back to school

Word of the Week 37 And it’s Back to Routine

Hello and welcome to the home of Word of the Week. A nice and simple weekly linky, with everyone welcome to pop by and share. The idea of the linky is to reflect back on your past week and share it with us. It’s great if you can sum it up in a word or phrase, hence giving us your Word of the Week. My word this week is ‘routine’ and you can read more about that below.

I’m not totally strict on using just a word or phrase. But please try to stick to the theme of summing up your week. There are not too many rules with this linky, just remember to read at least another couple of posts in the link up after adding your link. I will read and comment on all posts and tweet them out for you. I also have a Pinterest board devoted to Word of the Week and I will add posts to Mix Please add the badge below to your post so that others may find us and join in. If you comment or tweet then please use the hashtag #WotW

Word of the Week is open from 6am on Friday Morning to 12 noon on Monday. Plenty of time to join in!

If you are unfamiliar with the Word of the Week linky then please feel free to ask any questions. New linkers are always welcome, we love to hear what you have been up to in the past week.

MY WORD OF THE WEEK – Routine

Last week it felt like summer was over…then the heatwave came. I managed to get a ton of washing and drying done, but phew it was a bit too warm at times. I’m glad it’s cooled down now and I’m looking forward to a thunder storm or two. The biggest thing this week though has not been the weather, it’s been establishing a brand new routine.

routine, word of the week, a blurry photo of people rushing around.

We had the Little Man return to school on Monday, the year seven’s were given the school to themselves for two days to ease them in. Then on Wednesday, Boo, and the rest of the school returned. I’d already chatted with Boo’s teacher and we decided to put her straight into a normal school routine. Before the holiday she was doing half days and spending most of her time in the SEND department. It was a risk, but I thought that if she started back with everyone else, they’d all be feeling the same nerves so she wouldn’t be alone. She has found it just fine so far, fingers crossed it continues.

Star started college on Monday, she was there until 2pm and she came home a little stressed. Her boyfriend took her for a walk and she seemed happy when she came home. It didn’t last though and there were tears before bedtime. On Tuesday she had to go to college until 4.45pm…a very long day. She didn’t want to go, but we persisted in making her. I understood her nerves and anxiety but if she misses time now she’s not going to find it any easier later on. She’s doing something she really wants to do so it’s really worth persevering and I’m glad we sent our tearful girl in. She came home much happier. She had the day off yesterday, but had another long day on Thursday. She was much more comfortable going in, not perfect, but comfortable. I’m sure she will be fine once the induction period is over.

And then I realise how little attention I’ve given my Little Man. I have given him attention, he’s had praise and we’ve talked about school, but he’s settled in like he’s been there forever. I’m so proud of him and I hope it continues. Of course, he will face changes when his routine is established and groups formed by ability. I think he will do just fine though. He’s even enjoying the school dinners which is great because I had to make him sandwiches in last school.

Finally, we are back to the routine of getting clothes ready, getting up (me and the Little Man have always got up early, but it’s been a shock to the system for the girls) and getting ready to leave the house early. I think it’s gone well, but I’m so tired already and can’t wait for tomorrow when I don’t have to do or supervise anything.

While the school routine has gone ahead I’ve had a lot of other things to deal with, not least my increased pain and tiredness. Next week we have to work out the school routine around me being in hospital every day. Wish me luck!

Now it’s over to you, what word or phrase sums up your week this week?

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My Etsy Shop

Back to the Classroom After the Pandemic

by Anne Sweet 2 Comments

This Covid pandemic has been so tough on my children. The first time the schools were closed we really thought it wouldn’t last more than a few weeks. We had a ton of books picked up from the school and the kids were each designated a box of study materials which we kept behind the settee. (Luckily, I’d just purchased some new storage boxes!) This was our new classroom.

The girls were pretty rubbish. I was there to help but they didn’t want it. They spent most of the time on BBC Bitesize which was something at least. The Little Man was different, his teacher checked in every day with a pile of work for him to complete and she checked it. I had to sit and work with him. It was easier for us because only a couple of years earlier we’d spent a few months home schooling while he was in-between schools.

Back To School Last September.

The return to school didn’t go so well. It was a hard decision as I still didn’t feel safe. I was in hospital the first week back and the girls were suffering from anxiety. It was a little easier for the Little Man who was excited to be back but not happy with the new set up in school.

The girl’s ended up going back part time with extra learning at home, which they didn’t do. The cases of Covid starting rising again, and the girl’s school were really supportive. Just a few months later and the schools were closed again.

This time all the learning was online. The girls were given Chromebooks specifically for their work and online lessons and had to be up and logged on as if at school. They hated it.

The Little Man did Teams classes with his teacher and worked really hard. He got up, logged on and joined in. We even managed to get dressed most days.

The girls fell behind and even though I tried to help them catch up, they just couldn’t get used to working from home. But, they didn’t want to go back to school either.

Back to School Again

When the school’s re-opened the Little Man was back and happy. He was prepared this time for the restrictions and he just wanted to get off the settee and into the classroom. His school was amazing and they had no class or year closures because of Covid. Whereas the girl’s school had closures every week.

The girl’s didn’t want to go back so the school made arrangements for them to spend time in SEND instead. This meant a smaller classroom with fewer pupils and good social distancing. Masks were worn at all times. They went in late and came home early to avoid the other pupils. Both of them had anxiety which was through the roof.

The anxiety was much more than Covid, it was a real fear of being back at school.

Star is now doing her GCSE exams which are not really exams, but are. I don’t know, the whole thing is crazy and I’m not sure anyone really knows what is happening. But at the end of it, she has applied for a college course which will allow her to re-do any GCSEs she fails, so we are not too worried. She has age on her side being the youngest in her year. She’s not even 16 yet. Things will get better, when she goes to college she will still have support and she will be working with animals which is perfect for her.

Boo has two more years of school to go so we had to sort something out. I went to the school for a meeting and we have come up with a plan. Fingers very tightly crossed.

Boo is moving classes, because she has lost so much learning they are putting her in the lower class for children with learning difficulties. In all honesty, Boo has always had learning difficulties anyway but has somehow managed to stay in one of the upper classes (Second from top) because of her hard work and trying to keep up. However, because of her lost learning, this just isn’t feasible anymore.

She was really upset about this at first, but then she was told the names of some of the students in the class and she brightened up. She was really good friends with three of the girls in primary school. (They have even been to our home.) Also, this means that she will be very capable of doing the work set for her, and hopefully, in time she will work her way up again. With her confidence built by actually being in school, I’m sure her work will improve.

So, next week, she will go to school the same time as the other children, but instead of lining up, she will enter the school in a different place and go straight to her classroom. She will be coming home at lunch time up until half term, but if all goes well she will return full time afterwards.

It’s a great relief for all of us. The school has been told they don’t have to wear masks from Monday, but Boo’s class can still wear them if they feel more comfortable. These are the school’s most vulnerable children so they are being taken care of well. She is one step above SEND, but not in the class of disruptive children. I’m hoping this goes well for her. I’ve seen her smile a lot more in the last few days.

stock photo of a classroom with wooden desks and vases of flowers. — *stock photo of a classroom. I love the flowers!*

It’s a Return to School, not the end of Lock Down!

by Anne Sweet 4 Comments

I’ve started this post many times and kept it in draft. But today, I just feel like having my say. The schools in the UK have opened their doors to their pupils this week, but some are taking it as the end of lock down.

Back to School

My Little Man returned to his primary school on Monday. He’s in year six, his last year of primary and the last few months are so important and special. He was thrilled to be going back and seeing his friends. He’s worked every day on Microsoft Teams, logging into his lessons and doing his work. But the past few weeks have been a struggle and he was so ready to get back to a more normal school environment.

Of course it’s not really normal, they still have no mixing of classes, teacher’s with clear face coverings, lunch in their classrooms, lots of outdoor work, one way systems around the school, segregated break times etc. The school is taking the threat seriously and teachers have not been vaccinated as a priority so I’m glad they are taking precautions. Mostly, the children are taking it all in their stride. They are just happy to be back and the school is doing their best to make it good for them as well as safe.

It’s a different story with the parents though. I don’t go to the school because of my vulnerability, (or underlying health conditions.) I have had my first vaccination and so has Graham. He does the school run. The Little Man is dropped off at the gate straight from the car and goes into the school guided by teachers. Other parents queue up to drop their children off and most follow social distancing rules.

Then there are those who see the return to school as the end of lock down. They chat in groups, go to each others house for coffee etc. Exactly as they would normally. If their kids are going to be together all day, why can’t the parents? I can see their point. However, for this return to school to work we have to follow the government guidelines and practice safety for a while longer. We need to keep the teachers safe, the children safe, and prevent the Covid virus from getting out of control again. Yes, a lot of the vulnerable are now vaccinated but it doesn’t mean that everyone is not at risk.

It’s all Relative

I am chronically ill. A day out is a rare occurrence for me. Graham popped to the post box and came in complaining that it was raining. He couldn’t understand how much I envied him. Ok, he thought I was nuts for wishing I could pop over the shops in the rain, but honestly, it would be amazing. It’s a normal situation that I just can’t do anymore, and I miss it. I miss chatting with friends at the school gates, watching my kids run around with others in the playground, popping to the shops with friends, visiting other’s houses, going out whenever I felt like it, driving my car, going out alone, walking, just walking, along the pavement.

Under lock down everyone else has missed these things to some extent too (maybe not the walking because unless you are in a wheelchair like me then you won’t understand that freedom.) I understand how hard it must be, but you will get that back soon. And the more careful you are right now, the sooner your freedom will come.

For people like me, the freedom will never be the same, but at least we will be able to actually go out again without the fear of getting so ill we will probably die.

Let’s See it Through to the End of Lock Down

I know some people still deny the pandemic, I know that some don’t want the vaccination or to wear masks or social distance. I can’t tell anyone what to do, but it seems like the government can’t either. If only we could all be on the same page and understand that we can see this through to end if we just follow a few rules. I don’t believe in forcing people to be vaccinated but for those who do want it, then go ahead, it will help stop the spread and the most vulnerable will be more protected. The sooner we get this under control the sooner we get our freedom back.

You will be able to continue with life as normal. And those of us at more risk will be able to get on with our previous kind of permanent lock down, knowing that we can escape occasionally without the added risk of catching a deadly virus.

We can’t bring back those that have died, and there are so many of them my heart breaks for all the families. What we can do is help prevent any more deaths. There is a light at the end of this very long and dark tunnel I’m sure, the end of lock down can be near.

tunnel with light at the end. Have patience, there is light at the end of the tunnel.

My Covid Diaries

My Sunday Snapshot and Ordinary Moments – Fall Guys

by Anne Sweet 10 Comments

Fall Guys

Fall Guys Ulitmate Knockout is a fun new game on PS4 and Steam. And I love it. I think I love it more than the kids, there hasn’t been a game I’ve enjoyed so much in ages. The game is simple, you start off with a load of other fall guys and compete to finish five rounds of random games. They can be races or skill games, some are down to chance, some are skill. It’s just fun and competition in its simplest form.

Anyway. I was thrilled to find this lovely little crochet pattern on Craftfix and had to give it a go. Such a cute jelly bean guy. I want to make some more and some outfits like you can get in the game.

Ordinary Moments

This week the Little Man went back to primary school on Thursday. He’s in year 6 and it’s a good school that has taken all the precautions. They are taking the COVID19 risk seriously so I was happy to let him go back. Not only that but he needs the interaction and discipline of school. I’ve let him get far too lazy since we stopped home educating in July.

The first day went really well. As I’m clinically vulnerable the plan was for Graham to bring him home then he could get changed and wash his hands before coming in to me. But it didn’t go to plan. After school, on the way to the car, he had a big fall and hurt himself quite badly. So as soon as he got home it was straight to me for cuddles.

He hurt his knee, his wrist, his hands and his back. So it was a nasty fall. Later he also complained of headache and had an upset stomach, his eye was hurting too. I think it was a combination of the return to school and the fall, it really took it out of him. He didn’t go back on Friday as I was worried about his wrist and his back was still aching. But now, on Sunday, he’s much better. So I’ll let him go back to school tomorrow.

We didn’t even get a back to school photo because he didn’t wear his uniform on the first day and we were waiting for a uniform photo on Friday. We’ll try in the morning.

Did your kids go back to school this week?

Worst Back to School Ever 2020

Back to School 1979

by Anne Sweet 11 Comments

First Day

It was September 3rd 1979 and the first day of term.I wasn’t looking forward to going back to school. I’d hated school ever since I left primary. My secondary school building was ancient and huge, a thirteen year old’s nightmare. It was my third year there, third year seniors, in the days before we decided to become like other countries and number our years straight through. So, these days it would be year nine.

It had been a good summer, full of laughter and joy. My Mum was the happiest I’d ever seen her, she was in love with my Step Dad, Desmond. He was a lovely man, he was kind, accepting and made Mum very happy. He also had three kids that came to stay some weekends, a girl and boy similar in age to me and a boy similar in age to my little brother. We all got on so well, and I even went to stay at their house a couple of times.

We’d had a great holiday in Wales, all of us together, Mum, Des and us five kids. It was a Butlins camp and us teens were able to go on the fair all day long, I loved the freedom, I loved the fun. Me and my Step Sister J had had our own t-shirts printed. I’d gone for a big yellow smiley face, I must have been way ahead of my time choosing an emoji in the days before mobiles and home computers.(Let’s not mention the Acid House revolution.) J chose a picture of the Fonz ‘Heyyyyy’ What, you don’t know who the Fonz is…oh Happy Days!

But Oh, Those Summer Nights! My walls were plastered with posters from Grease, although I didn’t really have a ‘thing’ for John Travolta like most teenagers, he seemed a little ‘old’ to me. I did love the music from the movie though, it had definitely been my soundtrack for that summer, buying the singles for 50 pence from Woolworths.

Back to School

But now Summer was over and it was time to go back to school. I had my smart bottle green skirt, white blouse and bottle green cardigan on. I had my shiny new shoes and my knee length white socks. Girls were not required to wear a tie and for that I was grateful. I felt smart, I even had a bag to carry my stuff in, I knew that as the term wore on and my bag wore out there wouldn’t be a new one. I’d end up carrying my books around in a plastic carrier.

Registration was over and we were moving to our first class when I overheard some girls bitching about me. ‘How long do you think she’ll go before she has a day off,’ ‘I bet it’s before the end of this week.’

I didn’t take much notice, I knew I had lost a lot of time from school in the previous year. I was always feigning illness so I didn’t have to go. I wanted to learn, I loved learning, I just didn’t want to go to school. Primary school had been great, one classroom, one teacher, the same faces every day. Now, it was just a jumble, a rush, so many changes, so many different faces, so many different teachers, different lessons. I’d get into a class room and didn’t want to learn, my head would be spinning. I’d have nightmares about not being able to find my timetable and getting lost in the school building. What lesson is next, I can’t remember? Where am I supposed to be? It was all too overwhelming for me, and I made it worse by going less and less. I never got used to it.

Monday

The first day back at school in 1979 was a Monday, we had a whole five days to go. I survived that day though and it was lovely coming home. Des had booked some time off work and was building us a new patio in the garden. He’d hired a cement mixer for the job and it was nearly finished. He worked so hard on our home, he was making it lovely.

Des was overweight and looked a bit like an old ‘rocker’ he had a bit of an Elvis look about him with his sideburns, but he was losing his hair. He was ten years younger than my Mum, but while they were together, I swear she looked ten years younger too.

One day Des had fallen asleep in the armchair of our living room and was snoring real loud. I think Mum must have been out somewhere and I was out with my friends. I’d come back and heard him snoring and thought it was so funny I called a couple of my friends to take a look as well. We didn’t wake him, but it gave us a giggle.

That Monday a sweaty Des had a wash down before dinner. We all ate together and then after a little television decided that an early night for all of us was a good idea. It had been a stressful, hard working day.

Dead

I woke in the dead of night to hear my Mum screaming my name. A little dazed and confused I eventually woke properly and jumped out of bed. Mum was in her bed screaming and crying. Desmond was lying dead beside her.

‘Call an ambulance’ Mum cried. While shaking and screaming at Desmond’s lifeless body.

I wanted to say ‘but he’s dead.’ But I left my logic at the bedroom door and ran down the stairs. We didn’t have a phone in the house but our neighbours over the road did. I ran across the road which had recently been pebbled, the loose stones sticking to my bare feet with the glue like tar. I knocked on the door but they didn’t answer. So I started screaming, ‘help please, call an ambulance, it’s Des, he’s sick, he needs help, please.’

He’s dead I thought, but I didn’t want to say it out loud.

The ambulance came and confirmed his death. He was taken away in a black bag. Most of the neighbours now in the street in their night time attire. Tears in their eyes, offering to make tea.

Tuesday

On Tuesday morning, I got up after about two hours sleep to a house full of aunties who’d come to ‘help.’ What they thought they could do I don’t know, they certainly couldn’t bring Desmond back.

Mum was still in bed, I don’t blame her. She was devastated.

I absently minded put on my school uniform and one confused aunt said there was no school for me today. But, I was 13, it was my choice, and I couldn’t help thinking what those bitchy girls had said about me having a day off before the end of the week.

I went to school. I couldn’t concentrate, I couldn’t think, I couldn’t speak to anyone. I couldn’t cry.

I was in shock.

My friend, who was also a neighbour and knew what had happened spoke for me and I was sent back home. I didn’t go back to school until after Desmond’s funeral.

Rest in Peace Desmond, I’ll never forget you.

Some other things from 1979