‘Tis the time of year to celebrate all we’re thankful for and while distance learning is not something we expected to be thankful for, let’s put it on the list. I’ll start with my thanks, then I would love to hear what parts of distance learning you’re thankful for.

Thankful kids and teachers are safe. While distance learning is not what any of us wanted, I’m thankful it is how we can keep kids, teachers and families safe. As hopeful as we have been that it’s almost over, it seems we’re going to doing this a little longer and it’s worth it to be safe and healthy.

Thankful for the technology that makes this learning possible. And thankful kids are adaptable, flexible embracing new technology that will forever be part of their education.

Thankful for all the life skills our kids are learning along the way. Our kids are learning how to adapt when plans change. They are learning how to organize and prioritize their tasks to fit everything in. They are practicing patience while waiting for other kids to catch up or with themselves as they figure things out. They are practicing emotional management, sometimes freaking out and losing control for a minute but bringing things back into focus and digging in to get things accomplished.

Thankful that parents will do whatever they can, so kids will succeed. None of us ever envisioned being quarantined at home, much less working and managing our kids’ classroom time. But we’re doing it!

Thankful for the organization we put in place. I love the reminders we have set on computer and phone and appreciate them keeping us all on track for what has to happen when. The gentle ding of the alarms have become a welcome sound. 

Thankful for a healthy balance of zoom classes and independent work. This is especially good for our right brain kids. Group meetings keep kids connected and motivated socially, and independent work allows kids to learn and work at their own pace, retread when needed, or dig a little deeper.

Thankful we still have time for creative activities. Our right brain kids, all kids, still need to flex those creative muscles. They need to sing, dance, play, do art and make music. If it’s not part of their distance day, there are a multitude of ways to add it in.

Thankful kids are so resilient. As much as we don’t like this season we’re in, our kids are amazing. They’re embracing this new way of doing school.  Every morning, I see my grandson at his desk, in front of his computer. No complaints. It’s just what it is right now. Our kids are learning more than math and English in this season. And I’m thankful to be inspired by their perseverance and willingness.

Next week, we’ll dig into what some of the struggles are, and see if there are ways we can adapt some things to make it easier. But for now, let’s bask in the good. What are you thankful for ?