Fall 2020

Back to school is always a time of transition, which makes for excitement, uncertainty, highs and lows. This fall was ripe with the normal September changes and layered with the dumpster fire that is 2020. The first two weeks of virtual school trapped inside with a second grader and kindergartener on two different screens were brutal. None of us knew how to work the technology and unlike the spring, full participation was both required and very necessary when assessing Owen's skill set. Hazel was stuck inside with all other family members physically present but emotionally unavailable, understandably causing less than ideal behavior. The boys were competitive with each other and jealous when the other had a break, less work, etc. I had a positive attitude going into it and figured if we could get over the hump of the first few weeks, a routine would ensure. After week two my optimism was waning and I couldn't fathom nine long months of this. 

Late September, Wes started in-person school, which is what made the fall manageable in the Rallo household. Eliminating one child and therefore the sibling rivalry gave everyone space to breathe. I've found that with any tough transition one of the hardest things for me is figuring out when to grocery shop. That struggle continued this fall. I couldn't leave during the day and wanted to avoid taking all three kids into public places as much as possible. When the meal plan is lacking, I know our new normal is shifting. 

After mastering the technology and under the direction of a fantastic teacher, Owen began to thrive. At the beginning of the year, it was clear what was lost in first grade. Owen's teacher went out on paternity leave for a month and the long-term sub was terrible. He didn't appear to teach the kids anything and Owen came home at the end of each day a total wreck. Mr. Cleary came back and there were a few months of stability. Then the pandemic hit and the last three months of school were lost. We did the one hour per day of poorly organized lessons provided, but it wasn't much. After the stress of it all, we didn't focus on academics through the summer. Come second grade, Owen was clearly behind. I felt terrible and like I failed him as a mother. I should have had him reading aloud during the summer and made staying on track academically more of a priority. My stress over this was my biggest mom meltdown of the pandemic. 

But somehow, despite learning in front of a screen in his room, Owen became a strong reader this fall. One of the biggest gifts that virtual learning gave me was the opportunity to see what was being taught and expand on it. We'd take the skills he'd learned and practice them together. He read for 20 minutes a night without fail. Right after Christmas a flip switched someone in his brain and he sat down to read an entire chapter book from cover to cover. He made 200% of the expected progress for the year in three months. On Zoom.

I am incredibly proud of him and incredibly relieved. Looking back, I still regret not doing more with him earlier on but I also see the value in establishing a love of reading above all else. The hours spent reading aloud, something he enjoyed, were not in vain. I focused on making reading a positive experience over pushing him to progress because I want his relationship with books to be one of passion, excitement and curiosity. At the end of the day, semester, year..., he can read and his desire for it is intact. I'm deeply grateful for the resilience and capability of the childhood brain. 

Meanwhile, Wessy bug did great in Kindergarten. Hazel and I found ways to keep her entertained inside. Ty worked from home which allowed us to have family dinners together nightly. My lack of social engagements felt less significant than I'd anticipated and we prioritized spending time with extended family. 

On January 1st, I got my first Covid vaccine. On January 19th, Owen went back to school in person. January 20th, Biden was inaugurated and January 22nd, I got my second vaccine. The new year feels full of promise for a brighter future. Hazel and I now have the freedom to run errands and meet friends for walks whenever we please. Weekly meal planning has resumed. It's only been a month since we stopped virtually learning and the memory of it feels faint. My love and appreciation for our teachers and schools have never been stronger.