Six Feet Apart

“Above all, put on love—the perfect bond of unity.”

Colossians 3:14

“Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, but a good word cheers it up.”

Proverbs 12:25

“Be alert, stand firm in the faith, act like a man, be strong. Your every action must be done with love.”

I Corinthians 16: 13-14

We’re starting back to school this week in hybrid mode. Half the students will attend in each group on alternating days, with face masks on, no shared supplies,…and six feet apart. That’s hard for even an adult to comprehend. How much harder it must be for an elementary student to follow!

We are finally able to spend some time together! Other school districts are not yet able to attend in person. We are aware our schedules can change at any time based on the COVID-19 levels in our area.

As a before-school care provider, I’ve thought about taping two yardsticks together to show how far the gap between students needs to be. But then I remembered the spots on the hallway floor that mark where individuals should be to distance themselves while walking in the halls. Hopefully this will give them a visual image to guide their spacing.

On the playground, games such as Simon Says, nature walks, and a spaced apart version of Follow the Leader will take the place of basketball, soccer, and jungle gyms.

Inside fun, including number guessing games, getting to know you talks, and water color paintings will be the fun activities to start this year.

The face masks and spacing will make our time together different than in previous years. We will need to emphasize the good intentions and add in extra fun. Kind words and praise will go a long way in making our days as positive as possible. It will be hard for us to be together but stay apart. We, as the adults, must lead the children with our hearts.

I’m so thankful that the Lord is with us and will help us through this unusual time. There are so many changes and we have to determine new ways of doing familiar things and choose replacements for activities that are put on hold.

The students are adaptable and will adjust to these new “modes of operation”. Our ability to be positive, flexible, and fun will make it better for us all.

Prayer:
Dear Lord,
There are so many changes in our schools today. We are thankful for the opportunities to meet with students in these uncertain times. Thank You for loving and teaching us how to be strong. Thank You for showing us how to put on love to create unity.
In Christ’s name,
Amen

Journal: How can your actions show more love? Who could use your kind words today?