Chai And A Chat #76 #ChaiAndAChat #CoronaDiaries

23 Mar 2020 58 Comments

by Ritu in Chai and a Chat Tags: , , , , , ,

Well, hello there everyone! It feels like it is a very different world I am living in, as I type this, compared to last week. Still filled with uncertainty and worry, but more… stark. That is the only way I can describe it.

From this week, I will still be sharing my Chai with you, but these will be my #CoronaDiaries. A view from the eyes of a teacher as well as what is happening in life.

But let’s start with a recap of last week!

  • On Monday, my colleague and I had a course to go to, so off we trotted, and the course was about changes in the curriculum, but each section was peppered with comments basically saying “If we’re still in school,” or “if we finish this year…”. It was hard to think about changes in next year, when this years education was so up in the air. We got confirmation from our colleagues that the class numbers were 20 and 17 respectively, in our two reception classes, out of a posible 30 in each. This was as a result of people self-isolating, if there were symptoms, as directed by the government. The next day a message was sent to confirm that if you as a parent were concerned, then it was up to you if you wanted to keep your children off. That meant a further drop in numbers. Tuesday mine was 19 the others 13. Wednesday was 12 and 8. Thursday was 7 and 5. Friday was 6 and 5… Whether these were scared parents, or self isolators, it remains to be seen, but if I was a parent, I’d have been trying to send them in, knowing that a closure for a LONG TIME was due…
  • We did our best, as a team, to keep upbeat. You know me. I’m always up for silliness. We amalgamated the two classes and really let them do fun stuff, alongside learning, then on Wednesday good old BoJo (don’t know why, I always seem to say Bozo, instead of BoJo, and have to correct myself!) announced blanket school closures as of the end of the school day, on Friday. Even more reason to keep the kids we had in, smiling. So on Thursday, some decided they wanted to go trick or treating. They dressed up from my home corner, and went knocking at the tables in the classroom, shouting “Trick or Treat!”. That wasn’t sufficient so the next stage was them asking us teachers to dress up , in costumes designed for kids… well, you have to indulge in these sillinesses, for the kids, don’t you?
I think I make a great Spidey carrying Goldilocks!
  • We have been using the Pirates theme to base our learning around and had things been normal, this Friday coming was to be our dress up as Pirates day. Well that was obviously not happening, so I talked to my team and we decided we would dress up to entertain the kids who turned up at least, on their last day. Kudos to the ladies who work in my class. They know the lengths I would go to and they heartily joined in. The other class, not so much, but at least the children were all going to be together, so they all benefitted from our silliness!
Meet my crew! That is me, Captain Stinky Jo, the Lady Buccaneer, on the left!
  • But what of these school closures? What was going to happen to us all? Despite the announcements made to the nation on Wednesday, the government still hadn’t cleared up a huge amount of niggly information needed for these closures to take place. He told the world that school was closed for everyone, except the children of keyworkers (detailing only three examples; front line NHS workers, delivery drivers and police), vulnerable children, and those with EHCP plans (children with complex educational needs, who have an agreed plan.) this brought up a quagmire of questions from parents and schools alike; Am I a key worker? If this is social distancing, why are teachers not allowed to stay at home? What are we going to do with our children? Who needs to be in school and who doesn’t? Well, there were no real clear answers until Friday morning, by which time, so many rumours and theories had been thrown around, that no one really knew what was real and what was suggested. To cut a long story short (ish) we are all still going to be in, in our school, as I write this (plans could change at any moment) and four teachers will be with the children who will be allowed to come in. They will be split into two age groups, and there is to be no official curriculum learning happening, more a childcare facility, with more arts, crafts, music, story, PE, creativity. How many children we have will change daily, depending on the shifts people work. It has been made clear that if you have the chance to keep your child at home, it is safer for them, rather than sending them to school, but we are here to support. We will be using the Joe Wicks live streaming PE at 9am every morning, to get the kids going, and I have even got a friend who will be doing three live Learn Bhangra sessions for an alternative physical activity too. May get the kids up and dancing.
  • As for the rest of the weekend, I was nervously excited because I had my radio interview, didn’t I? But no, it was postponed because the virus talk went on and on. The editor didn’t want to just squeeze me in, so we will be rescheduling. Disappointing, but it makes sense. I comfort ate cake instead!
  • Right, enough of that… So, the weekend was also Mother’s Day here. The kids hadn’t bought me cards, but Lil Princess painted me a picture, and Lil Man wrote me a card with some of his loose change taped to the back! 😂Then we popped over to see Mum in law to drop off some flowers for her, and came back home, after finally locating some beer for Hubby Dearest (this panic buying led to NO BEER! Tragedy!) We even squeezed a rather windy, brisk family walk to the prom, in the afternoon too! I had a lovely chat with my own mummy too.
  • I have to be honest. Yesterday was the first time I allowed everything that is happening to get to me. Maybe it was because it was Mother’s Day and I wasn’t able to see my mum. Maybe it was hearing that my best friend’s husband is unwell, suspected Covid-19 and he’s a paramedic. Maybe it’s because I’m scared because I am going to work tomorrow, while my family are safe at home… But I cried. A little. I am going to have to be so much more stringent with everything. We have told my in-laws, categorically, that we won’t be coming round now, unless an absolute emergency. There are two diabetics in that house, a heart patient, an asthma sufferer and one with a weak chest. We’d rather video call them, and see them healthy, rather than risk passing the virus on to them as we are more out than them, especially me. I will have to get in, shower and change my clothes before greeting my own family, with an el-bump, rather than a hug. I am going to miss hugs, from my babes at school, and my friends and family. I live for hugs. I want you all to start air hugging right now. Wrap your arm around yourself, and give yourself a huge squeeze. Imagine, me standing in front of you doing the same. That is my hug to you ALL!
My Hug to you ❤

My final words to you this week, as I prepare myself for what will be a scary, strange week, will be please stay safe, stay at home.

Love you lots, Peeps ❤

Seva is the Sikh principle of Serving Selflessly

58 Comments (+add yours?)

  1. Jennie
    Mar 28, 2020 @ 11:41:49

    Sending you a hug across the ocean! ❤️

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  2. Marje @ Kyrosmagica
    Mar 26, 2020 @ 07:20:47

    Hi Ritu. Stay safe. I’m so proud of you but worried for your safety too. I’m very worried as it looks like my hubby David has virus. I’m working from home, keeping an eye on him and both daughters here. Likely we will all get it. But trying best to keep everything disinfected. Scary to say the least. My work kept us in longer than they should have done. Business over lives. It must be happening all over country.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • Ritu
      Mar 26, 2020 @ 07:40:22

      Oh my goodness, Marje!
      Wish David a healthy recovery. My best friends hubby had it too. The first few days we’re awful, but he’s come out the other side. He’s a paramedic. She works in the NHS. They have a 2 year old…
      Thing is the thinking is that this has been round longer than we knew, and many may have already had it and not known… I had a random.bout where 10 students were off in one go for a week. Staff have had strange coughs that have lingered…
      But time will only tell.
      Thinking of you all. Stay safe 💜💜💜💜

      Like

      Reply

  3. robbiesinspiration
    Mar 25, 2020 @ 15:27:50

    Scary stuff, Ritu. Its a bit tough that you are having to work and put yourself at risk but those kids do need carers or the vital services people won’t be able to work.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  4. Midnightlion
    Mar 25, 2020 @ 10:17:13

    Hi everyone, click this link for the amazing plan for Saturday!
    https://penableme.wordpress.com/2020/03/25/saturdays-plans-a-must-read/

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  5. Jacquie Biggar
    Mar 24, 2020 @ 17:37:10

    Sending you a heartfelt air-hug right back, Ritu. Be safe ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  6. H.R.R. Gorman
    Mar 24, 2020 @ 01:59:59

    Good luck – while every profession us screwed right now, teaching has got to be one of the most stressful.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  7. True friend
    Mar 23, 2020 @ 21:03:47

    nice write up.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  8. Leanne
    Mar 23, 2020 @ 19:07:43

    Such humanity and a voice for us 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  9. dearanonymousfriend
    Mar 23, 2020 @ 16:33:07

    Thank you for being available to those children that need you. No hugs is difficult and hard, but considered yourself air hugged. A friend suggested a week ago, since we are all inside now, that elbow pokes probably aren’t the best as everyone is coughing and sneezing into their elbows! He said to just kick each other! Nothing like a good kick to say I love you! Praying for you and yours during this season. ❤ Cathi

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  10. OIKOS™-Publishing
    Mar 23, 2020 @ 15:59:35

    What a wonderful posting, even its a scary time, you are very motivating too, Sis.
    The image of your team is amazing, and your choice of words in the posting “self isolators, amalagame” ist so funny. Lol
    Look out of the windows. I hope, on the aisle the sun is shinning too. Best wishes, and stay save. Michael

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  11. Rebecca Moon Ruark
    Mar 23, 2020 @ 14:33:29

    Just did give myself a big hug, so thank you for that! It took me a week for the reality to set in. I had my first real big cry yesterday, too, after my choir director (no Mass, no choir) sent a choral piece on YouTube for us to listen to. It was so gorgeous, it made me weep. As much as I am made for isolation (INTJ that I am) I miss having the option to do the things I love with those who share my interests. Never have I been more thankful for this blogging community–for sure! Hugs!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  12. Erika
    Mar 23, 2020 @ 13:34:57

    We all need to be patient and thoughtful in order to save others. That is the best love and proof of love we can give these days. I hope the situation in your school clarifies soon. It seems to be a big confusion in the UK.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  13. Darlene
    Mar 23, 2020 @ 11:50:54

    Hugs back to you my dear. We will weather this storm. As long as everyone stays home. We are not visiting hubby’s elderly parents either. But connecting through social media. Best to be safe. xo

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  14. Mary Smith
    Mar 23, 2020 @ 11:35:33

    Hugs back, Ritu. Take care.

    Like

    Reply

  15. The Story Reading Ape
    Mar 23, 2020 @ 10:57:34

    🦍🤗❤️❤️🤗🦍 from the old ape, Ritu

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  16. Midnightlion
    Mar 23, 2020 @ 10:02:24

    Hi Ritu, nice pictures, I have to say you do look quite terrifying in that pirate costume! I give you my air hug too 🤗. Have a safe, healthy week Ritu ❤️🙏 and thank you for taking the time to share your week with us, I love your chai and a chats!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  17. IreneDesign2011
    Mar 23, 2020 @ 06:34:14

    Take good care of yourself and yours, Ritu ❤
    This is scaring times, but we choose, how to view it.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  18. potatosandwich
    Mar 23, 2020 @ 06:26:30

    Stay upbeat and positive. Sometimes a reset like this is a good thing. Our faith stays ‘God, whatever you do is sweet’.
    Stay blessed.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  19. johnrieber
    Mar 23, 2020 @ 06:22:30

    These are unknown times, and a “new normal” awaits…we will get through this, but it’s a challenge the likes of which we haven’t faced in a generation…

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

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