The first day of “remote learning” was not a good one. I literally cried and I am not a crier. I yelled at my kids and I am NOT a yeller. The technology didn’t work right, kids didn’t understand the content and I had zero idea what they were supposed to be doing, we didn’t have a working schedule because I had no clue how much time to allot for this new learning experiment. . . It was bad.
We are now in a much better groove with a schedule that works, kids who know how to log in to all their various programs, and I’ve gotten a better handle on what content they’re supposed to be learning. It’s actually starting to feel a little like fun. But still, I’m longing for the summer schedule in a way I never have before. How great would it be to have them home, but not have the expectations of this “remote learning” experiment?
So I’m counting down. With a paper chain, obviously. Each chain has something written on it that we’ll have as a potential activity for that evening when we rip it down. It’s beautiful to me that we have all our evenings free. ALL. OF. THEM. I can’t remember the last time that was true. Maybe never? So I want to have some intentionality about embracing this time we can spend together instead of spending it all dreaming about the good old days when I used to have plans.
I posted about this project on my Facebook page and had people ask for the list of activities I came up with for the 28 days of school my kids have left. I’m sharing them here with some explanations so you can figure out what might work best for your family. If you try it, I’d love to see a picture of what you came up with! I think it’s important to note that I’ve told the kids it’s an OPTIONAL activity for that night if we want to do it. Some of them are outside activities and if the weather doesn’t permit, then we won’t do it. Some nights we might decide we have other plans we want to try. These aren’t things we have to do, but I’m willing to do them if it works. So here’s the list:
-Special dessert: I put this one on a couple different slips of paper because it’s easy and always a hit. They won’t be mad that we did it multiple times.
-Read aloud night: Our littlest kids still get read to, but we rarely do it as a whole family.
-Popsicle walk: Take a walk as a family. Eat popsicles while we walk.
-Spa night: Foot baths, hand massages, face masks, scented candles, mood lighting, soothing sounds, the works.
-Popcorn party: I’ll make popcorn and probably throw some m&ms into it to make it fancy. We’ll watch a show together.
-Sidewalk chalk and bubbles: I’m kind of hoping they’ll let me read a book and watch, but we’ll see.
-Family movie night: We usually only do long movies on the weekends, so this would be a special treat.
-Lego Challenge: We’ve been loving “Lego Masters” so we’ll do a lego making competition between the kids.
-“Phineas and Ferb” night: Pick your family’s favorite cartoon. Watch it.
-Picnic dinner: Haven’t decided yet if we’ll have picnic-type foods or whatever I was already planning on making, just on a blanket in the yard.
-Family talent show: This should be interesting. . . or cringeworthy. . . likely both.
-Board game night: Maybe we’ll do one game all together, maybe have some different options.
-No dinner chores: More work for me, but I don’t mind if they’ll just leave the kitchen so I can have some alone time.
-Family walk: We might take a neighborhood stroll, or maybe drive somewhere scenic to walk.
-Pudding buffet: I’ll make chocolate and vanilla pudding and put out possible topping options– sprinkles, cool whip, chocolate sauce, pretzels, chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, whatever you can think of.
-Cornhole Tournament: There’s got to be a better name for this game, but you know the one and we have the boards and bags. You could do any kind of yard game tournament that works for your family.
-“Barbie: Life in the Dreamhouse” marathon: If you haven’t watched this show, you’re missing out. It is hilarious. But you could pick any show your kids love.
-Skype with Nana and Papa: Have faraway relatives? Make a date with them!
-Walk in nature: We’ve got a a teeny forrest a few blocks away, so we’ll go exploring.
-Tea party: I will make tea and have some little snacks. Black tie optional.
-Roommate swap: My kids share rooms. We’ll let them switch it up for the night.
-Stargazing: Back deck, blankets, and the app that helps us identify constellations.
-Make your own dinner: They love getting to pick (although they usually just do cereal). I love not having to make dinner. Win/win.
-Puzzle night: I love puzzles and sometimes they love to join me.
-Build a fort: I’m usually a scrooge about these, so I’m going to give it my full blessing for once.
-Craft Challenge: We like to watch “Making It” so we’ll let them do their own craft competition.
I’d love to know if you decided to do any of these or if you came up with your own!
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