If we were having coffee, we would still be practising social distance and chatting virtually. I would tell you that time does seem to be passing quickly as I am kept busy during the week on the tasks I have set for myself with regards to my remote teaching – the weekend seems to sneak up on me. Working does keep me grounded and helps me to know what day of the week it is.
If we were having coffee, I would tell you that yesterday (it being Saturday), I felt bored. I felt like I wanted to burst out of the walls surrounding me – and I felt like this despite having gone out for an hour’s walk in the morning. I think what I am craving is the connection with other people besides my husband and daughters. I miss going to work and interacting with both my students and colleagues. I miss going to the gym and exercising with others in my group fitness classes. And I miss meeting up with friends and seeing them right in front of me while we chat and drink coffee together. What does save me from my frustration is the knowledge that we are all in the same boat. I am just grateful that I am not living alone – and that I get on with the people that I do live with.
If we were having coffee, I would tell you that the virtual meetings with my students went well this week. I had placed them in small groups and each day of the week I made contact with one group of my students. We did the activity that I had prepared and they responded well. My aim was to get them speaking – in French – and I was so happy when they did. In the upcoming week, I will meet with students again through Google Meet with the aim of getting them to speak so that they do not lose the oral ground we had made during the school year.
If we were having coffee, I would tell you that the breaking news in our province is that the opening date for schools to re-open has been pushed to 31 May. Another 5 weeks minimum of isolating will be hard on us all. I am just hoping that schools do open in June as I would love to see my group of students before the end of the school year.
If we were having coffee, I would tell you that my upcoming week will look similar to my past week with one difference – my daughter will be turning twenty! We are currently thinking of ways to celebrate her big day. 🙂 May your week be enjoyable – and may you have many positive moments.
What would you tell me if we were having coffee?
© Colline Kook-Chun, 2020
(This post is linked to Eclectic Ali and the Weekend Coffee Share)
Twenty! 🙂 🙂 There are going to be so many never to be forgotten birthdays in this couple of months, Colline. I hope you can make it special for her.
LikeLike
We are going to do our best. In three weeks, it will be my other daughter’s 19th birthday. When all this is done we will be taking them both out to dinner.
LikeLike
🙂 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
If we were having coffee, I would tell you that today is my wife’s birthday, and since her gift involved travel, that’s now in the “IOU” pile! I would also wish you all the best in handling the next 5 weeks, and hope that we all do, indeed, safely begin to go back to a “new normal” by June 1!
LikeLike
Happy birthday to your wife John. That trip in the future will be doubly enjoyed after this time of isolation.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much – it will!
LikeLike
I”m so sorry you were bored yesterday! I’m glad though that knowing we’re all in this together helps you. It helps me too.
Elementary schools will be opening again on May 11 here, but secondary schools will remain closed till June 1 at least. The reasoning is that children under 12 apparently aren’t as susceptible to this virus. That being said, I really hope you can see your students some before the end of the school year.
LikeLike
When we do re=open society and the economy, I think they will stagger it. I think, though, that they will open the elementary and high schools at the same time.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Colleen,
It sounds like you have this teaching through the straw of Zoom nailed. I use it too and it does work fairly well, but I miss the sound of normal voices and laughter and shaking of hands.
On the other hand – I feel so blessed because we are healthy, employed, safe and comfortable. We’re able to get everything we need and many of the things we just want – as long as I wear that mask to get it. . .
I’m glad you and your students are safe and well and progressing through life. Hopefully the memories we are making will prove to be significant and even funny.
But I’m sure anxious for them to become memories. . .
Blessings.
LikeLike
It has taken a while Gary, but I am used to it now. But, like you say, I miss the comfort of touch and the energy of a roomful of kids. Hopefully the COVID experience will become a memory sooner rather than later.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congrats on continuing to give your students food for thought and appreciating their progress Colline. It’s quite a struggle I’m sure. Schools here in SC have announced they will not open until the new school year in September as has my granddaughter’s school in NYC. I feel so sad for the kids, especially those who should be enjoying their final year and all of the fun that goes with graduating. Of course, this too shall pass but for them it will never be the same.
LikeLike
I agree – it is a sad thing Tina. I am hoping that we get to see our students for a while in June – the kids really need to see their friends and socialise a little.
LikeLike
I can’t wait for that first coffee shop outing with friends – not sure how it will be work at a social distance – we’ll all be gabbing at the rate of 100 miles an hour, catching up on what we’ve all missed (despite the phone calls and the video chats over the past weeks) – the noise level would be amazing, no one will probably hear anything properly! Mind you, at least we’ve all been able to stay in touch and we’ll be celebrating missed birthdays and anniversaries in a big way.
LikeLike
It probably be a bit strange at first – and then it will seem like we haven’t been apart 😀
LikeLike
Discussing yesterday with friends we all agreed our first ‘social’ could be outdoors, in a park, with our own cuppas, at a social distance!
LikeLike
That sounds perfect!
LikeLike
First of all, I would probably say hi and hug you if we were passed this virus. I have been teaching virtually also, but it’s not the same. I didn’t think I’d miss my kids, but I do, I miss my co-workers also.
I’ve been self isolating since spring break (3/13). I take care of my elderly father on Sunday’s and so I know I need to be careful. I’m kept busy also, but my focus is challenged so I have not accomplished what I would like to and I haven’t written in my blog at all.
More than anything, I miss traveling to see my grown children as they live away from me. I can’t wait for the opportunity to see and hug them again. Stay safe!
LikeLike
The time will come when we are able to go out into the world and give one another a comforting touch. Until then stay healthy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Online teaching mechanism is proving to be a blessing, thanks to internet. But what about those students who can’t afford a smartphone, let alone a laptop? I hope schools do have a plan for such underprivileged children.
LikeLike
Our school board has actually given out iPads and chrome books to children who do not have any at home – as well as purchased internet sticks so they can have access to the internet. They are ensuring that no child be left behind.
LikeLike
Happy Happy Birthday to your daughter! Best wishes for your new week ☺️
LikeLike
Thank you. May you have a good week too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLike