Today’s super fun post is sponsored by both shopDisney and ShopStyle!
NOTEBOOK & FOLDER SET//WATER BOTTLE WITH BUILT-IN STRAW//SEQUIN TEE
I was so excited when shopDisney reached out to me about collaborating on back to school because that’s all we’re talking about around here as we…
…VIRTUALLY LEARN!!
Right now, virtual learning pretty much consumes our little world…school, school, school and repeat. It won’t surprise you all to hear that we’ve already got ourselves a nice little routine, so I thought I’d add this post to my routine series.
If you’ve missed the other ones, here they are:
SPRING BEAUTY
BED MAKING
FITNESS
MORNING
BEDTIME
PRE-OP
MEAL PLANNING
THERAPY
INFLIGHT
Okay, right now, all four kiddos are at home with me and we are (like so many of you!)…
…figuring out schoolwork via virtual learning!
I love this partnership with shopDisney because they understand back to school looks different this year for all of us, but we can still celebrate the season as we get creative and get busy educating our kids from home. From backpacks and lunch totes to stationary kits, food containers, and beyond, shopDisney has all the back to school items on our checklist!
NOTEBOOK & FOLDER SET//WATER BOTTLE WITH BUILT-IN STRAW//SEQUIN TEE
This is how we all felt the first day. Anyone else?! It was the unknown that had us all so nervous! In the spring, we had a very relaxed scheduled that could be done on your own time, but this fall, the students in our district are following their normal bell schedule live with their teachers, so it’s all very different.
STATIONARY KIT//WATER BOTTLE WITH BUILT IN STRAW//NOTEBOOK SET//SEQUIN TEE
Here’s what a typical day for us looks like:
4:10 I wake up, do my Bible study, workout, make my bed, sit down and do a bit of work before waking up the kids
6:40 wake up kids, eat breakfast and get dressed for the day
7:45 my three kids in elementary school sit down at their work stations and log in to their virtual classrooms
8:00 I grab my second cup of coffee and start my rounds around the house. My two big kids are pretty independent, but I help both little girls make sure they’re “in class” and off and running.
8:45 Kensington’s school starts!
SCHOOL TIME!
My kids schools are keeping them on their normal schedule. Between 8:00 and 3:52, I toggle back and forth between all four kids. The bigger kids seem to have things under control and really need minimal help, but my little two need more assistance from mom. I would say their biggest struggle right now is using the technology. I’ll get them all connected in their websites, and then they’ll accidentally disconnect so then, we have to connect again. I know there’s no easy way to teach virtually but the multiple sites (when they go back and forth between synchronous and asynchronous work) is typically where they get themselves into trouble. It’s not ideal for me to work in between helping them do their school work, but we’re trying to keep positive attitudes about the situation.
3:00 The elementary kiddos are done with school!
3:52: Whew! Kensington’s school ends and our day is over!
STATIONARY KIT//NOTEBOOK & FOLDER SET//WATER BOTTLE WITH BUILT IN STRAW
I do feel like some specific things are helping us right now:
1: We are making our lunches the night before and then the next day, each kiddo eats their own lunch during their specific lunch time. This way, I’m not having to stop my work and/or helping other siblings to make them lunch because that would end up being two hours out of each day (each kid has a 30 minute lunch break).
2: Because our house is currently under construction, we don’t have permanent work stations for each kid. Right now, they are all moving around each day to different spots to stay clear of that day’s mess, noise and construction. I’ve given each one of my kids laundry baskets for all of their school work and laptops. This way, it’s easy to move them from place to place quickly and easily. Plus, at the end of the day, they can put their laptops and chargers in their laundry basket, and it’s all grouped together and out of the way.
3: We are using headphones to minimize outside noise when we can. It’s so easy to get distracted by other people or dogs in our house, so our kids have been plugging in with headphones to reduce the amount of ambient noise around them.
4: We’ve cut down screen time even more! We don’t like a lot of screen time, but now that they’re logged in and looking at computer screens all day, we are really encouraging them not to watch TV or iPads any other time during the day. After school, we make sure we head outside for fresh air and space to run out our energy. At night, we’ve been playing games and really trying to reduce screen time to give their eyes and brains a break.
5: We’re getting up at our normal time and getting dressed. It’s super tempting to sleep later since we don’t have to leave our house, but I think we’re all doing better back on our normal routine of waking up at 6:40 and getting dressed for the day.
6: We’re practicing grace and flexibility! As much as we’ve struggled in 2020, I feel like learning to be more flexible and gracious when things are not going the way we want it to is one way we can control our part in virtual learning.
And then…
…my last tip is to try and make school fun by incorporating some non-traditional things into their back to school routine. I let both of my little girls buy new shopDisney water bottles to have at their work stations, plus new notepads and the cutest stationary kit to make learning more cheerful at home. I even bought them these cute Minnie t-shirts with sequins that flip up and down to make their virtual learning more fun when their friends see them online.
My favorite part about being at home and virtual learning has been hearing my kids’ teachers in the classroom. I can only imagine how nerve-wracking it must be to have parents listening while you’re working, but I have been so impressed! It’s a rare glimpse into my kids’ days and how they learn and are taught.
I would be lying if I didn’t admit to another favorite thing about listening to their classes is hearing all of the funny things kids say. Oh my word! I have laughed and laughed over some of the things these kids say to their classmates and teachers during the day.
STATIONARY KIT//WATER BOTTLE//SEQUIN TEE//NOTEBOOKS
So, over at our house, we’re making the most of the situation. I think our kids will go back in September and then depending on how things go, they’ll stay or they’ll return home at some point and virtually learn some more. Regardless, I have a new appreciation for my kids’ teachers and schools. I cannot imagine, CANNOT IMAGINE, how hard it is to teach every day much less teach virtually. I also have a new appreciation for parents that stay at home and home-school full-time. The attention to detail, the time commitment, the focus, the hours they spend preparing to educate their kids in their homes overwhelms me. I applaud all of you who do that year around.
In the meantime, I’m trying to soak up this time. How often do you really get an inside looks at schoolwork? It’s not easy. It’s not ideal. It’s hopefully not forever. But for right now, I get extra time with my babies during the day and that is always a blessing.
shopDisney has so many fun back to school items for your family’s online learning. From backpacks and lunch totes to stationary kits, food containers, and beyond, shopDisney has everything you need to make back to school this very non-traditional year more special.
Okay, tell me what you’re doing right now! Do you have tips for making virtual school easier? Do you have ideas for me and everyone else about how to juggle housework with school work and still have time to do our jobs as well?
Holley says
Ok, WOW! I cannot imagine doing what you’re doing every day. That is so long for your kiddos to be “in school” at home. I was a teacher for 8 years and I would be so nervous knowing all the parents could hear me teaching all the kiddos. Such a new world for teachers, students, and parents, and it all sounds absolutely exhausting. I love love love the items you got from Disney! I think my daughter would adore the stationery kit! I will have to check that out! Good luck and God bless you, Shay. This is a different time we are living in and with 4 kiddos at home doing e-learning it has got to be difficult.
-Holley @ simplyholleymarie.com
Mix and Match Mama says
Yeah, that part has to be so hard for teachers. I have been nothing but impressed by how amazing my kids’ teachers have been…but I’m sure they cannot wait to get their cozy little classrooms back with their kiddos.
Lauren says
As a teacher, I’m so impressed by how well you’re handling virtual learning!! I can only imagine how stressful this is right now with construction at the house, but you’re making it look easy. You never cease to impress!
Mix and Match Mama says
I’m really trying to stay upbeat (not always successfully!). I keep telling my kids that we’re going to do the best we can and have grace.
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
The girls’ accessories are so cute! Love it! ❤️✨
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Beth Knecht says
So fun to add in little touches to make their virtual learning more enjoyable! This year is .hard. Sitting at my teacher desk right now trying to figure out how to plan when our school’s devices are delayed so students won’t get computers for a couple weeks after we start. I hope all parents are as gracious and grateful as you!
Mix and Match Mama says
I cannot imagine, Beth!!! Teachers are always heroes, but this year…they’re above and beyond.
Allison says
We’re in the same boat over here and I agree with headphones being a must! A game changer for us was wireless headphones. My little kept getting tangled up and moving around was tough. Now they can move around, reach down to grab a fallen pencil, etc. all without being tethered to their tablet.
Sheaffer Sims says
Your girls are adorable in their sequined shirts, and they look like model students. Bright eyed and bushy tailed and ready to learn all the things!
Elspeth says
Major credit to you Shay for keeping everyone organized and on top of things! Here to hoping you get back in the classroom soon!!!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Tara G says
We home school as a norm & I have a senior this year – adding guidance counselor to my list of duties…..so many details & deadlines!
I think you are wise to treat the day as if they were leaving the house- a prepared routine, good meals, getting dressed… it’s a mindset coupled with the environment (among other variables) that really helps a school day at home run smoothly.
Mix and Match Mama says
Tara, I don’t know how you do it!! I can only imagine that it truly is a full time job for you!!
Carol says
Both my boys, now 25 and 27, were home schooled. It wasn’t always easy, but I am so Thankful that they were. Where we live, they only require so many hours a day for home school, so the boys quickly realized that the earlier we got school started, the sooner they could be finished for the day, which helped a lot. During the last 2 years of high school, they were able to take some of the required college electives at the nearby community college where we live that would be required when they started at the University College. My oldest son is now finishing up his PhD in Nuclear Engineering and my youngest is doing Political Science. Wishing you all the best Tara.
SS says
Thanks for your encouraging words from one homeschooler to another.
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams says
My heart goes out to all the parents dealing with this right now. Sounds like you have a good schedule going and I’m sending all the prayers that you keep it going until they bring them back in. The Disney stuff is so cute! My goddaughter would love the stationary.
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams
Robyn says
Thank you thank you thank you for making this post so positive about virtual learning. I know you are a positive person and didn’t expect it not to be but I’m so thankful for this post. We start virtual learning next week with a first and third grader all while my husband and I work full time at home. I’m a nervous wreck but this made me feel better!!
Mix and Match Mama says
I was so nervous too!!! It was the not knowing that was the hardest part…once we got started, and I realized how prepared our teachers were, I exhaled. It has gone so smoothly! Honestly, it has!!!
Carrie says
I am a teacher, back to remote teaching next week after a 3 week break ( special ed teacher, we are year round). Just curious, have you tried the Disney masks? I heard they are crazy small for kids but we have not personally tried them. My own girls won’t start in person until at the earliest end of Oct and are used to masks since it’s been a mandate here for over 3 months. That said I am thinking they need at least 2, maybe 3 a day when they do return. Some work for them, some don’t! Which masks are you finding work for you kids?
Mix and Match Mama says
I haven’t, but I should!! That’s a great idea!!
Hayley Mirza says
My daughter is 10 and the kid mask fits her just fine. They have a really small kid mask- more for toddlers and a kid size mask and then adult. The mid size mask that is for older kids fit her great.
Ann says
We have the Disney masks. The small fit my 2 yr old very snugly, the medium are snug on my nearly 9 yr old son (but he likes that it doesn’t fall off), and the large fit me just right. Hope that helps.
Lisa D says
My daughter is teaching online to start this school year and she says that it is sooo very stressful to teach in this way. Our teachers and all the school staff are unsung heros in my opinion!
Mix and Match Mama says
I CANNOT even begin to imagine how hard it is!! God bless HER right now!
Abbey says
I have actually loved hearing the teachers teach especially their specials teachers. I love her Art teacher but haven’t heard her teach and she was SO, SO FUN and animated and I adore her teaching style. I’m so glad we can see and hear some of these teachers that we wouldn’t normally. I’ve been so impressed.
Mix and Match Mama says
Me too!!! They have such a way of commanding their attention too…even online!!
Amanda says
Thank you so much for all these ideas! I am a teacher and do have my own kids yet but I will certainly share our some of your ideas to help my students and their families get through this new adventure! Thank you again for always supporting teachers ❤️
Tina says
Thanks for sharing your virtual school routine! We start ours on the 8th. May I ask what brand laptops you are using?
Mix and Match Mama says
Our district gave all of the students MacBooks!
Tina says
Nice! Our district uses chrome books and is supposed to eventually provide one for each student.
Lindsay D. says
My kids are in the classroom for the time being. Just in case they went to virtual learning (I’m sure they will at some point), I ordered them blue light glasses to help a bit with the screen time. Our eye doctor said they sold a lot this year. Have a great day! 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
I love wearing mine and really do think they help…you’re right, maybe my kiddos need them too!
SS says
Shay,
I was going to post something about the blue light glasses as well. Our kids all have them (one has it on reading glasses).
Paula says
You are such a great mother! Honestly, a mother’s heart sets the tone. Good job!
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh my goodness, thank you for the encouragement. xo
Melissa Terry says
I love to see fellow parents making the best of this crazy situation we are all in right now. Routine is a must with us as well considering I have 4 ranging from 3 months to Sophomore in high school. I’m reminding myself every day these are precious days we won’t get back…even when I’m running back and forth between them all day long 😉 Thanks for sharing!
Mix and Match Mama says
YES!!! I keep telling that to myself too. Not that this isn’t hard/frustrating sometimes, but I keep saying to myself “when will I ever have them all to myself again?”. I’m trying to keep that in the forefront too.
Tish says
Great info! Thank you for sharing your routine! Sounds like you are doing a great job! Just curious as I work from home as well, are you working more in the late afternoons/evenings after they finish school? Or are you able to get all your work done for the day before they start at 8:00am?
Mix and Match Mama says
My work right now is definitely more sporadic and during off times. During the school year, I “close shop” at 2:50 each day but now, I work until at least 5 or 5:30. I feel like that’s okay because I’ve been engaging so much with the kiddos during their “school day” that they can give mama time to get her work done too.
Erika Slaughter says
Those cute school supply’s have to help!! And couldn’t agree more! Love hearing the crazy, funny things kids say!
Colleen says
I do homeschool my crew full time. It is not easy in the best of times, but now it is even more of a challenge. We don’t get our school groups and field trips as usual. I have leaned a little more on technology as so many companies offer free virtual resources. So my big kids now have permanent computer stations and blue light glasses. I have to tell you, I thought of you and Ashby yesterday. My 8 year old had hand surgery and at least three times the staff asked “Have you been here before?” To me it sounded like a waitress at a restaurant about to offer us the specials. Then I remembered so many children have to weather that storm repeatedly. That has to be so hard. I sat in the little hospital chapel during my daughter’s surgery and prayed for each child on the prayer list, each doctor, each nurse, each parent, and your family too.
Kasey says
The lunch packing idea is brilliant. I’ve started this after you mentioned it recently with two snacks and lunch to help us ease into a bit of a schedule and make lunchtime easy as we are working from home/zoom camp/playing. School doesn’t start her for a few weeks still, but will be fully remote.
One tip for remote learning/work. I have one kid who struggles a lot and often interrupts teachers and it’s hard to let the teachers handle it when what I want to do is step in. So I put on headphones with a “coffee shop” playlist for background music so I don’t get pulled into school. If he needs help, he can come ask me. This also helps me to focus on my work.
Mix and Match Mama says
Well, isn’t that brilliant?!
Norita says
Ashby’s hair looks LOVELY! Makes her look so grown up…good and bad, huh?!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Both. 😉
SJB says
Well done, Shay! You are absolutely setting a positive vibe for the kid’s school day. Praise to all the teachers. As a wife and mother of teachers, I know the hours they are putting in. The beginning of school is always stressful but this year, it is extra stressful, with so many late nights and weekends full of school planning. We have started school in-person but will switch to online learning if needed. I’m not sure how my teacher daughter can help her three children with their online school while simultaneously teaching high school classes. Will be “interesting”.
Laura says
I just want to say , as a teacher about to step into virtual learning next week, thank you thank you for your positive attitude and words ! I hear nothing but negative around here , and I am so stressed about the parents more than anything – I absolutely love my students , always , and I know we will jump right in just as we always do. Keep it up- I look forward to using some of your tips when I get my son into his classroom routine .
Mix and Match Mama says
Grace and flexibility!!! I honest to goodness do not know how ANYONE could expect perfection in this situation and not show grace and extend flexibility to every single day. God bless YOU!
Valerie says
Curious how your district is handling a situation where the parent is working outside the home and the child is in daycare all day. In the spring, most parents were home (not all I realize), but most and they were at home and could help their child. Now, many parents are back to work outside the home. You’re doing an amazing job, mama!
Mix and Match Mama says
I do not know all of the ends and outs…but I do know that when I peek in on my kids “zooming” I see many kids at daycare zooming in headphones. I’m not sure if they have alternate options or not, but I have seen that. And THANK YOU!!!
Jill says
Wow is all I can say! I love your attitude towards it…you are one awesome mama for sure! My 1st grade grandson (who I take care of while my daughter works full time) starts in person 5 days a week Thursday! Praying it will stay that way at least for a while??♀️ I’m thinking I would have to get an actual homeschool curriculum if they go to virtual learning…there is no way he would sit and pay attention to a screen? God bless you and your beautiful family❤️❤️❤️
Kellie says
4:10am !! wow – no wonder you are able to fit so much into your day. Good for you – love that you prioritize your Bible study – I need to get back in that habit.
Blessings to you and your cute fam.
Jodi says
September?! Lucky. I wish ours was that soon, it would be nice to see a light at the end of the tunnel. They are saying virtual learning until November at the earliest but possibly through the end of the year. Sad.
Mix and Match Mama says
I’m sorry! Who knows? We might last a week and be right back here?
Kayleigh says
Enjoyed the positive post! My kids are virtual and my husband and I work full time outside of the house. Each day is a logistical challenge to say the least. My hope is that this is temporary (like super temporary) because it’s just so hard. They miss their wonderful teachers and interacting with friends. This too shall pass…but I hope it’s soon! Ha! And they’ll be a day we look back and say, “Can you believe we went to school virtually in 2020?!”
JessicaZ says
No tips here, my little is only 3! But I just wanted to say that Ashby’s hand looks SO HEALTHY! I am so overjoyed that all the hard trips to the doctor have (it seems) helped her so much. She was meant to be a Shull, what a beautiful, lucky girl!
Mix and Match Mama says
She is just so precious!!!
Lisa says
Stationery is spelled with an e.
Mix and Match Mama says
You’re right!!! Thank you!!!
Raquel says
Our county in Virginia pushed back the start of school to Sept 8th. We are expected to be virtual learning through mid Jan. Both my husband and I work full time and luckily have some flexibility to work from home. I’m still nervous how we are going to juggle our work and their school. My stomach is in knots. Staying positive as much as we can. Glad you found your groove.
Deb says
How is virtual kindergarten? My daughter has decided to hold my granddaughter back rather than try virtual K. Just curious!!!!
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s actually going SO WELL!!! Her teacher is nothing short of amazing, and she really does walk her through every little thing as to make virtual learning as seamless as possible. I honestly think that for us, 2nd grade, has been the hardest, and kinder is going really well!
Megan says
You guys are rocking it! I’ve fallen into the habit of sleeping in a bit this summer and have to get back on the early morning wake up train before the kids and I start back to school in September. It’s so hard the first few days, but it’s worth it.
Kelly Bonner says
Do all 4 kids have laptops? If so what kind?
Mix and Match Mama says
Our district provided MacBooks for all of the students.
Dana says
I think I just developed a nervous twitch just reading about all you have going on! We homeschool, but I can’t imagine trying to do that on a strict schedule and with all that construction going on on top of it. I feel like your hashtag “this too Shull pass” is super appropriate for this time in your life! It’s admirable that you can keep up with your blog and your kids are still smiling through all of it, too. 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you, Dana!!
Lauren says
I teach first grade in a district that is all virtual right now. When you wrote “I can only imagine how nerve-wracking it must be to have parents listening while you’re working” it hit home so hard! I was just telling my mom today how much extra pressure I feel because most of my student’s parents are sitting right there with them. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve thanked them for showing me grace. At the end of the day I just hope they can all see how much I love and care for their babies!
Mix and Match Mama says
I do not know how you do it! I hope you have the best year, Lauren. I can’t imagine how hard it is.
Cami Tchoi says
Hi Shay! Love hearing about every day life… you are a rock star for handling it all with such grace, even with all the construction and having kids moving their workspaces!
One of the things that our teachers have done that’s been life changing is to provide QR codes for all the zoom sessions. The kids just need to point their cameras at the QR code and they’re in… no more worrying about typing in the right meeting IDs or passwords. Each teacher (regular and all the specials teachers, like PE, art, music) have all provided codes for each class. I have them all up on the wall next to my 1st graders workspace. Makes transitions between “classes” a breeze!!! If school has only provided links, there are tons of free QR code generators online… I made QR codes for the girls’ virtual dance classes. ? Also added a big digital clock in the space so they know exactly what time it is. ? Oh, and kid sized blue light glasses from CalmOptics. ? We’re working our way thru week 2 of virtual learning and that’s what has helped us a lot over here.
All my best for a wonderful school year and for construction to go well (and quickly!).
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh my goodness, how brilliant is that!!!!
Colleen T says
BTW…..Taco, Cat, Cheese, Pizza card game is AMAZING and THANK YOU for posting it long ago because my kids absolutely love it.
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes!!!! We love it too!!