Thankful for Being Able to Be OnLine

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Finding Humor in On-Line Tutoring 

Here’s another story that made me smile with pride in this crazy time. 

Last week on Tuesday evening, I opened Zoom to begin “Phillip’s” tutoring session. Phillip is one of my young third graders. It was his first full week of virtual school.  

I asked him, “How’s school going on the computer?” 

In an extremely frustrated, yet polite voice, he answered, “I have been on this computer for 6 hours already today. Now I have another hour on the computer with you. I wish I could come to your house!” 

“I wish you could come to my house too!” 

“Seven hours is a long time to sit at a computer!” he firmly stated. 

“Yes, it is,” I sympathized, “but think about what it would’ve been like for me if COVID had happened when I was little. 

“We didn’t have a television.” 

Phillip gasped at the thought of not having a TV. 

I continued, “Can you imagine not having a TV to watch shows or movies in the evenings?” 

“No!” Phillip thoughtfully exclaimed.  

“All day I would have only had my little brother to play with.  

“Oh, and, of course, we didn’t have a computer either.” 

“That’s terrible!” 

“I wouldn’t have been able to Facetime with friends. I wouldn’t have been able to do any kind of schooling. The days would have been long and boring. I would probably have had to do a LOT of cleaning.” 

After a very long pause filled with deep thinking, Phillip slowly uttered, “Should I be thankful?” 

“Yes, I believe so,” I lovingly but firmly answered. 

“Oh, my,” was all he could say. 

After another LONG pause, I gently asked him, “Should we start tutoring now?” 

“Yes!” he enthusiastically replied with a smile. 

I smiled to myself. This sweet, young boy is so mature.

 

This certainly is a difficult time for everyone. Each of us is affected by it differently, but we’ll get through it together with patience, thoughtfulness and love. (Silent Elephant “e” helps too—giggles!)

If you are questioning whether you’d like to join the ranks of Silent Elephant “e” tutors, feel free to contact us.

Linda Katherine Smith-Jones                            Nina Henson