CORONAVIRUS START OF WEEK 6

Not a bad week all in all... We are still in Lockdown but we are aware that Italy and Spain are looking to start slowly easing restrictions.  Spain let children be allowed out for one hour (having been in for 6 weeks).

We also are aware of other countries not observing Lockdown in the same way as the UK, namely Sweden and USA.  Time will tell if it makes any difference to the rate of infections and death rate.  It is interesting to compare the cultural differences of these 2 countries, and, of course, their health care systems.

Iain played for the neighbours again. We all agree that it gives us a wonderful boost!  (To be fair, people are very good about social distancing.  Even our teenage neighbour sits on his lawn while his pal stands on the street keeping his social distance.)

There is a lot of talk, e.g. TV and radio, friends and neighbours, about the fact that we are all enjoying nature more as the skies, the roads, the parks and city centres are all quiet.

And our garden is no exception.  

Here is Iain in the garden as the evening sun on the garden was disappearing up towards the park edge. The lime tree is now coming out in its early spring green.  Each day the leaves get bigger.

And then as the last of the sunlight moves up the garden it finishes on the top of the neighbour's fence where I caught these two doves billing and cooing.

Violets on the garden path

* * * * * * * *    A Final Thought * * * * * * * * 

COVID-19 Kids – what if?

When people say kids are going to be ‘behind’ I say, behind what?? Not each other- they’re all in the same boat. Only ‘behind’ the age expectations of a curriculum that currently has limited context due to these extraordinary circumstances. In front on so many other more important fronts I say.

What if instead of “behind” this group of kids is advanced because of this.

What if they have more empathy, they enjoy family connection, they can be more creative and entertain themselves, they love to read, they love to express themselves in writing.

What if they enjoy the simple things, like their own backyard and sitting near a window in the quiet?

What if they notice the birds and the dates the different flowers emerge, and the calming renewal of a gentle rain shower?

What if this generation is the one to learn to cook, organize their space, do their laundry, and keep a well-run home?

What if they learn to stretch a dollar and to live with less?

What if they learn to plan shopping trips and meals at home?

What if they learn the value of eating together as a family and finding the good to share in the small delights of the everyday?

What if they are the ones to place great value on our teachers and educational professionals, librarians, public servants and the previously invisible essential support workers like truck drivers, grocers, cashiers, custodians, logistics, and health care workers and their supporting staff, just to name a few of the millions taking care of us right now while we are sheltered in place?

What if among these children, a great leader emerges who had the benefit of a slower pace and a simpler life, who has a fine sense of empathy and care and concern for fellow humans.

What if he or she truly learns what really matters in all this…

[Source: Words from a School Principal [?American] from Facebook page ‘Mums Advice’ April 20, 2020. ]