Homeschool

Adapting to the Confines of Distance Learning

As the coronavirus pandemic sweeps through our nation like a swirling vortex, it carries with it the resounding echo of these words, “No gatherings of 50 or more for now”. This results in a huge disruption in the lives of people all around the world. Of the more prominent and impactful of this break in normalcy is the temporary closure of schools. School personnel, parents, and students alike feel the rousing waves of this unpredictable storm. As many were preparing for the much needed pause in educational endeavors, while looking forward to the indulgence of pleasurable yet restful activities associated with “Spring Break”, none could have prepared for the reality that was gradually unfolding. What would have typically been an elimination of a day by day calendar mark off in the normal countdown to Summer routine, became a progressive withdrawal of weeks, then months, and ultimately deer in the headlights question marks as to what the future has in store for our educational systems. “School Days” have inadvertently become “School Daze” as the normalcy of daily routines continue displacing and morphing into unfamiliar, unconventional, and unpredictable patterns of educable achievement with each passing day. There was no agenda, schedule, or lesson plan that alerted the people of the world of the impending requirements of “homeschooling”. Unlike anything “we the people” have ever experienced, this pandemic has shifted the world into a commonality like none other. Never could we have imagined this type of happening in our lifetime; howbeit, we as a resilient nation of people continually increase our awareness and adaptability, as we grasp the reins of uncertainties while supporting one another in this crisis. An establishment of safety guidelines thrust a collegiate

level concept called e-learning or distance learning into the public and private school arena. Rationale considered behind this approach demonstrates perceived best practices as an avenue to ensure safety measures in alignment with the “social distancing” era, while promoting continuity of the educational processes of instruction and acquisition. While teachers and students remain in the safety confines and comfortability of their homes, they adopt and adapt to alternative means of interacting with students using variations of advanced technological approaches. Applications such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Supports which were once reserved for collegiate and elite professional access has become the new normal for educational and quasi professional interaction. This process has been nothing short of overwhelming and frustrating, to say the least, to all parties involved. The disciplined responsibility to connect and engage has been an impending burden that has shifted to teachers, students, and parents alike. In addition, to the revamping of the educational arena, there is also the dealings with the implications in the disruption of social norms. A suspension of day to day interaction and activities among the student body, among friends, colleagues, co-workers, and associates have minimized amiable relationships to an updated “strictly business” status. Ultimately, structure and routine was the baby that was inevitably thrown out with the bath water with the induction of this new wave of teaching and learning. Educators are met with the task of introducing, encouraging, and transporting traditionally grounded students to participate in riding this massive, unpredictable cyclone of change. Whereas parents clutch the cordage of the roving vehicle as they are faced with the challenging idiosyncrasies of modern day computer software programs, curriculum requirements, and academic theories amidst implementing new “homeschool” routines for their children, all the while attempting to manage a healthy balance between work and home. With all of the facts in place, there is yet a question that remains. How are students and parents adapting? They are surprisingly and creatively adjusting even through periods of uncertainty, inadequacy, discouragement, and exhaustion. This new way of life was sprung upon all causing rips and tears in the threads of our neatly crafted quilts leaving gaping holes in the fabric of our core existences. Home offices and kitchen tables have become the new classroom environment as parents have assumed the role of classroom manager and mediator between their children and teachers. Screen time has taken on a new meaning as no longer represents down time, but has an extended definition to support distance learning. Parents struggle to appropriate assignment completion among multiple children as coursework varies by grade level and intensity. Talk about a full plate…as if that isn’t enough to digest, the epitome of mile markers as it pertains to the completion of the preliminary educational career has been dismantled. Participation in traditional commencement ceremonies have been halted and graduating seniors are plagued with the reality of the absence of one the most coveted milestone experiences of their entire lives. In conjunction with perceived negatives; however, there are potential positives. Students are afforded the opportunity to participate in

exceptional methods of learning, to acquire skill sets that correspond with the ever evolving technological age, and to achieve new levels of adaptability necessary for personal and professional growth. Parents benefit through the redistribution of time to enhance the family structure and to build and rebuild foundational bonds as they learn from, are guided by, and navigate through the days in the lives of their children through these measures. Parents who have unconsciously chipped away at some of their responsibilities and involvements in learning processes now have a chance at redemption to become an integral part of their children’s educational career. The expectations have evolved from offering the occasional assisting hand with a class project or helping with a few math equations here or there to a true to life conceptual conglomeration of nature and nurture. To offer insight on an effective continuation of the process of “homeschooling” here are a few tips of encouragement:

1. Maintain a positive outlook and ensure the well-being of your children. Establish a safe-net support system consisting of other parents and/or friends in whom to confide moments of victories/defeats and to exchange successful tactics/strategies.

2. Be mindful that children also experience frustrations just as adults; however, they may be insufficiently equipped to manage or possess the tools necessary to cope with their feelings effectively. Be patient and understanding, make these learning curves easier to control through the loving and caring guidance of your affirmations and collaboration.

3. Develop a schedule and adhere to it. Structure and routine are an integral pieces in the puzzle of learning processes.

4. Allow time to adjust as necessary. Distance learning is a new concept to both children and parents.

5. Be attentive. Listen to your children’s concerns, pay attention to nonverbal cues, build in breaks as needed.

6. Keep constant communication with teachers. Educators appreciate active interests of the parent as they are invested in the success of your children. 7. Consider journaling. Documenting the journey could be relieving and healing for both you and your children. Write about everything and create a safe space for your children to express their emotions during this time.

8. Engage in family social activities (movie nights, game nights, vision boards, exercise, gardening, etc.)

There is much to be commended to teachers, parents, and students all over the world that are involved in this new undertaking. These parties have completely shuffled their conventional style of teaching, learning, and managing with the sudden onset of change. Our hearts go out students that have experienced the loss of activities such as sporting events, proms, and even graduations. Even in loss , there is yet much to celebrate. Celebrate the unexpected gift of time....time to make more memories with your children and loved ones, time to be still and enjoy the simplicities of life, time to breathe as we inhale the fresh and new and exhale the stale and old, time to release from the mundane day to day stressor, time to simply… be and enjoy the splendor that life has to offer. Parents and students… keep striving and adapting, pushing and believing. You are doing a phenomenal job!

HEIGHT MAGAZINE

Celebrity Stylist

Stylist To The Stars

Hair Mastery

HEIGHT MAGAZINE Quinten Nicholas McCray

After humbly beginning his career in his mother’s home at the age of 14, Quinten Nicholas McCray has become a much sought after fixture in the national hair styling community. Quinten has traveled extensively mentoring and training audiences of students and stylists with his wisdom spanning all aspects of the cosmetology industry. He has done prominent platform shows and instructional seminars for various establishments, including Nairobi Products Incorporated and Influence Hair Care Company. He has been featured in numerous publications and at the Fashion Institute of New York for his prominence in the industry.

Quinten has maintained a fundamental belief in continuing his education and regularly participates in courses to maintain a master level performance, aligned with current methods and developments in the industry. His styling expertise and desire for ultimate perfection has paved the way for him to be called upon by Grammy, Tony and Academy Award winning artists, actors, television personalities, government officials, philanthropists, models and a diverse clientele.

Quinten Nicholas McCray can currently be found styling at Vernon Martin’s Salon, in Washington, DC.

HEIGHT MAGAZINE Dr. LaJoyce Brookshire

Wellness Tips

STAY in a posture of prevention H

1. 2. 3. 4. ere are my Top 13 ‘Ounce of

Prevention’ tips: Stay Hydrated – rinsing away toxicity internally at least every 30 minutes is a top of the list along with going to the bathroom when nature calls instead of ignoring the signals.

Do not touch ANYTHING in public with bare hands – door handles, the bathroom door, the soap dispenser, the faucet, elevator buttons, the subway rails. Use a latex or nitrile glove or a napkin or tissue.

Frequent Hand Washing – We talk a lot about hand washing but the correct way is to sing HAPPY BIRTHDAY two times. Grab a paper towel to lock and open bathroom stall door, dispense soap, turn on faucet, and dry hands. Wash hands upon entering buildings, and your home. Sanitize your hands when entering your car or office. Encourage everyone in your family to carry sanitizer.

Sanitize Frequently – When shaking hands or coming in contact with surfaces. Make your own sanitizer with equal parts of Alcohol, Wintergreen Alcohol and Witch Hazel or Peroxide. On surfaces, White Vinegar and Peroxide are germ assassins. So as the stores are getting low on Clorox, Lysol & Alcohol stock-up on White Vinegar.

5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Cover your Eyes – Just as the eyes are the gateway to the soul, they are also an open orifice. Wear glasses or goggles while in public like on a bus, train, or crowded

places. Plug your Ears – The ears are an entry point of infection. Plug with a small square of tissue NOT Earbuds, however a headset covering the entire ear like Beats or similar brands will suffice.

Clean your Nose – When bathing use a washcloth or a wet paper towel and your finger to clean the inside of your nose. You may be shocked to discover dirt in your nostrils. And then blow into the wet towel and clean again. It is time to blow the dust off of your Neti-Pot and use it every other day to rinse the nasal passages.

Bathing – Bathe at night EVERY day. Do NOT dream of laying in bed after you have been here-there-andeverywhere with germs on your body. Use a Natural Antibacterial Soap like Dr. Bronner’s Tea Tree, or Peppermint soap. Use a Clean towel Everyday. We get 3 million new skin cells everyday and the ones from today go down the drain and end up on the towel. Do NOT re-use.

Clothing – Put dirty clothes in a closed laundry basket or draw-string bag daily. Do NOT repeat clothing worn

the day before. Wash clothes every few days. Eat the Rainbow – Increase the Fruit and Veggies on your plate. Minimize Starch and Avoid Sweets altogether as they tear down the body’s defense mechanism. Kick the coffee, soda, alcohol habits cold turkey as these drag down your immunity. 11. Strengthen Your Immune System – Now is the time to do EVERYTHING right! Increase your Vitamins Three-fold. Exercise. Go to bed at 10pm or before. The worst thing that could have happened to America is Daylight Savings Time where we now lose an hour of sleep. Do NOT lose this hour!! The body needs to fight off invaders and that can only happen while sleeping.

12. Pay Attention to your Body – If you don’t feel your best and you do not have a fever, don’t just go to bed early and eat chicken soup, DO something about it before crawling into bed…Up your Vitamin C and Cod Liver Oil, chop a couple of garlic cloves and swallow them, make ginger/honey/lemon/cayenne pepper tea and then go to bed early.

13. Calm the Fear Factor — Being afraid and worrying will sink an immune system faster than any virus. Monitor who and what you listen to for information.

14. Close the toilet seat cover before flushing – if you don’t everything in it will splash 50 feet around the bathroom. That is why there is a cover.

15. Take off your shoes at the door – Please do NOT drag around your daily steps past your threshold. Shoes OFF!!!

16. Calm the Fear Factor — Being afraid and worrying will sink an immune system faster than any virus. Monitor who and what you listen to for information. I don’t want you to buy in to conspiracy theories like Black folk are not being infected, or it was created in a lab. It matters not if either of these things are true, what does matter is that Corona Virus is here and it is a Menace to society. Be vigilant with your health. STAY in a posture of Prevention.

That is all for now.

Praying for your Perfect Health…Dr. Brookshire