Chai And A Chat #89 #ChaiAndAChat #CoronaDiaries Week 13

22 Jun 2020 54 Comments

by Ritu in Chai and a Chat, Thoughts Opinions & Memories Tags: , , , , , ,

Hello, my dear Peeps!

Week thirteen… lucky for some, they say.

Got a drink? Right then…

  • Monday loomed ahead of me, last week. Back in school FULL TIME! I was looking forward to it, but dreading it as well. And…
  • It wasn’t that bad! I had a third of my children back. They have all grown so much, and though I was exopecting some emotional outbursts, the little lovelies settled right back in. We have a different TA in our class, but she is someone who is familiar. The difference was we have another teacher in, in the afternoon, so my lead and I have time to get set for September, with class lists, different policies etc. and planning and preparation for this class.
  • I reckon about an hour of the day is taken up with lining up ad hand washing. Some children are positiely surgical about it. Some a bit slapdash, but we send them back!
  • The children are dealing with a change in timetable, and a change in what they are allowed to use in the classroom. I am sure they find that rather strange, seeing as they had more or less free rein in the room, before. But, I am getting more one to one time with them, so that is wonderful. I can really see which children are flourishing, and which ones have stepped back, so need the extra support. It does make me wonder what sort of catch up we will have to do with the rest of the class coming back.
  • The world is strange, having to be in a bubble. But we are adapting, slowly.
  • Being back at school has knocked me for six, though, I tell you. I haave been exhausted, falling asleep early, most nights, apart from the first, where I was overtired, and ended up awake until 2am. That meant a zombiefied Ritu on Tuesday!
  • In other news, an update on our feline child, Sonu Singh. I think he may be broken… either that, or he’s too plump for the box, choosing to lay on the flap instead!
  • It was Father’s Day on Sunday which was lovely. After Hubby Dearest had his lie in, we got ready and went for a socially distanced lunch with the in-laws then chilled together at home. I spoke at lenght to Pops too, and only wished I could be there to see him, and get one of his legendary hugs. The present I got for him still hasn’t arrived and this is really frustrating me, but it will arrive soon enough.
  • I was also blessed with this comment on Instagram, this week. Fancy being someone’s favourite read! And another reader told me they were about to reread it! I feel on cloud nine. Now, someone give me time to write book two, please! If you want to have a read, click here.

This week, as well as being back at school, I have a meeting to discuss the plans for next academic year, with regards to what I will be doing. Will I be in the same year group? A different one? Who knows?

Oh, and while you’re here, did you sign up for my mailing list? I am in the middle of writing an exclusive Chickpea Curry Lit story for my subscribers, and there will be news, tips and even recipes! You know you want to join… go on! Click the pic below to sign up!

What have you been up to?

Stay safe, my dear friends!

54 Comments (+add yours?)

  1. Jennie
    Jun 27, 2020 @ 02:24:09

    It’s wonderful once the children are back. We finally reopen – since March – to a small group over the summer. This will help us get a feel for all the changes. We can’t have more than 10 in a group, and there can be no mixing of teachers and children. A group, or a classroom, is set as a unit. The guidelines include staggered arrivals, and no sharing of toys whatsoever. Hopefully things will ease up before September. Masks are the big issue in preschools, for children and also teachers.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  2. H.R Phoenix, Author
    Jun 26, 2020 @ 11:06:31

    Hi Ritu, I hope you are well and happy 😊
    The Penable Magazine 2020 is out NOW and available as an ebook on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Penable-Magazine-2020-H-R-Phoenix-ebook/dp/B08BR1WM42/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Penable+magazine+2020&qid=1593165930&sr=8-1

    It has your writing tips in an article there.
    I hope you buy it and enjoy it and I would appreciate it if you could spread the news also!!
    Thank you,
    Phoenix

    Like

    Reply

  3. Marje @ Kyrosmagica
    Jun 24, 2020 @ 18:26:04

    I’m dreading going back to work, not sure when it will be as I am still on furlough. I think I’ve forgotten everything! And will be so tired like you are when I go back. Take care, all best, Marje x

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  4. Maria Mocha
    Jun 24, 2020 @ 02:56:02

    I am also back in the classroom. I am a kid’s English teacher at a training center. It is really going to take time for me to get back used to physically being there. Love the photo of your cat. Too cute. That photo of you and your Dad is precious.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  5. Rae Longest
    Jun 23, 2020 @ 01:22:27

    I always enjoy your posts–this one especially!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  6. charlypriest
    Jun 23, 2020 @ 00:13:54

    This is news here in Spain, the schools are open there in the U.K. That was nice to heare, I guess is not going to be as normal but at least you guys are starting the process of some sort of normality. By the way it´s 1 a.m in the morning here, what are you doing up? Party girl…..

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  7. syl65
    Jun 22, 2020 @ 22:28:46

    We’re waiting to see how our schools will be/look once they open. There have been so many possibilities thrown on the table but it is anyone’s guess. Hang in there, Sister 💜 oh, I guess Mr. Sonu has developed a new normal 😄

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  8. Erika
    Jun 22, 2020 @ 20:02:53

    I can imagine how difficult it is for the mind and the body to fit into the old new schedule again. Regarding the zombie feeling because of sleep disorder … knowing this too well. So, I hope you are adjusting soon again. Take good care, sis 💖

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  9. OIKOS™-Publishing
    Jun 22, 2020 @ 19:53:51

    Well done, Sis! Wait all all will come back into school. Remember myself how nice it was going to school, every day. Don’t be too surprised. I’m also sleepy every day at 4 p.m. But before I haven’t had to deal with a lot of squealing little monsters. Lol
    I just imagine that I would have to teach at your school, in English language. Everyone talks slang, not BBC English. Last week i got some experiences with the London Slang.
    I am sure, women are indeed the better teachers. Be well, stay save, and enjoy the evening. Michael
    P.S.:Sonu is guarding the door to his home, against the virus. 😉

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  10. johnrieber
    Jun 22, 2020 @ 16:29:41

    Terrific to hear that your return to the classroom was positive, and that the kids are dealing with this seismic disruption in our lives!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  11. Steve Tanham
    Jun 22, 2020 @ 14:50:49

    Oh, that photo of you and your Dad, Ritu. Wonderful. Such love and warmth. Say hi when you can. 😎

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  12. jenanita01
    Jun 22, 2020 @ 10:54:17

    I think you are handling the school problem very well, Ritu, even though it must be very difficult…
    Can I ask how you post those images from Instagram?

    Like

    Reply

  13. willowdot21
    Jun 22, 2020 @ 10:11:07

    Busy week for you Hun, remember one step at a time 💜

    Liked by 1 person

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  14. Toni Pike
    Jun 22, 2020 @ 10:00:31

    That was so interesting, Ritu. Hope All goes well with the return to school. Toni x

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  15. potatosandwich
    Jun 22, 2020 @ 08:18:05

    Good luck with school and back to full time. I just came off Furlough and back last week, still finding it a challenge to adjust.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  16. robbiesinspiration
    Jun 22, 2020 @ 05:22:33

    What happens with the other children, Ritu? Are they in a different class? My sons school has re-opened but the boys only have 5 days of school in a 10 school day cycle. The classes are pure teaching now with all the practicing at home. I haven’t sent mine back yet as Michael and my mom are both high risk. It is so hard to know what to do. I worry I am being over protective and then I think but what if he gets sick, maybe very sick? Have a good week 2.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • Ritu
      Jun 22, 2020 @ 07:06:38

      Parents were given a choice if they felt confident consent children back. We created bubbles with the one’s whonsaud yes. The others are at home. Their parents are still worried about virus and whether their children will be able to deal with social distancing.

      Liked by 1 person

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