons created for this unusual time.   As I've browsed through various websites and teacher resources,  I've come to the conclusion that distance learning is just about anything that we can prepare and send home to our kids, either through paper or electronic means.  I've had a buyer, of one of my PDF resources, share a creative way that she turned the resource into a lesson for her students at home.  It seems that it just takes a little determination and ingenuity to create meaningful educational resources for our kids.

Distance learning doesn't mean learning stops. It just means that it takes place differently.  I can't say that I like it, but I know we have to make the best of it.   The hardest part (for me) is giving instructions that I know all of my kids will understand.  There is nothing more frustrating than to have a student not able to understand the assignment. They are frustrated because they don't get it. Parents are frustrated because they can't explain it. I'm frustrated because I can't be there to teach them.  It can be a vicious cycle.

I've also discovered that distance learning is time consuming. It takes me at least three times longer to create a lesson.  It reminds me of planning for a substitute.  Every little detail must be spelled out. Instructions must be clear and in language a little person can read and understand.   Pictures must be made to accompany directions.  Not only does this take lots of extra time and thought, it takes tons of printer ink.  Go digital you say.   This isn't an option so.... back to the printer...

One thing I have discovered to be invaluable (and yes, it is digital) for distance learning are Boom Cards.  I've always thought they were awesome with their bright colors and engaging format and teacher feedback. But now, they are better than awesome.  They no longer are only used to support or reinforce a lesson, they have become a great tool for helping kids to learn at home.   And they are inexpensive.

However long this lasts, I know that we'll all continue to make the best of it. We'll keep creating lessons for our kids and finding ways to connect.   And everyday we get a little closer to putting this behind us (I hope and pray).

Boom Cards!  All Nonfiction (since that is my thing!)


Bees!
Rain Facts 


Butterflies


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Privacy Policy

This blog does not share personal information with third parties nor do I store any information about your visit to this blog other than to analyze (this blog is run by blogger, a Google company so Google analytics are used to provide me with general statistics about my blog readership) and optimize your content and reading experience through the use of cookies.  This blog is published on Facebook and Pinterest sites. This blog is not responsible for their use of cookies. If you wish to turn off the use of cookies you may do so at any time through your specific browser settings.  If you sign up to receive the blog by email, your email will not be added to any other mailing list or sold.  It is simply used to send the blog post to your inbox. No purchases may be made from this website. In order to purchase my resources you must visit the hosting website.   I am not responsible for republished content from this blog on other blogs or websites without my permission. This privacy policy is subject to change without notice and was last updated on August 1, 2019. If you have any questions feel free to contact me directly at kimberlyfrencken@gmail.com

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