I always feel excited to go back to school to meet new friends, wear my new uniform and pack my new school things inside my Cars stroller bag. Everything is shiny and bright – even the smile on my face.

But this year school opens in an unusual way. Grown ups call this time the #NewNormal- all because of the coronavirus.

Mom tells me we can study through blended learning. (Only Dad needs to go to school ALONE to bring my books and get them back after Teacher checks my tests and homework.) 

My new classroom is called Zoom where I can only say hello to friends using a webcam. Teacher sends heart and star emojis for each job well done.  Classmates chat their stories during our recess. And one more cool thing about this online class…I have my kick-ass Mom to be my personal tutor!

Here are some ways how Mom and Dad get creative to make my first day in (online) school fun and exciting:
1.	Make a clean and quiet study area where I can use the computer during class. I also get to have a small cabinet where I can find my books and notes anytime I need to use them. 
2.	Build a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Green Screen using green cartolina and stand. I use my DIY Green Screen to choose awesome photos and post them for my Zoom background every day!
3.	Prepare nutritious breakfast with Go, Glow and Grow foods to make me attentive and energetic during class.
4.	Post a cool calendar of activities for me to know what time my classes are, playtime, nap time and gardening time with Dad.
5.	Set time to teach me do simple household chores. I am a growing kid, so I need to help Mom do some cleaning and washing sometimes.
6.	Regular early sleeping time makes me healthy and prepare me for classes the next day.

Changes can be scary sometimes especially for little kids, like me. Grown ups get scared too – because COVID-19 is dangerous. Before I go to sleep, I always pray for my family and the rest of the community to be safe. I am also thankful to God that Mom and Dad are still here to help me learn new things in a looooot of cool, awesome ways - without breaking our wallets.

Virtual hugs and kisses from a five-year-old schoolboy!