Navigating a new normal
My motivation for compiling free resources and activities for local families and children during the coronavirus pandemic on the Times Free Press website stemmed from a text message conversation with my sister-in-law Julie.
Julie is an elementary school teacher and she is navigating the very new world of online teaching while home schooling her own children and my nieces and nephew - Maren, age 11, Lena, 9, and Tucker, 4.
"I'm not cut out to be Lena's fourth grade teacher after 17 years experience [teaching] fourth grade," she joked.
The text included a link to a YouTube video of a beaver "screaming," symbolizing her frustration with the new normal.
I don't have children of my own (unless you count the dogs), but I feel for you parents who are trying to balance your own work lives while also helping your children and teens with their virtual studies. That's why I'm hoping our new page, TFP Families, can be a resource for you or for parents and families you may know as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
Thank you to the Tennessee Aquarium, Creative Discovery Museum, Siskin Hospital and the Medal of Honor Heritage Center for providing content for it thus far.
Below is just a sample of what it includes, and I encourage you to share it with a family you think might benefit from it. Every Monday at 8 a.m., I'll send out an email with new updates to the page for you to check out.
Stay safe and thank you for reading,
Allison Collins, digital and engagement editor