Allow me to describe the absolute silliness that is hybrid kindergarten to you, in case you're blissfully unaware of its existence.

Previously, we were fully virtual, which was already incredibly silly for kindergarteners who couldn't read yet. The teacher had 22 students on her screen, none of whom could stay muted, each of which had an adult on-hand to help with finding worksheets and keeping bums in seats.

At least that was the same format, day after day, and at least almost all the kindergarteners had the equivalent of an aide to help them get through the day.

Now, hybrid kindergarten.

Half the class (11 kids) are in the classroom with the teacher, and the other half are at home zooming in to class. Which cohort is at school and which is at home switches in the middle of the week.

So now, this poor teacher has 11 students in front of her in the classroom (no aides), AND a computer with the other 11 faces. She needs to help the 11 in-person students (5 and 6 year olds!) get ready for the lesson, while the kids at home have their adults help prepare.

Then she needs to teach the lesson to both sets of kids, staying close enough to the computer that the kids can see what she's showing the class, and so that it picks up her audio (while she's wearing a mask!).

So, the kids are completely out of sorts because they can't settle in to a routine, their bags are insanely heavy because they have to bring everything home every day, and this teacher, who is a saint walking on Earth, is getting more frayed with every passing day.

IT'S SO RIDICULOUS.

I'd be interested to hear other parent's experiences of hybrid schooling! Especially if there's any advice on making it a bit easier on the kids.