I don’t know why they call it the “New Normal” because there is nothing normal about it. It’s hard to believe it’s only been 4 days since school closed and I saw my students last. I know as educators there have been times when we’ve thought “I wish I had a snow day, another day of vacation or a surprise day off” – well this is not that. It even FEELS different than a typical snow day. We are all worried about our students and not just what we need to teach them. We want to know they are safe and happy.
I feel like I’m stuck in a loop cycle of “unprecedented, fluid, social distancing, new normal”. I hear those words more than any other words. There are 4 vocabulary lessons just in those words. These words don’t bring a lot of comfort and usually just more questions. There are LOTS of questions and that contributes to the anxiety we all feel because there is so much uncertainty in this new normal.
President Trump, Governor Baker (Governor of MA), Mayor Walsh (Mayor of Boston) have become my new ‘best friends’ as they visit my living room and hang out with me more than of my other friends. I’ve never listened to the news more than I have in the past week, just listening for that one piece of new information and to see what has changed since the last update.
The new normal is difficult for our young children and even teens to understand. Wait- what am I saying? Even for some adults. COVID-19 is NOT like the flu. It is too easy to bring it home and unknowingly pass it on to grandparents or others more susceptible. This unprecedented event is difficult for many to understand and there are still many more questions than there are answers (when are we going back to school? Why can’t I play with my friends? How am I going to teach my students?).
I’ve read the articles, seen the maps, lists and various scenarios. Social Distancing has become the new normal and to think that a few weeks ago I didn’t even know what social distancing was.
I am proud to be an educator and to see all of the educators around the world coming together. Teachers are responsible for more than teaching their students. They build relationships, listen, provide food and security and so much more. The world is seeing the educators that will still do anything to reach their students. They WANT to teach and connect with their students during these unprecedented times no matter what barriers they face.
Our heroes right now are our educators working from home, health care workers, first responders, and grocery store clerks. They are on the front lines and doing whatever they can to support their communities. I am proud to see everyone that IS coming together to support their communities and local, small businesses during a time of crisis. #bettertogether
We don’t even know the implications and ripple effects this COVID-19 health crisis will have on the future. A widening achievement gap, the digital divide, a baby boom, a greater appreciation for family and nature, learning to take the gift of time… and so much more.
My new normal includes setting up a routine, getting in some exercise and vitamin D, reading for enjoyment, binge watching Grey’s Anatomy, and even watching Frozen 2 with the teens… not to mention turning 50!
What is YOUR new normal?
