United We Stand (Against Covid)

Daily pills to help students (and families) organize their study in Covid-19 times, when almost one billion children have seen their schools close. Signed by Marcello Bramati and Lorenzo Sanna, deans and teachers at Faes High schools in Milan. As reported by Time magazine, they are teaching online during the lockdown, in an ongoing experiment in remote learning. Every morning at 8.30 a.m., their advice, tips and good practices for students of all ages.

Yes, we often risk feeling suffocated by the lack of space and intimacy and the cohabitation of those who have to work in one room and those who have to study in the other. It' s true that we are often deprived by the ballet of tablets and electronic devices and even by the queue in front of the fridge or in front of balcony, when breaks coincide. Nevertheless, today – Easter day- we should try to relaunch the unity of the family.

At this time of domestic overcrowding, it is important not to give up, because of laziness or carelessness. Let's not surrender to fragmentation into many small digital islands, each with its own tasks and video calls, each in its own little world.

As it is important to preserve the intimacy of each family member, or of the couple, it as well essential to keep us together, in the daily and exceptional moments of our long days. Therefore, here are some concrete suggestions, in view of the next steps of forced cohabitation.

Let's start hanging on a wall a timetable with present and future programs. Together with your kids, you could prepare a weekly and monthly planning calendar, scheduling priorities, space needs, important deadlines, a certain anniversary, a special evening. And don't forget a date for the next trip.

Every now and then, remember to share the place of work in a slightly more spacious table, like the the dining table. Sit down all together: the little ones drawing, the teenagers selecting the music, the parents planning or ordering something online. In the meantime, you can chat, smile, choose a movie or a menu for dining. In short, stick together.