“The only way to make sense of change, is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.”
Alan Watts
Thanks, Spidey, for another corker.
Change.
It’s all around us, right now.
Eight weeks ago, we were all faced with a rather sudden change. Lockdown.
That was a tough cookie to swallow, but we had to do it for our safety, as well as the wellbeing of loved ones, friends and the wider community.
Then we all got comfortable.
Used to stepping two metres away from people, no hugs or handshakes, unless in your household. Used to queueing to get into a grocery store. Used to phone consultations with your health providors. Used to working from home. Used to the same faces around you, 24/7. Used to (for some, at least) home schooling.
And now we are faced with the next change. People tentatively going back to work. We’ve already become comfortable with our new normal. Easing back into the old one is the only way forward, given the risk of a second spike of infections.
If things work as the government want, then stage two will be of the easing, and that includes going back to schools for some pupils. I know I’ve already voiced my concerns about the government already giving a date to the wider public.
They said, at the earliest, June 1st.
The thing is that date is now fixed in everyone’s head. That it will happen then for definite. Some are worried it’s too soon. Some can’t wait to get their kids back to school. Most are just not sure.
But I have to keep reminding myself it is still a possible date of return. And when we do, the way we operate will be hugely different to normal school. I just don’t exactly know in what way it will be different. Smaller classes, less year groups in. That I know. It’s just how it will all pan out.
So, right now, all I can do, and all we can do, is wait, and try and embrace the changes, adhering to what we are advised, and hoping for the best.
But rest assured, I haven’t been sitting on my arse all this time, fully paid, doing nothing, as a certain evil cretin called Katie Hopkins has suggested all teachers are, on Twitter. (I’m not giving her the pleasure of sharing her tweet on my blog, but if you want to check it out, she had it pinned to her profile – stupit, stupid woman. Seething.)
I have been in with children some days, and at home, planning work, setting work, marking work, looking at plans for the future, and doing courses to make my teaching better in the long run. As well as looking after my own family too.
I had to mention that because it came to my attention that there are many folk who seem to think that is the situation for all teachers at the moment. Doing nothing, and being lazy, and now also selfish if anyone has said they don’t feel it’s the right time to go back…
So… tell me, if you are a parent, how are you feeling about schools opening?
Have a peaceful Sunday Peeps And enjoy your week! ❤
But I Smile Anyway... 
Jul 06, 2020 @ 15:58:53
Schools should be the last tjing to open. Btw Love the Alan Watts quote!
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Jul 06, 2020 @ 17:05:15
But the kids are suffering lack of decent education… What to do?
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Jul 06, 2020 @ 17:18:47
I agree. Its not an ideal situation. But when most people are in a state of panic and the trajectory of the pandemic leaves us with more questions than answers – i think courage, innovation, patience and adaptation are what we need – by parents, teachers, children.
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Jul 06, 2020 @ 17:20:37
And we’re trying to be the calm.ines!
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May 21, 2020 @ 12:13:50
What an idiot Katie must be. I have been working longer hours than ever, like you. And, we don’t even get to see the children in person. No hugs, no smiles.
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May 21, 2020 @ 14:31:00
It makes my blood boil!
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May 22, 2020 @ 01:55:40
Yup!
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May 17, 2020 @ 20:44:44
I feel June is too soon Ritu…unless there is a proper plan in place. Health is everything!
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May 17, 2020 @ 20:45:08
Let’s see what govt decides!
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May 17, 2020 @ 19:30:57
That woman is a professional twat. Ignore it. 99% think you guys are amazing. If she could do your job it would change her view.
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May 17, 2020 @ 19:45:26
If she could do any job, it’d be a miracle !
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May 17, 2020 @ 19:12:16
I don’t like the changes Sis it’s too soon , I am scared 💜
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May 17, 2020 @ 19:22:25
I know, sis 💜
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May 17, 2020 @ 19:24:07
💜💜💜💜
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May 17, 2020 @ 19:10:48
Remote learning, utilizing A LOT of time on the computer screen, is certainly not my preferred mode of teaching. But then none of this is preferred. While my boys’ teachers aren’t teaching like they did before this pandemic, they’re still teaching–it just looks different (and requires a lot of preparation and organization and technology savvy). People like that Katie woman are too dense to see. A friend of mine has a two year old, a baby, and pre-teen and teenage stepkids. She’s also a teacher, so she’s working and juggling that crew–all from home, all day, every day. I appreciate everything you teachers do, and I really miss my kids’ getting the in-school experience, but I can wait until it’s safe. Stay safe, Ritu!
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May 17, 2020 @ 19:24:26
Thanks Rebecca, I know you’d understand. And yes, with families of our own. And we are the first to admit that teaching your own kids is the hardest thing!
It is such an alien situation. What can we do? You stay safe too xxx
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May 17, 2020 @ 18:26:28
My sons teachers all jumped straight into on-line learning when the schools closed in late March. They are now all on-line learning again after our school term started on 5 May. The programme is hugely improved and I think our poor teachers must have worked right through the holidays to get this all sorted out. A huge commitment of time, effort and devotion to their jobs. I never heard such nonsense as what you have described was in that thoughtless tweet. I think teachers are saints at the best of times.
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May 17, 2020 @ 18:41:08
Bless you and thank you Robbie.
I think most people know that, but when some imbecile makes those kinds of statements, and they get the idiotic responses that Katie Hopkins tweet did, it makes my blood boil!
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May 17, 2020 @ 17:35:04
Teachers are doing a great job and I don’t bother what the media cranks on about!! Slowly but surely we will get through this.
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May 17, 2020 @ 18:38:59
Thank you Danny.
Still, things like this, about teachers, and many other things really do get to me, at the moment!
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May 17, 2020 @ 09:54:44
I don’t have children, but as a language teacher, it’s annoying to think how people assume that teachers aren’t doing anything during this time. For me, it has been stressful firstly, trying to adapt to the situation that we have found ourselves in and then, trying to adapt to new ways of teaching and technology, to try and give my students the best lesson I can. I hope the return back to the classroom, is as safe as possible for you and your students.
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May 17, 2020 @ 12:22:34
Thank you. You know what I mean, being a teacher. The stress of the situation is there for us all. Let’s see what happens, going forward. Stay safe.
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May 17, 2020 @ 17:12:04
Dont be angry! Katie Hopkins’s statement can be explained.
Here is an transed excerpt from the German Wikipedia articel to Katie Hopkins:
“As a child, she believed she would eventually be the colonel of the armed forces. I loved the military. I loved the discipline, the rigor, the big screaming men.”
Lol – Any further questions? Michael
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May 17, 2020 @ 18:38:23
She is a fully fledged idiot, Bro, we all know that, but it doesn’t stop us getting so annoyed at her stupid comments!
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May 17, 2020 @ 19:13:13
So true! Dont worry!
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May 17, 2020 @ 09:38:03
Don’t let the likes of Katie Hopkins rattle your cage, Ritu. She wouldn’t last a day as a teacher in a class of 30 under 6’s! It’s an uncertain time and everyone is best-guessing on what to do next. It is down to us now, as individuals, to make the decision on what is best for our families and their safety. Going back on the 1st is not compulsory, as yet, and I’m sure many parents are feeling that same strain of making a decision on whether to send their kids back or not. Our desperate attempt to find normal is a human extinct. We’ll find out soon enough if it was the right one to follow.
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May 17, 2020 @ 09:40:35
I think it’s hard because tons extent, we’re all used to an expected way of living, and this has just thrown us all…
Katie Hopkins… 😡 I’d slap her if I could!
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May 17, 2020 @ 10:48:54
That’s true. I’m aware of families who are really struggling through this, and friends who can’t handle the isolation. We are being tested to our limits with a silent killer watching over us, waiting for us to slip up.
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May 17, 2020 @ 12:22:49
Just waiting….
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