The new normal beckons new ways of learning
Not so long ago, when the world had not yet heard of Covid-19, “screen time” was the code word most parents used so that they could sip on that cup of tea (or that glass of wine) in peace. Of course a “well meaning” relative or two may have called it “ruining” a child’s future.
Now with the pandemic defining the new normal, “screen time” is the need of the hour. The irony, heh!
One week of continued “screen time” AKA distance learning, and now I am officially qualified to be the President of the “Yeller’s Anonymous” Club.
After being at loggerheads with my 4 year old, with no real solution in sight (where is that vaccine!?) I have now decided to make my peace with “the new normal beckons new ways of learning”.

Here is an elaboration if you will.
“See!!!!!, Ammaaaa….there are 13 ‘buttons”!
Math – ✅
Turns out there are 13 keys on the topmost row of my keyboard. Please tell me you didn’t know that too.
———-
“Amma, Did you know that the word “G-o-o-g-l-e” has two “Os” in it?”
Literacy – ✅
Yes, knowing how to spell Google is highly beneficial in the larger scheme of things.
———-
Opens five google tabs within seconds. And types YouTube faster than his name.
Fine Motor Skills – ✅
How on earth do they learn all this stuff in nanoseconds when a simple “put your shoes back in the rack” takes light years to comprehend!?!
———–
“Teacher, is the activity over? Can I take a break now?”
Communication – ✅
To teachers all over the world, I salute you!
————
Looks at screen squinting his eyes
“Amma, who is behind <insert name of classmate>, Is that his sister?”
“Is that Peppa Pig on < insert name of classmate> t shirt?”
Attention to detail – ✅
Why didn’t they teach me this in school?
———–
On the ‘momentous’ occasion of a technical glitch when the screen is blank
“The teacher has gone! Can I watch number blocks now?”
Logical reasoning – ✅
I do not want to discuss this one.
————
Phew!
Maybe I will live to tell the tale one day, about how “screen time” shaped my child’s learning in the midst of a global pandemic.
In the meantime, I need another code word to survive this one. Suggestions, anyone?
Excellent, Piya. Every house will identify with the new norm.
Thank you once again! 🙂