School wise has been okay, we are doing harmless grading, which means why keep doing the work? Essential the fruit of learning for the sake of learning and doing something that's interesting is a hard concept to grasp for students. Throughout this shelter in place situation, I have kept my mind occupied other then planning math puzzles and tasks for students of review material and concepts; I have been reading (onto book #8), Duolingo for Spanish, and WOD. I have made sure that I didn't use this time unwisely. This is a prime time for everyone to do all the things they say they never have time to do. It is learning by experience, but many students are incapable of learning because they expect it to be spoon-fed. Many students tell me the math puzzles are hard. In which case it is true. It is a puzzle, you have to use logic and trial and error. Learning math happens when you make mistakes. Yet, I receive complaints or no work turned in. Has thinking been handicap by our society?
These are just questions I have in my mind. But I wonder what do we value in school?
Other than work, over redundancy of virtual meetings when people think you have time-but you really don't, my sister earned her Master's Degree in Comparative Literature. Since it isn't her first graduation, missing it didn't seem so bad, but I love graduations! It is truly a proud moment, because my sister and I have cherished our educational experiences and our parents truly value its purpose to get us out of our social circumstances.
The other hard part of this past week, is that my dear friend lost his father today, due to a brain aneurysm-unexpected ant NOT RELATED TO COVID19. It is heartbreaking to hear the circumstances of the situation, the distancing, the lack of whatever. The pain is ten times worse because of this pandemic. But I hope he and his family find peace and are able to properly give the respect their father deserves. It just makes me question life again, refocuses me in to what is important, and how precious life is.
Lastly, California weather has finally came through. The sun was out and it was a nice 76 F. A rare occurrence since the weather is bipolar as well.