It is amazing to think that the Hacks Newsletter presented back to school hacks in August 2020 that are still as relevant  one year later. That said, while we remain in a period of uncertainty, I remain amazed by the resiliency of children and adults alike in these ongoing Covid-19 times. As we attempt to return to a more a normal learning experience, some of the relevant back to school hacks from the purely virtual era are still apropos (see that list below).

In the meantime, if you’re looking for a “back to school experience” for mom or dad this back to school season, my longtime friend Devin Parr just relayed a great evening of virtual education involving wine and celebrity style being offered by Melier.com on August 27th. This unique tasting and beauty tutorial will feature hairstylist-to-the-stars and beauty-influencer Bridget Brager. Seems about time to get yourself in the back to school spirit as much as the kids, right? Sign up here.

Back to School Hacks, Reprised:

 Life Hack #1 Create new workspaces for your children.

Creating a designated workspace for your child enables them to think about “going to school” for eLearning in a separate space from where they normally live, eat, and play. This physical separation helped Audrey shift her focus and intention: when she is at her desk, with her Chromebook, workbook, physical books, etc., it is time for “school.”

Life Hack #2 Set up new routines…and stick to them.

As it relates to our girls, we have found they thrive with standard daily routines more than down-to-the-minute schedules. In these days of eLearning, we have kept consistent with some of our “normal” routines and set up new ones as well. Wherever possible, we have supplemented science with some of our favorite DIY science activities at home and have had the most fun supplementing their kinetic wellness activities with our own, like YogaKids on YouTube or running through the fields at the park with Yoda the Bernedoodle.  And speaking of pets, getting outside daily—and getting the dog out with the girls—is now part of the new normal. I’m hoping this habit persists long past COVID-19.

Life Hack #3: Pick up a new subject to work on together

Henriette and I are working on her French vocabulary flashcards, and Hal is brushing up on his Spanish by joining Audrey for her virtual Spanish education. These are the positive benefits of COVID-19: we would likely not have directly invested in this language immersion with our daughters at this level had not we been “forced” to as a result of learning from home. I am hoping that these habits also will continue post-COVID-19.
 

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