For all of us, being told to stay home because we are in the midst of a national health crisis due to the COVID-19 coronavirus, is unprecedented and historic. With schools being closed, and parents being forced to work from home, creates a unique opportunity to make some new memories. I thought about having my own children home for two weeks and I easily came up with 14 daily activities and a way too incorporate social media.I am hopeful that this is useful too many and helps the days pass quickly during this national quarantine.Day 1. Choose a non-profit doing great work and make a donation. Take the time to share that information on social media to encourage others to do the same.Day 2. Start a journal and write down a few thoughts you are having daily. This is a historic moment for our country. Write down how you are feeling and the ideas you have during this time. Be sure to include two or three things that bring you joy and let each day showcase your gratitude.Day 3. Choose a leader you admire and send them a note of encouragement. Share that idea, or even your note, on social media to encourage others to do the same.Day 4. Pick up a piece of great literature and spend some time reading. Take time today to appreciate the work of this great author. Share on social media what you are reading to encourage others to do the same.Day 5. Get out of your home today and go for a walk around your neighborhood. Point out a favorite house, notice a beautiful front yard someone has created, and photograph a flower, tree, or unique location you discovered on your journey. Share your pictures on social media and encourage others to do the same.Day 6. Google a famous museum and access their showings and special exhibits. Spend time appreciating the artwork and artistry of the masters. Share that great website on social media and encourage others to do the same.Day 7. Do you have a junk drawer in your home? Today is a great day to open it, review what’s in there, with the goal of organizing
and throwing things away. Let today be about ridding yourself of clutter. Remember to take a before and after picture and share on social media to encourage others to do the same.Day 8. Google a place you have always wanted to visit. Spend some time watching a video, exploring information, and planning a future visit. Share what you have learned about the location on social media and encourage others to do the same.Day 9. Today is about planning and preparing your favorite meal. Make it a family affair and include sharing some great stories you have made in the past over these recipes. Take a picture of the meal, or your family helping prepare, and share on social media to encourage others to do the same.Day 10. Do you have a favorite national park? Many have interactive websites. Pick one and let the adventure begin. Use the time to share your memories of when you were there or start your plan to visit a national park in the future.Day 11. Start a game of family texting trivia. Each player writes out five questions and then you take turns answering and sending. You don’t have to be in the same room to play, and if you are, make sure the questions bring laughter.Day 12. What’s your favorite film? Today is a day to watch it, research its origins, and find out all you can about the actors, filming
locations, and other elements of interest. Share on social media your favorite movie and encourage others to do the same.Day 13. Do you have a storage area in your home? Today is a great day to explore that area, review what you have, and decide if a Goodwill run or trash opportunity is happening. Take a before and after picture and share on social media to encourage others to do the same.Day 14. Today’s the day to go knock on the neighbor’s door and let them know you are there to help if they need it. In our busy lives many of us don’t know people just a few houses away. If you don’t want to knock on their door, leave them a note with your telephone number and a word of encouragement.Daily, I encourage you to listen to music that connects to your soul and provides you nourishment and encouragement. Music can connect you to a favorite time and place you fondly remember. Allow these moments to be shared with your family and friends so that they get to know you a little bit better. Have a favorite song, group, or album? Share on social media and encourage others to do the same.
Add to that, remember you’ve been given this time to be at home, or work at home, so embrace a slower pace as a result. We are in a time of unprecedented historical significance and having to keep our busy American schedules has now been sidelined. This is the time to accept that this disruption can actually be a good thing for ourselves and our families.
Most of us will stay home and avoid COVID-19 coronavirus. Let’s all continue to wash our hands, eat well, get to bed on time, and make our health a priority. And by the way, just because we’re home doesn’t mean we can’t make some great memories. #MakeItHappenCameron Curry is the Chief Executive Officer for The Classical Academies, an organization of award-winning, tuition-free, public charter schools serving 4600+ students in grades TK-12 in North San Diego County. Curry also serves on the board of the California Charter Schools Association and serves as commissioner for the California Department of Education Advisory Commission for Charter Schools (ACCS). For more information about The Classical Academies, visit www.classicalacademy.com
The Classical Academies is an organization of award-winning, tuition-free, public charter schools serving 5200+ students in grades TK-12 in North San Diego County.
