Virtual School in August

Without knowing how long the kids would have to do virtual school, we had to adapt. Last semester, we made it work with just one computer, because Logan really was the only one who had digital work that needed to be turned in, even though the whole school district went with a Pass or Fail grade for the semester. 

On the first day of school, I set up Taylor on the computer in the office. I gave Kendall my old phone for chats and the Apple laptop for work. She was in the piano room. And I gave Logan the iPad. He was in the kitchen. It did not work well at all! The computer was fine. But the phone was too outdated for the app they used for chats and the laptop was too difficult to use. The iPad was also too outdated for the chats and not easy to work on. I ended up having to give Kendall and Logan my phone so that they could participate in the chats. That day, William went to Costco and ordered two computers, which would be delivered two days later. We made it work again for two more days, but it was painful.  Finally, with three computers, everyone's life was much better and easier.

Kendall did really well with virtual school. She was on time to the LIVE meetings most of the time. She always finished her work and turned it in. My only concern was that she wasn't busy enough. She had a lot of free time, which she filled with tv watching. I wasn't thrilled about that, but it was too hot to do anything outside.

I had to be behind Logan, for sure. I actually put reminders on my phone so that he could be on time to his LIVE meetings. Between the 3 of them, I had 15 reminders on my phone. But Logan was really the only one I needed to drag out to the computer. He was either reading in his room or watching tv in the playroom. I constantly had to make sure his work was turned in. Who is this kid?

Taylor did really well! He was always on time to his LIVE meetings. In fact, he was usually early. We occasionally encountered some technical difficulties, and he was always so worked up because he didn't want to miss his meetings. He almost always turned his work in, and when he didn't, it was because he needed help. He was very good at asking for help when needed, though.

The kids finally went back to school on September 21. By then, we'd gotten the hang of this whole virtual learning, though. Still, I think being at school is better for them. They need the interaction. They need the focus. It was a happy day when they went back.