Summer is here, but so is COVID-19...

Summer is here, but it sure does not feel like it this year. So much has changed, and many schools have been forced to offer on-line learning instead of the traditional in-person that we have grown to expect and that our kids need in order to truly engage. Parents are wondering if there will be a penalty for not taking advantage of the virtual ESY that is bring offered. I always urge parents to take advantage of whatever services that the school is offering. But if you are having difficulty getting your child interested in seeing the teacher from the "land of faraway", I encourage you to try something different. Try having your child just talk with the teacher through email. Or maybe try other activities that they are interested in such as science experiments, cooking, or gardening. Work on puzzles or make a model. Read a book together or spend some time outside. And if these suggestions don't work, or you already have enough on your plate, don't worry. As soon as states get more guidance about how to open safely, there will be talks about how to assess lost skills and what is the best way to catch your child up.