Distance Learning in York, Maine Day 15

Distance Learning in York, Maine

April 6th, 2020
Day 15

The birthday weekend went well.  Portland Pie pizza was on the menu for dinner, so Jakob was a happy 14 year old.  He facetimed one set of grandparents while he watched the video of birthday wishes and opened his gifts.  Then we facetimed the other set with Auntie and Uncle for the cake portion of the evening.  Overall, all went off without a hitch.  The cake was made by Homespun Bakery, just one street over from us.  She makes vegan items, so this made me a happy momma.

                          


Now here we are at Monday.  We are seeing the sun for the second day in a row.  Yippee!  Lots of walks have been happening since I have been home.  While this is great, it hasn't been so good on my feet.  The two bone spurs on my heels that Dr. Santini found are starting to act up again.  Unfortunately, I'll just walk through the pain.  I have to get outside during all of this!

Another walk did my soul good.  The sun helps so much.  I know I have said that multiple times now.  It just gets me going on other things.  I was able to read some professional texts outside.  That's the best kind of office.

Other than checking in on emails and working on the Literacy website a bit, I did much better with staying away from the computer.  I'm sure some days will be better than others.

A few words from Jakob...

Today I did an exceeds test for math. I hope I get the exceeds! I played outside a lot too. I got a late package from my grandparents and it was a really cool LEGO set! I'll be building that after I finish the one I'm working on right now!

Stay safe and well,
Amber and Jakob

Distance Learning in York, Maine Day 14

Distance Learning in York, Maine

April 3rd, 2020
Day 14

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DEAR JAKOB
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

I can't believe he is fourteen.  We will celebrate tonight with pizza and cake.  He doesn't know it yet, but I had friends and family send videos to wish him a happy day.  Erik compiled them all into one iMovie that we will watch during our small celebration tonight.

A few words from Jakob...

Today was my birthday, and it was awesome. I was on the middle school morning message and started an argumentative essay for Mrs. Parshley. It is about the Reconstruction Era. I did another video for German, but Mr. V said I had the day off and I didn't see that.  Oh well.  It's fun to do.

Stay safe and well,
Amber and Jakob

Distance Learning in York, Maine Day 13

Distance Learning in York, Maine

April 2nd, 2020
Day 13

I tried my best to not be on my computer as much today, but I pretty much failed.  I had books to read, but I always came back to my computer.  It is what it is, but I will keep trying.

So I did something stupid today.

Prologue:  Jakob's birthday is tomorrow.  My mother had me order one of the gifts they wanted to give him so it would come right here.  Okay, makes sense.  He goes outside to play on Wednesday, and there is the gift...a hoverboard...in its box with the picture and all.  So, that had to be opened right away.

I was convinced to try the new gadget outside.  While I had to hold onto someone, I did okay.  Then he wanted me to try it today as he was facetiming his aunt.  So I did.  It didn't end well.  Now I am having a hard time using my left thumb, and there is a big bruise on my palm.

Epilogue: I am sitting on a pillow while doing my work on Friday.  I am not sure when I will be able to do anything with my left hand.

A few words from Jakob...

Today I filmed more for German and made a science recipe for DNA. Luna also helped me color. I used my hover board a lot too. I snuggled with Luna and watched a movie too.

Stay safe and well,
Amber and Jakob

Distance Learning in York, Maine Day 12

Distance Learning in York, Maine

April 1st, 2020
Day 12

Not a lot to report here today.  It was a pretty normal day, well our new normal kind of day.  Every morning, I have been feeding my sourdough starter.  Has anyone else tried this before?  Today was day three of this project.  I can't wait to do the baking on Saturday.

I'm glad Jakob got his puzzle out of the way, so I can start working on a new one.  When I make one, he helps.  But when he found the Red Sox one, he wanted to do it all himself.  

I've been prepping for Jakob's birthday.  We had to make some changes considering cancellations we had to make.  While it's a bummer, we are hoping we have planned some fun things that will make this 14th birthday memorable in a positive way.  I've been doing some things on the downlow that I hope he hasn't figured out yet.

A few words from Jakob...

Today I played outside A LOT and got and accidental early birthday present. It was a hoverboard, and I couldn't even miss the box if I tried. I used that a lot today too. For German I made another video.

Stay safe and well,
Amber and Jakob

Distance Learning in York, Maine Day 11

Distance Learning in York, Maine

March 31st, 2020
Day 11

An update on AAA.  They gave us a full refund on our Disney Park Hopper passes.  I am so surprised. I figured we would get some kind of voucher.  So that is a good thing...

Day 11, and we seem to be in a groove.  This is the first day that elementary schools will be working from their choice boards or learning menus.  There are some great activities out there for the students to do while they are at home.  

I got to spend some of my day reading some professional texts that I can never seem to get to.  I finished one that I started at the beginning of this distance learning.  I finished another I had started a while ago, and I chose a new book to read.  Slow down...this is what this pandemic has shown us all.  After a few crazy weeks, maybe we can do just that.  Time will tell.

A few words from Jakob...

Today I talked in German about what I'm building right now. We also had a Google Hangout with my German class. I went biking for a while and finished my book. My back was hurting a lot today.  I think it's from all the exercise I've been doing.  I also finished a puzzle in two days.  Now my mom can use the coffee table for another puzzle.

 

This is what Math looks like in this house right now.

I know you are seeing lots of Luna.  She is a wonderful companion during this time.  She makes us laugh and loves to snuggle.  In this picture, she was "helping" me wrap some of Jakob's birthday gifts.

Stay safe and well,
Amber and Jakob

Distance Learning in York, Maine Day 10

Distance Learning in York, Maine

March 30th, 2020
Day 10

This pretty much sums up our weekend.  While we knew it was inevitable, we finally cancelled our Disney trip.  Disney made the announcement on Friday that they were "closed until further notice", so it was time.  Allegiant was great about extending our vouchers to next April, as we won't be able to travel until then. Disney's customer service was wonderful per usual and put our DVC points into this use year so we don't lose them.  The only place we haven't heard from is AAA.  We got our park hopper passes from them.  We are hoping they will be as accommodating.

Also, puzzles, puzzles, puzzles.  This is what I continue to do at night and most of the weekend when we aren't cleaning and organizing.  Erik attacked his part of the basement this weekend.  We have a lot for the amazing workers to lug away at trash pick up this week. 

As far as Monday goes, VES and CRES got their new work out and the websites are up and running.  I continue to be amazed at the work EVERY SINGLE staff member is doing at this unusual time.  

When this distance learning thing was just beginning, I really wanted to do a book group with staff members.  Without money to buy books for everyone, I put that idea on the back burner.  Not much later a kindergarten teacher shared a book with staff.  The book was so enticing, many jumped on board right away and quickly ordered the book.  We were able to come up with a reading response choice board for staff members to use if they wanted to participate.  I also included my first flipgrid activity.  Proud of myself!  It's a fun book that should help lift some spirits during this time. 

A few words from Jakob...

Today I started a puzzle. I already have a lot done of it. I also snuggled with Luna as you can see. We started a new project for German where you need to talk about something and write a script for it. I biked too for a little bit even though it was yucky out.

Stay safe and well,
Amber and Jakob

Distance Learning in York, Maine Day 9

Distance Learning in York, Maine

March 27th, 2020
Day 9

Today was mostly comprised of meetings getting ready to roll out a more digitally based distance learning for K-4.  While teachers will not be offering online teaching, the information will be accessed online.  We are trying to limit screen time and still offer activities that can be done with what most will have at home.   We hope for patience and understanding from families working and learning at home.  Everyone has stepped up to make this learning go as smoothly as possible.  There will be bumps, but we will tackle that as a community.  Thank you to the families and community for your continued support.

Luckily the sun was shining again.  This makes being cooped up and working inside a little easier, as we look forward to getting out at the end of the work day.  Lots of walks and shooting hoops happen around this household.  It's time to get out the ball and glove and get some pitching practice in.

Luna is always there checking in with us!

A few words from Jakob...

Today I got to meet with my ELA and German classes in a google hangout.  I think the internet was having a hard time supporting this as I was having technical difficulties.  It was nice to chat with my teachers and some classmates.  Everyone seems to be doing well with classes.  I also got outside a lot today.

Nothing much to report today.  Things are falling into place with the hard work and dedication of staff and families.  Way to work together York!!  We hope everyone is continuing to stay healthy and happy.

Stay safe and well,
Amber and Jakob

Distance Learning in York, Maine Day 8

Distance Learning in York, Maine

March 26th, 2020
Day 8

"Mom, can we go for another walk today?"

Music to my ears!  Sun is shining, so we looked forward to this while doing our work today.  We were lucky to get outside twice for walks.  That vitamin D works wonders!

Today, Luna got to try tuna for the first time.  She has not been interested in eating anything besides her dry food every day.  When I made my lunch, I thought I'd give it a go.  She LOVED it!!!

Also, we have been taking this time to learn more about cooking.  Jakob made his own mac and cheese today.  Taking the time we have, I figured it was a good time to make the most of it!

 

I got to meet with our wonderful fourth grade teachers today.  It is so nice to connect with everyone.  In my position, I get to see everyone at some point.  I am so lucky in this way.

Today's Discoveries
MLB Red Sox Missing Opening Day?  This site has some fun things to print out.

A few words from Jakob...

Today I had a lot of fun. I walked with my mom again, dribbling my basketball, and shot around. For ELA we read more of The Giver and for math we did more scientific notations. For social studies we did an interactive slide and for science we did another EdPuzzle. For engineering we did more of our webpage. I finished my book too. That was all.

Lots of mother and son time.  I am loving it!

Stay safe and well,

Amber and Jakob

Distance Learning in York, Maine Day 7

Distance Learning in York, Maine

March 25th, 2020
Day 7

Doing some face-to-face time with a student was the highlight of my day.  My student read a book to me and responded in writing, and I read a story.  This family is excelling at working as a team to get their school work done, but still making time for movement and other types of fun.  If this is difficult for you right now, reach out to your friends.  They may have ideas to help you.

We, my colleagues and I, did a lot of work today discussing many ways to work with the children while they are at home.  I continue to be impressed by the effort that is going into this entire process.  From administration to the families, everyone is working hard.

Other conversations today were around what is going well up to this point.  We have also been reminded that we need time away from screens.  While this is hard, I am trying to schedule my day so I am off and on screens, not all day long.  Some days are better than others.

Getting outside, again, has been our break at the end of the day.  Jakob walked with me today and dribbled the whole time.  It was chilly, but felt great to get out and chat with my boy.  If anything, we are getting lots of time together.  I'm happy he still chooses to hang with me.

 

Today's Discoveries

Virtual Field Trip calendar
There are a lot of fun links here.  Check a few out!

A few words from Jakob...

Today I had to record myself for chorus.  We had to look at some notes and clap the beat. For German I passed in my translated copy of a German story. For ELA we read more of The Giver and did an activity. For science we did an EdPuzzle. For social studies we did a google slide. For math we learned about scientific notations. Then I went outside and walked with my mom, dribbling my basketball the whole time. After we walked, I shot around for a little bit. I read and colored some more too. That was all.

Stay safe and well,

Amber and Jakob

Distance Learning in York, Maine Day 6

Distance Learning in York, Maine

March 24th, 2020
Day 6

There are so many resources out there, it is difficult to choose.

This is the lesson I have learned over these past few weeks.  There is so much being offered to schools right now.  Some sites will let you join for free, right now...then they want you to pay next year.  Watch out for that as an educator AND a parent.  I took some time today to go through some websites that offer read alouds and/or books to read in preparation for some professional development I was doing later in the afternoon with a group of educators.

During that professional development, I made sure to let them know I was learning right along with them.  You can learn so much when working with a group.  Today I had to modify my plans, as any reflective instructor would do, and go with the flow.  We ended with a plan that would have them practicing and researching.  I will check in with them tomorrow.

Also during this sixth day of working from home, I was a part of the kindergarten group meeting for the first time online.  It was great to see so many faces and hear all about the work they are accomplishing and their coping strategies at this time. 

We worked hard today, and Luna was always right in there with us.  She is a comfort, that's for sure.

  

Today's Discoveries
Seacoast Science Center

A few words from Jakob...

Luna has been keeping me company as you see. I was surprised at how much snow we got. Today I translated some of a story from German to English. Luna helped me with my math and for social studies we did another slide. For ELA we read more of The Giver and did a little activity about it. For tech and engineering we made a webpage. I also went outside to sled with my friends. That was all. My birthday is in 10 days.

A few ways I am coping during this time at home:
I have been exercising with my personal trainer.  She sends me workouts, all online.  It has kept me motivated.  Here is one example of a great workout.

 

I also check in with a few of my friends each day to see how their families are doing.  Today it resulted in a phone call and a great conversation with one of my favorite colleagues.  Thanks for calling JC!  It was nice to hear how she was doing, all about her family, and just to catch up.  Be sure to check on those people you aren't getting to see throughout all of this.

Stay safe and well,

Amber and Jakob

Distance Learning in York, Maine Day 5

Distance Learning in York, Maine

March 23rd, 2020
Day 5

Happy Monday!  It's a new week of distance learning for all of the York staff and students.  While it may have been a relaxing weekend, it was difficult knowing there were no sports to attend, no birthday parties to plan, no hanging out with friends.  We did some coloring, puzzling, exercising outside, and lots of family time.  I'll take it!

Monday was meeting day for me.  We continue to use google hangouts to get our meetings in.  I had a first grade team meeting, meeting with our tech coordinator, leadership team meeting, and a literacy team meeting.  Everyone is working hard and getting so much accomplished.  We are working on ways to create the best connections for students.

Right in the middle of my day, I was able to meet with the first grader I usually work with every day.  It was so comforting to see his family all working together to create a schedule, get work done, and have lots of fun.  We set up a regular meeting time that I know I will look forward to.

I have so many notes from my meetings.  That will make for a busy Tuesday!

Today's Discoveries

While I don't have a link right now, I read something this weekend that really hit me.  I think it is normal for all of us to be feeling upset, angry, frustrated about the things that will not be happening during this time in our country.  I was feeling guilty for being sad about my "first world problems" as the writer called them.  But that is okay!  We need to be having these feelings to cope.  We can't hide or keep these feelings inside.  Feel them...grieve the losses.  If I find the article, I will post the link. 

I do have the link to Commissioner Pender Makin's short address to all in education.  She made me tear up a bit.

A few words from Jakob...

Today was yucky out but I still git to play basketball. I got to make another flipgrid video for German class and did another slideshow for social studies class. For ELA I read more of The Giver and for math we are learning a new concept. I started my own puzzle and build a solar powered soda can rover. That was all for today.

Stay safe and well,

Amber and Jakob

Distance Learning in York, Maine Day 4

Distance Learning in York, Maine

March 20th, 2020
Day 4

Happy Friday to you all! This was definitely an interesting week.  We have been settling into our routines as an educator and a student.  We often sit side by side at the breakfast bar.  Other times, I have to be a part of group meetings while he uses his earbuds on the couch to complete his daily lessons.  We are figuring it all out.  Thanks to the middle school staff for creating a personalized schedule and responding quickly to the students.

Last night I said to Jakob and my husband, "Tomorrow is Friday!  Yay!"
Jakob's response was, "Do we have to do this every day?"
"Yes!" I responded.  "No days off!"
He was thinking that we wouldn't have weekends.

Today's Discoveries
Mindful Activity
The Center for Wildlife has a few videos they have shared so far.
More great read alouds!

A few words from Jakob...

Today I finished my part for my science podcast. My part is two minutes long. Making and editing this was very fun. I also had a math test. It was a multiple choice test. I got a meets on both parts and tried for the exceeds. I don't know if I got the exceeds yet though. For ELA we read more of The Giver. So far the book is great. For Social Studies I had to do something that I missed from yesterday and did a google slide for today. That was all that happened today. Auf Wiedersehen.

He also got outside a few times today.

Social Distancing

After all of the screen time this week, I am ready for a break this weekend.  I hope for good weather, so we can at least get outside.  The past two days have been difficult with the dreary weather.  I am thankful for my basement gym and personalized workouts.   A nice long walk was just what the doctor ordered today.  We could also take some lessons from our cat about relaxing.

 

In the evenings, Jakob and I have been working on a puzzle together.  Luna has ruined it a few times.  It would have been finished by now if not for her!

Enjoy the weekend!

Stay safe and well,

Amber and Jakob

Distance Learning in York, Maine Day 3

Distance Learning in York, Maine

March 19th, 2020
Day 3

Why is it raining?????  Can we please order some sun and warmth for our sanity?  No, we can't.  Okay, I'll just order from Lovebirds!!!

FYI: They are taking orders and delivering.

Another busy day!  It is 4:00 pm, and I am just sitting down to write this.  With two days of work under our belts, today was the day for a lot of check ins with colleagues.  My morning was planning and some of my own professional development, and my afternoon was consulting with staff.

Although the afternoon was a lot of meeting time, it also meant I got to see the faces of many of my colleagues.  It was so nice to hear voices and see smiling faces.  We were able to share what our lives are looking like right now. The positivity that is coming from York staff and the community is absolutely amazing.

Feeling the love

The only frustrating time I encountered today, besides the rain, was trying to set my chromebook up to print to my home printer. Alas, I will just use my home computer to do any printing.


Today's Discoveries

• Some more free virtual field trips  https://freedomhomeschooling.com/virtual-field-trips/

A few words from Jakob...
Even though today was a yucky day, I still had fun. Our German assignment was to make a flipgrid video and watch five others.  It was interesting to see everyone in their homes.  I did all my schoolwork and completed it earlier than yesterday. Since it was rainy all day, I hung out with my cat and had more time to read my book. Luna was very snuggly, and she fell asleep in my arms. I wish that I could've gone outside today because it's really boring staying inside all day. That's all I have for now. 

Yes, he is bored, but continues to ask me "What's for dinner?"  Time for some more cooking lessons!!  How bored is he???

Stay safe and well,

Amber and Jakob

Distance Learning in York, Maine Day 2

Distance Learning in York, Maine

March 18th, 2020
Day 2

Getting ready for day 2, I immediately put clothes on that would allow me to head outside when I needed to.  The sun was out, and I knew I would want to breathe some of that fresh air today.  Looking out the window of my bedroom, I witnessed our recycling being dumped into the truck.  The worker dropped some of the papers during this task.  He tried to pick up the papers with his thick gloves.  When this didn't work, he threw them all down in frustration and left them on the road.  We are all feeling the stress!

Descending the stairs, I heard Jakob starting his Science podcast.  This was my call to get to work too.

 

A few roadblocks I faced today started with not being able to access certain material for professional development that we are offering for staff.  Natalie came to our rescue and all is well.  Yay!  The other event that almost put me over the edge was when I created my new read aloud video.  When working on the editing, I realized it was already 12:30.  I made lunch, and Jakob offered to finish my editing.  When he opened it, all the work I had done was GONE!  Another learning experience...

Today seemed more difficult than yesterday.  Now that we experimented, things are getting more real.  My emotions are all over the place!  And still too much time in front of my computer.  I'll be grabbing a book tonight to decompress.  I brought home a stack of professional texts to get into.

Today's Discoveries

• New England Aquarium virtual visits
• Between the Lions for preK-1  videos including phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency, and more
• Kate Messner Read alouds galore! 

A few words from Jakob...

Today was beautiful out, so I took advantage and went outside. I also did all my work, and I learned new things in math and social studies. I got to read more of my favorite book, The Giver, for ELA today and finished chapter nine. For science and engineering I worked on my script for the podcast that we are doing and learned to use WeVideo. The podcast is about sustainability. My topic is gas and electric cars.  was also able to help my mom with WeVideo since she is creating videos for read alouds. That was all for today. 

Luna is keeping us all in check.

I ended my day with an hour and a half of exercise.  I think it was truly what I needed after today.  Jakob and I were able to sit outside and enjoy the warmth of the sun.  My dad recommended watching some funny movies to cheer me up.  We are also going to do a group FaceTime tonight.  There is so much to be thankful for.  

Stay safe and well,
Amber and Jakob

Distance Learning in York, Maine

Distance Learning in York, Maine

☘March 17th, 2020☘
Day 1

Happy St. Patrick's Day! This is usually a day filled with green sights and excited children searching the school for the mischievous leprechauns.  Did their contraptions catch those naughty green guys?  Will those shamrocks bouncing up and down on the ends of that headband be a distraction to anyone?  Who left glitter all over this classroom floor?!?!

Instead, the student and staff body of York schools have been set up at home for distance learning for the first time.  Staff had two days to create lessons for all students, kindergarten through twelfth grade.  Being a staff member at two K-4 schools and a mother of a middle schooler, I will be a part of lots of online learning.

This has all felt very surreal to me, as I'm sure it does to others.  Knowing I would be home this morning, one would think I would fall asleep without much of a fight.  Not last night!  All I could think about were the disappointments so many are facing, but then I also began to consider the opportunities that distance learning could bring to the York school community and the families involved.  While this situation may create many hardships, I am going to try to focus on the positive and share things as I discover them.

Waking up this morning, Jakob came into my room to chat before we headed downstairs.  Our discussion was based on how strange this was, but we were eager to get started.  I so appreciate his determination.  We headed downstairs and got our area set up and ready to go.

Jakob worked on Science, Math, ELA, Social Studies, German, and Engineering.  The teachers all posted their assignments using Screencastify and WeVideo, so the kids were good to go.  Luna even got in on the action.  I think Jakob could get used to this!

For myself, this morning was a lot of "getting ready" stuff.  Emails, texts, google chats, were all lighting up.  I also worked on two ideas that popped into my sleepless head last night.  This blog and also doing some read alouds for students.  Jakob is excited to be a part of that as well.  Stay tuned.  Thanks to Eric Lawson for continuing to field all of my questions.

Today's Discoveries

• Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems
• Live Virtual Storytime with Pete the Cat Creator, James Dean via Instagram (@petethecatofficial) at noon.
• Narwhal and Jelly have two facebook events set up:
• March 18th at 2 pm https://www.facebook.com/events/19078592224208/
• March 20th at 5 pm https:///www.facebook.com/events/1856341974500700/

A side note:
After being so preoccupied, I realized at 3:00 that I totally forgot about cooking the corned beef for dinner!  Luckily, I have an Instant Pot.  Ninety minutes for the corned beef and 5 minutes for the veggies, and we are good to go.  Phew!

We ended our day with some exercise in the basement gym.  Not too nice out, but we needed to move.  Be sure to take some time for yourselves every day.  We will feel better for it!

We are all in this together.  Email me, text, call, chat, any mode will work.  Let's focus on the light at the end of the tunnel.

A few words from Jakob:
Today was fun, and school was easier than it usually is, which makes sense for day one. I played outside at the end of the day after it rained to get the energy out of me. I tried to do my school work as early as I could, and I got everything done an hour early. My cat snuggled and broke my Mom's puzzle a lot, but she was good for the rest of the day. I relaxed and played games like Bop-it and Simon.  I'm hoping to help my mom with her read alouds tomorrow.

Stay safe and well,
Amber and Jakob☘

Yes, we remained in our comfy clothes all day long!