Rose, bud, thorn...

Home learning got real on May 4th,2020!!!  This was the date that our school made the switch from enrichment to required learning.  

I was a nervous wreck...would my lessons work?  What would my children be doing?  

However, I am optimist and created the perfect schedule with each child's two hour blocks allotted.

Some of my ideas WORKED!  Some of my ideas FAILED.  I am happy to report that everyone finished week one over the weekend with minimal tears and week 2 is on track to finish today for 2 out of 3 of my children.  We plow through Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday then on Wednesday evening we (I) make a Thursday and Friday battle plan to finish the rest.  We have 2 computers and 4 users (3 kids and mom).  However, the older laptop is "glitchy" and not a touch screen.  

My children require support to complete the activities in a timely manner.  I think that they could be more independent if I had more time!

I could comment, philosophize, and complain for pages as could every parent in America.  

Instead, I am going to do an activity that I learned through my children's scout groups.  It is called Rose, Bud, Thorn.  You pick 1 thing you LOVE, 1 thing that you LEARNED, and one thing that you DISLIKE.

So parents I encourage you to silently or in the comments below think about your ROSE, BUD, and THORN.  

ROSE: Spending more time with my children than I will ever get to spend again.  I usually get 2.5 months of summer to run to the park, go to camps, do summer library work, and more.  I will get to be with my children from March 13 until late August.  The first 8 weeks were here together...no obligations...no "rules"...nothing...just TIME together.

BUD:  My children and I get to be learners together.  I am learning right along with them.  We learn about music topics, literacy activities, computers, etc...  I do not have the answers or the perfect ideas.  We get to try new games, crafts, recipes, and so much more.  Plus, I think that I will get to know them as learners.  Who is distractable?  Who is  an auditory learner?  

THORN:  Being the "meany" when work needs done.  It might a beautiful afternoon, but I need 1 hour of work.  Or you might have to quote your resources.  Or you have to finish this topic before playing a game or watching a video.    

Remember that we will get though this!  I added some of our recent art activities...I even did one of them!  

So what are your rose, bud, and thorn?