Making the Best of a Trying Situation staying at home due to COVID-19

By Lori Johnson

BLACK RIVER FALLS - It’s a different world out there since “shelter at home” went into effect. But parents everywhere have been showing how they are stepping up and rising to the occasion when it comes to running their household and becoming their children’s teacher until school is able to be back in session.

Of course, it’s easy when you have a son like Thomas Nordahl. Thomas or sometimes known as Mr. T, son of Mark and Jessica Nordahl has really been embracing the home schooling aspect. His mom, has really been kept busy finding activities to help her seven-year old first grade son make learning fun. In addition to his regular assignments from his teacher Mrs Prestwood, who has been great about keeping them informed, explaining the curriculum and helping with any homework questions, there have been a lot of fun and educational activities going on in the Nordahl household.

Says Jessica, “Thomas isn’t fond of doing his writing but he has been doing very well with his spelling words, his reading and comprehension and his math. He tells me he is enjoying math. We are both enjoying spending time together in the kitchen, doing crafts, and going on walks. We’ve made no-sew bunnies, hatching chic Easter cards, a caterpillar magnet. I have things on-hand to make some Easter bunny bait, some white chocolate Easter treats and some Rice Krispie treats. Also we’re planning to possibly make puffy sidewalk paint, an alphabet craft, and a baby bird and nest craft. It’s fun coming up with new ideas using the items I have already had on hand to aid in the process. Science as well as physical education can be combined with a nature hike. There is absolutely nothing better and no expressing the joy felt when I can see his face light up when he learns new things and a new concept is understood. I can tell exactly why teachers become teachers because of moments like those.”

Modern technology today has so many ideas out there. There are items on Pinterest, videos on YouTube. You can learn about national parks, doing armchair traveling. The best part is that parents can be proud when they come up with something interesting to do on their own, based on what they know about their kids.

So, not only are the students getting a home school education, but parents are as well. One positive in the no so positive world right now.