By Newspaper Staff
Well, here we are in this unexpected situation full of unknowns! Students and teachers are rapidly learning how to navigate Moodle, Microsoft Teams, and more, in order to maintain educational progress separately and safely from their homes.
A quick survey of the newspaper staff revealed these strategies for coping with the isolation and anxiety attendant on the coronavirus pandemic:
- Keeping to a sleep schedule, though several suggested that they’re sleeping less rather than more;
- Eating healthy snacks, such as fruit, and drinking tea instead of more highly caffeinated drinks;
- Playing Minecraft with friends;
- Language learning, including teaching themselves Japanese;
- Catching up with postponed reading, including classics such as “Wuthering Heights” by Emily Bronte, and “To Chicago and Back,” by Aleko Konstantinov. (Editor’s note: Regarding the latter, I’m amazed by the reach of the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago; I saw evidence of it in a museum display in Ruse – what an optimistic time!)
- Watching Netflix, one gave a recommendation for “You,” a 2018 thriller, and anime;
- Writing — essays and journals (Editor’s note: This is a historic moment, so think of all those, like Samuel Pepys, whose diaries have informed us over the centuries);
- HOME WORKOUTS – whether in your room, the basement, or on the balcony, everyone needs exercise. Here are some recommended – and free – resources: Jeff Cavaliere has a whole series of www.athleanx.com videos for a price, but find them free on YouTube by searching “home workouts” with his name and he’s constantly updating for current circumstances (i.e. no access to equipment); or go to www.barrecore.com for a free 2-week trial for upper body strength and stretching exercises; or www.chloeting.com/program. There’s a program for you!
- Colouring App: Download a free coloring (U.S. spelling) app to your phone and have fun!
- Be kind! Be positive! Be safe!