Wednesday, September 16, 2020

Keep Your Distance

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty 



Keep Your Distance #388
pen, ink, and graphite on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202009081
© copyright Mike Kraus

*NOTICE - SHIPPING DELAYS HARMING SMALL BUSINESSES MAY BE EXPERIENCED: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/aug/16/usps-mail-delays-postmaster-general-changes-workers

Social Distancing doesn't mean we can't have fun.  Grab your hand sanitizer, masks, wine and join your friends for a Netflix watch party (https://www.netflixparty.com/).  You're saving lives by cancelling events you didn't want to attend anyway.  Social distancing is deliberately increasing the physical space between people to avoid spreading illness. 

When going out in public, it is important to stay at least 6 feet away from other people and wear a cloth face covering to slow the spread of COVID-19. Consider the following tips for practicing social distancing when you decide to go out.

1) Know Before You Go: Before going out, know and follow the guidance from local public health authorities where you live.
2) Prepare for Transportation: Consider social distancing options to travel safely when running errands or commuting to and from work, whether walking, bicycling, wheelchair rolling, or using public transit, rideshares, or taxis. When using public transit, try to keep at least 6 feet from other passengers or transit operators – for example, when you are waiting at a bus station or selecting seats on a bus or train. When using rideshares or taxis, avoid pooled rides where multiple passengers are picked up, and sit in the back seat in larger vehicles so you can remain at least 6 feet away from the driver. Follow these additional tips to protect yourself while using transportation.
3) Limit Contact When Running Errands: Only visit stores selling household essentials in person when you absolutely need to, and stay at least 6 feet away from others who are not from your household while shopping and in lines. If possible, use drive-thru, curbside pick-up, or delivery services to limit face-to-face contact with others. Maintain physical distance between yourself and delivery service providers during exchanges and wear a cloth face covering.
4) Choose Safe Social Activities: It is possible to stay socially connected with friends and family who don’t live in your home by calling, using video chat, or staying connected through social media. If meeting others in person (e.g., at small outdoor gatherings, yard or driveway gathering with a small group of friends or family members), stay at least 6 feet from others who are not from your household. Follow these steps to stay safe if you will be participating in personal and social activities outside of your home.
5) Keep Distance at Events and Gatherings: It is safest to avoid crowded places and gatherings where it may be difficult to stay at least 6 feet away from others who are not from your household. If you are in a crowded space, try to keep 6 feet of space between yourself and others at all times, and wear a cloth face covering. Cloth face coverings are especially important in times when physical distancing is difficult. Pay attention to any physical guides, such as tape markings on floors or signs on walls, directing attendees to remain at least 6 feet apart from each other in lines or at other times. Allow other people 6 feet of space when you pass by them in both indoor and outdoor settings.
6 ) Stay Distanced While Being Active: Consider going for a walk, bike ride, or wheelchair roll in your neighborhood or in another safe location where you can maintain at least 6 feet of distance between yourself and other pedestrians and cyclists. If you decide to visit a nearby park, trail, or recreational facility, first check for closures or restrictions. If open, consider how many other people might be there and choose a location where it will be possible to keep at least 6 feet of space between yourself and other people who are not from your household.

Having Fun During Coronavirus
Have Some Theme Spirit:

Mike Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold hundreds of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.

For more information or custom order, please visit:
at 1 comment:

Tuesday, September 15, 2020

Have Some Theme Spirit: Having Fun During Coronavirus


Have Some Theme Spirit: Having Fun During Coronavirus

We're all in this together. While fighting Coronavirus (COVID-19), we need to find ways to stay safe, entertained, creative, and healthy. To make nights and weekends special. Time to be with our family. Something to look forward to after work and school. "Theme Nights" are a great way to do that.

1) When? - Anytime. It can be every night with everyone in your household or it can be once a month over Zoom. An easy weekly theme night can be Taco Tuesday. Make it as simple or complicated as you want.

2) Choose A Theme - Here are some of my weekly favorites: pizza night, B-movie night, wino weekend, ice cream Sunday, backyard camping night, evening nature walk, family Zoom night, game night, driveway chalking, and countless others. Are your kids or roommates musical? Then have a "band night."

For a "one-night only" event, try something more creative like: Robots and Aliens, Punk Rock, Monster Trucks, Jungle, Nerds, 7 Deadly Sins, Mythical Creatures, etc. A great way to come up with an idea is to dig through the closet, attic, or basement for things you don't need or use anymore. Give it one last hurrah and then donate it or throw it away the next morning.

3) Getting Together - Make some snacks and beverages and gather your family/roommates in the living room. Don't have enough people or want to include those with health issues? Invite people to participate on Zoom, Facetime, Google Hangouts, or countless other virtual platforms.

4) Decorate - Transport yourselves someplace new. If your theme is "Dream Vacation," start with everyone packing a suitcase with what they want to see or do most. Set up your living room like a airport terminal for a few games. Eat food from that location. Create experiences inspired by that vacation destination. Immerse yourselves.



5) What To Eat - Food makes everything better. But, unless your theme is "cooking," make it simple. Pre-made meals from the grocery store or takeout are just fine. Everyone should participate in the fun and not be stuck in the kitchen.

This applies to drinks too. Use the theme, but don't force someone to be a bartender all night.

6) Getting Dressed Up - Working from home and virtual school has made life very casual and comfortable. Let's break that routine for a night. Be ridiculous and wear a tuxedo, old costume, a prom dress, or whatever else you can find. If you have lots of old clothes, this can be great inspiration for themes.

7) Entertainment and Sharing - Find some way to integrate a board game, movie, TV show, music, etc. If you're theme is Dr. Seuss, play The Cat In the Hat Game, watch The Lorax, and find some strange music. Share with friends using #DrSeussNight



AND DON'T FORGET TO HAVE FUN! And, please feel free to contact if you have any questions or suggestions!


Health and Safety Considerations for gathering:
1) No indoor activities
2) No sharing bathrooms
3) Wash hands before and after gathering. Don't touch your face.
4) Bring your own food, snacks, drinks, and utensils.
5) Do not attend if you have asthma, heart disease, diabetes, overweight, have/survived cancer, or 50+ year old.
6) Do not attend if you have or have had Coronavirus or showing symptoms (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html).
7) Wear a mask and practice social distancing (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/social-distancing.html)
8) Limit attendance. Check local health department for guidelines and restrictions.
9) Talk with everyone about comfort levels. Expect and allow non-participation and last minute cancellations.

Mike Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold hundreds of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.
at 1 comment:

Monday, September 14, 2020

Latest Fall Fashions 2020

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty 




Latest Fall Fashions 2020 #387
pen, ink, and graphite on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202009080
© copyright Mike Kraus

*NOTICE - SHIPPING DELAYS HARMING SMALL BUSINESSES MAY BE EXPERIENCED: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/aug/16/usps-mail-delays-postmaster-general-changes-workers

Patriotism is keeping our fellow citizens safe. "To love thy neighbor" (Matthew 22:38) means to "Let each of us look not only to our own interests, but also to the interests of others." (Philippians 2:4). How many of our loved ones have asthma, heart disease, diabetes, overweight, have/survived cancer, or 50+ year old parents/grandparents that need our protection? It can be fun and stylish too.

Luckily, there are so many exceptional piece that fit your unique personality and won't break the bank. This includes beautiful masks with original Mike Kraus Art: https://society6.com/mikekraus/masks. With over 200 designs, there's a fun and creative piece just for you. 

Having Fun During Coronavirus

Mike Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold hundreds of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.

For more information or custom order, please visit:
at 1 comment:

Friday, September 11, 2020

Los Angeles Alley

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty


Los Angeles Alley
acrylic paint on canvas board
8" x 10" (20.3 cm x 25.4 cm)
202009079
© copyright Mike Kraus
To purchase, please visit: https://www.etsy.com/listing/246241892/los-angeles-alley-original-acrylic

*NOTICE - SHIPPING DELAYS HARMING SMALL BUSINESSES MAY BE EXPERIENCED: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/aug/16/usps-mail-delays-postmaster-general-changes-workers

Los Angeles is an attractive beacon of optimism.  What started as a Spanish colony of 11 people has exploded into a population of 18.7 million people.  The Chinese came to build the railroads, African Americans seeking better opportunities after World War II, Koreans to be entrepreneurial shopkeepers, Latinos who founded and built the city, along with countless other people from around the globe.  Los Angeles' diversity and openness to the world has made it the 3rd largest metropolitan economy.  Behind the thin veneer of glamour is the hard work of millions of good people.

This painting would look best in a space that is red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, black, white, gray, beige. or wood

Having Fun During Coronavirus

Mike Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold hundreds of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.

For more information or custom order, please visit:
at 1 comment:

Wednesday, September 9, 2020

Keep Your Distance

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty 



Keep Your Distance #386
pen, ink, and graphite on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202009078
© copyright Mike Kraus

*NOTICE - SHIPPING DELAYS HARMING SMALL BUSINESSES MAY BE EXPERIENCED: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/aug/16/usps-mail-delays-postmaster-general-changes-workers

Social Distancing doesn't mean we can't have fun.  Grab your hand sanitizer, masks, wine and join your friends for a Netflix watch party (https://www.netflixparty.com/).  You're saving lives by cancelling events you didn't want to attend anyway.  Social distancing is deliberately increasing the physical space between people to avoid spreading illness. 

When going out in public, it is important to stay at least 6 feet away from other people and wear a cloth face covering to slow the spread of COVID-19. Consider the following tips for practicing social distancing when you decide to go out.

1) Know Before You Go: Before going out, know and follow the guidance from local public health authorities where you live.
2) Prepare for Transportation: Consider social distancing options to travel safely when running errands or commuting to and from work, whether walking, bicycling, wheelchair rolling, or using public transit, rideshares, or taxis. When using public transit, try to keep at least 6 feet from other passengers or transit operators – for example, when you are waiting at a bus station or selecting seats on a bus or train. When using rideshares or taxis, avoid pooled rides where multiple passengers are picked up, and sit in the back seat in larger vehicles so you can remain at least 6 feet away from the driver. Follow these additional tips to protect yourself while using transportation.
3) Limit Contact When Running Errands: Only visit stores selling household essentials in person when you absolutely need to, and stay at least 6 feet away from others who are not from your household while shopping and in lines. If possible, use drive-thru, curbside pick-up, or delivery services to limit face-to-face contact with others. Maintain physical distance between yourself and delivery service providers during exchanges and wear a cloth face covering.
4) Choose Safe Social Activities: It is possible to stay socially connected with friends and family who don’t live in your home by calling, using video chat, or staying connected through social media. If meeting others in person (e.g., at small outdoor gatherings, yard or driveway gathering with a small group of friends or family members), stay at least 6 feet from others who are not from your household. Follow these steps to stay safe if you will be participating in personal and social activities outside of your home.
5) Keep Distance at Events and Gatherings: It is safest to avoid crowded places and gatherings where it may be difficult to stay at least 6 feet away from others who are not from your household. If you are in a crowded space, try to keep 6 feet of space between yourself and others at all times, and wear a cloth face covering. Cloth face coverings are especially important in times when physical distancing is difficult. Pay attention to any physical guides, such as tape markings on floors or signs on walls, directing attendees to remain at least 6 feet apart from each other in lines or at other times. Allow other people 6 feet of space when you pass by them in both indoor and outdoor settings.
6 ) Stay Distanced While Being Active: Consider going for a walk, bike ride, or wheelchair roll in your neighborhood or in another safe location where you can maintain at least 6 feet of distance between yourself and other pedestrians and cyclists. If you decide to visit a nearby park, trail, or recreational facility, first check for closures or restrictions. If open, consider how many other people might be there and choose a location where it will be possible to keep at least 6 feet of space between yourself and other people who are not from your household.

Having Fun During Coronavirus

Mike Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold hundreds of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.

For more information or custom order, please visit:
at 1 comment:

Tuesday, September 8, 2020

You Haven't Seen That?!? Game: Having Fun During Coronavirus


You Haven't Seen That Game: Having Fun During Coronavirus

Coronavirus (COVID-19) has given us an unpleasant reality.  Fortunately, movies are a great source for escapism.  A necessary distraction into the world of imagination and fantasy.  Let's put our tendency to be couch potatoes to good use by making it a game.  

 Games improve our outlook on life.  It activates neurons in our brain, which prevents diseases like dementia.  Having fun is medicine to fight anxiety and depression (https://anzmh.asn.au/mental-health/the-psychological-benefits-of-playing-cards/#:~:text=In%20fact%2C%20reconnecting%20with%20the,loss%20associated%20with%20older%20age.)  

 1) Getting Together - Make some snacks and beverages and gather your family/roommates in the living room.  Don't have enough people or want to include those with health issues?  Invite people to play on Zoom, Facetime, Google Hangouts, or countless other virtual platforms. 

2) The Rules - All you need is 2+ people.  Find a popular movie that someone hasn't seen.  Then ask them to describe the movie.  Once complete, reveal the true synopsis.

3) Speed Up Suggestions - This helps for a larger group.  Most people know, and may be proud, of pop culture films they haven't seen.  So, have everyone write down their missed piece of cinema for the group to select on their turn.

 4) The Rules: The Sequel - Be sure to draw out and explain plot at characters.  What is the setting and conflict?  What attempts have been made and failed to solve a problem?  What is the turning point? What is the results after the turning point?  How is the story finally resolved?  



5) Movies Suggestions By Era: This is not an exhaustive list.  There are countless other movies, foreign films, and other features people know and love.
2010+: Star Wars (sequel trilogy and spinoffs), Avengers (multiple), Black Panther, Jurassic World (multiple), Incredibles 2, The Lion King (Live Action), Finding Dory, Frozen (multiple), Batman: Dark Knight Rises, Toy Story (multiple), Beauty and the Beast (Live action), Captain Marvel, Hunger Games (multiple), Wonder Woman, Iron Man (multiple), Captain America, Harry Potter (multiple), American Sniper, Boyhood, Moonlight, 12 Years a Slave, Selma, Things To Come, Coco, John Wick (multiple), Train To Busan, Ladybird, Margaret, Toni Erdmann, Get Out, Carol, No, The Tree of Life, 
2000-2009: Avatar, Batman: The Dark Knight, Shrek (multiple), Pirates of the Caribbean (multiple), Spiderman (multiple), Transformers (multiple), Star Wars (prequel trilogy), Lord of the Rings (multiple), The Passion of the Christ, Finding Nemo, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Mulholland Drive, Gladiator, Children of Men, Lost In Translation, Sweet Home Alabama, 13 Going On 30, I Am Sam, Catch Me If You Can, The Notebook, American Psycho, Punch-Drunk Love, Grizzly Man, 

1990s: Titanic, Jurassic Park (multiple), The Lion King (animated), Forest Gump, Independence Day, The Sixth Sense, Home Alone (multiple), Men In Black (multiple), Toy Story (multiple), Twister, Mrs. Doubtfire, Beauty and the Beast (animated), Ghost, Aladdin, Saving Private Ryan, Austin Powers (multiple), Terminator 2, Armageddon, Dances With Wolves, Batman Forever (Val Kilmer), The Fugitive, Liar Liar, Before Sunrise, Groundhog Day, Goodfellas, The Shawshank Redemption, Pulp Fiction, Fargo, The Piano, Close-Up, Schindler's List, An American Tail: Fievel Goes West, Selena, The Matrix (multiple), My Girl, Roger and Me, The Silence of the Lambs, Clueless, 
1980s: E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial, Batman (Michael Keaton), Indiana Jones (multiple), Ghostbusters (multiple), Beverly Hills Cop (multiple), Back To the Future (multiple), Top Gun, Tootsie, Crocodile Dundee, Rain Man, Three Men and a Baby, Fatal Attraction, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Gremlins (multiple), Rambo (multiple), Do the Right Thing, The Shining, Die Hard (multiple), The Terminator, Dead Poets Society, Heathers, The Verdict, Blow Out, 

1970s: Star Wars (original trilogy), Jaws (multiple), Grease (multiple), The Sting, Superman (multiple), The Godfather (multiple), The Exorcist, Smokey and the Bandit, Animal House, Blazing Saddles, Rocky (multiple), Close Encounters of the Third Kind, The Towering Inferno, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Love Story, Kramer Vs. Kramer, Airport, American Graffiti, Saturday Night Fever, The Poseidon Adventure, The Trial of Billy Jack, The Amityville Horror, Young Frankenstein, Every Which Way But Loose, Apocalypse Now, Star Trek (multiple), The Goodbye Girl, Heaven Can Wait, Alien (multiple), Hooper, Fiddler On the Roof, The Muppet Movie (multiple), Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Suspiria,  
1960s: The Sound of Music, The Graduate, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Jungle Book (animated), My Fair Lady, Thunderball, Cleopatra, 2001: A Space Odyssey (multiple), Guess Who's Coming To Dinner, How the West Was Won, It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World, Funny Girl, Herbie: The Love Bug (multiple), James Bond (multiple), Bonnie and Clyde, The Dirty Dozen, Lawrence of Arabia, Midnight Cowboy, The Odd Couple, Valley of the Dolls, West Side Story, Doctor Zhivago, Bullitt, Easy Rider, The Longest Day, Romeo and Juliet, Tom Jones, Oliver!, The Bible: In the Beginning, Hawaii, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, Hello Dolly!, Bob and Ted and Carol and Alice, Paint Your Wagon, Those Magnificent Men In Their Flying Machines, Mary Poppins, The Sand Pebbles, The Guns of Navarone, The Carpetbaggers, Spartacus, 8 1/2, Psycho, The Good the Bad and the Ugly, The Parent Trap, To Kill a Mockingbird, Z, 
1950s: The Ten Commandments, Lady and the Tramp (animated), Peter Pan (animated), Cinderella (animated), Ben-Hur, Sleeping Beauty (animated), The Bridge On the River Kwai, Around the World In 80 Days, This Is Cinerama, The Greatest Show On Earth, Rear Window, South Pacific, The Robe, Giant, Seven Wonders of the World, From Here To Eternity, White Christmas, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Sayonara, Cinerama Holiday, Demetrius and the Gladiators, Peyton Place, Some Like It Hot, Quo Vadis, Auntie Mame, Seven Samurai, Singin' In the Rain, Tokyo Story, The Seventh Seal, The Night of the Hunter, A Face In the Crowd, Rebel Without a Cause,  

 Not satisfied with this list?  The American Film Institute has a bazillion more options at: https://www.afi.com/afi-lists/

 6) SPOILER ALERT! - I recommend choosing movies that aren't recent releases or something you REALLY want to see.  Obviously, because the entire plot will be revealed at some point.  

DON'T FORGET TO HAVE FUN!  And, please feel free to contact if you have any questions or suggestions!



Health and Safety Considerations for gathering:
1) No indoor activities
2) No sharing bathrooms
3) Wash hands before and after gathering.  Don't touch your face.
4) Bring your own food, snacks, drinks, and utensils.
5) Do not attend if you have asthma, heart disease, diabetes, overweight, have/survived cancer, or 50+ year old.
6) Do not attend if you have or have had Coronavirus or showing symptoms (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html).
8) Limit attendance.  Check local health department for guidelines and restrictions.
9) Talk with everyone about comfort levels.  Expect and allow non-participation and last minute cancellations.

Mike Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold hundreds of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.

at 1 comment:

Monday, September 7, 2020

School At Home

Brightscapes: The Way To Beauty 



School At Home #385
pen, ink, and graphite on Bristol paper
2.5" x 3.5" (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) 
NOT A PRINT OR REPRODUCTION
202009077
© copyright Mike Kraus

*NOTICE - SHIPPING DELAYS HARMING SMALL BUSINESSES MAY BE EXPERIENCED: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2020/aug/16/usps-mail-delays-postmaster-general-changes-workers

Coronavirus (COVID-19) shut down your office and your kid's school along with everything else. It's been chaos with 50 states having 50 different policies. And over 13,000 school districts seemingly having 13,000+ different ideas for how to continue your child's education. As if you weren't concerned about the stability of your job and the stress of working at your dining room table; you're being told to teach your kids at the same time.

Let's acknowledge a few things first. Everyone's situation is different solutions will require infinite patience and incredible flexibility. That our haphazard, uncoordinated patchwork of school districts have various plans with a wide range of success and failure. Finally, that this is causing anxiety for everyone involved. So, let's try to find some solutions.

 1) Sync Your Schedules - Homeschooling one-on-one tends to be quicker than classroom learning. What takes 6 hours at school can only take 2-4 hours at home. Review the requirements for your kid/kids learning. Now, compare your mandatory tasks for working from home.

 2) HELP PLEASE! - Divide the subjects and kids between you and your partner. Ask for help from friends, family, and other parents. Does your school district provide any tools? Look for online resources. Don't be afraid to ask for help. We all need it.

 3) Schedule and Routine - Find a schedule that works for you and your child. Be flexible and patient your kids and yourself. Is it possible to do some work a little earlier in the morning while your kids are asleep? Math and science can be taught anytime after 3pm until bedtime as well. Weekends can also be opportunities for learning. This may be necessary for using limited resources like computers.

 Make a schedule, write it down, and display it someone prominently. This will help provide work time for your and your child. Here's an example:

Family Schedule
7am – 10am
Adult 1: Work
Adult 2: Watch children
Kid 1: Breakfast and school work
Kid 2: Breakfast and school work

10am – 11am
Adult 1: Watch children
Adult 2: Check work messages
Kid 1: Online class
Kid 2: Zoom with friends

11am – Noon
Adult 1: Check work messages
Adult 2: Help children with homework
Kid 1: homework
Kid 2: homework

Noon – 1pm
Lunch for everyone. Extra time to play outside or walk around neighborhood

1pm – 1:30pm
Adult 1: Help children with homework
Adult 2: Check work messages
Kid 1: homework
Kid 2: homework

1:30pm – 4pm
Adult 1 and 2: Work
Kid 1 and 2: Free time

4pm – 5pm
Adult 1: Chores and errands
Adult 2: Work
Kid 1 and 2: Chores

5pm – 7pm
Dinner. Extra time for own activities.

7pm – 10pm
Adult 1: Spend time with kids
Adult 2: Work
Kid 1 and 2: Theme night activities (Movie Night, Game Night, etc). Free time. Bed.

4) Use Everything - Allow open access to every board game, book, art supply, toy, or whatever for your children. Allow them independence so you can work. Be honest with your children about your job. When you are working, you're not to be interrupted unless it's "burning or bleeding." Also, there are millions of educational videos available for on streaming services. Is your kid freaking out and you need to be in a Zoom meeting? Let them watch Cartoon Network if it keeps them quiet. We're in a State of Emergency. No one will judge you for doing what you need to for survival.

5) Improv - With many school districts providing little to no guidance, it's good to employ the tactics of shortform improv theater. The "structure" is education and it is driven by audience/student. If your kid is really into roller coasters, make that a full day project. Have them spend a couple hours researching the 10 best roller coasters in the world. Write a report on why those are the best roller coasters. What is the science and math behind roller coasters? What is their history? Create a design and build a model of your own roller coaster. Use the techniques of Montessori education. Let your student own their education by having fun.

My grandpa was a master at this. He'd teach me through every day experience. It'd always start with, "Hey Mike, would you like to learn how to..." and end with me doing chores. This is how I learned how to change light fixtures, write checks, read schematics, fix a leaky toilet, change the oil, cook a meal and so much more. By college, I was completely independent and able to run my own household.

6) Communicating With Others - It's good for your child to talk with their friends and play online games. So, let them do it. In fact, encourage them to use Zoom with their grandparents, mail a letter to a cousin, leave a note to a neighbor in need, or host an online party.

7) Be Patient, Flexible, and Relax - This has been a big change for you, your kids, your boss, and everyone else. Sometimes, the homework isn't going to be finished. It's not going to prevent your kid from going to college. It's okay and shouldn't interrupt your work.

There are nearly 50 million families in America experiencing the same problems you are right now. So call, text, email, Zoom, group chat at least one of them. Share your successes. Laugh at your failures. And remember to take care of yourself. Everything is going to be fine.

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"Their plan is to reopen after disinfecting the school, though it is not clear how much of a difference that will make... and a single sneeze or cough could once again contaminate a classroom." - Dr. Sanjay Gupta (more at: Why I am not sending my kids back to school)

Mike Kraus was born on the industrial shoreline of Muskegon, Michigan. After earning his Fine Arts Degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he attended Grand Valley State University for his graduate degree. From there, he gained varied experiences from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, Art Institute of Chicago, Hauenstein Center For Presidential Studies, Lollypop Farm Humane Society, and the Children's Memorial Foundation. And every place he worked, he had his sketchbook with him and found ways to be actively creative. In 2014, Kraus became a full-time artist by establishing Mike Kraus Art. Since then, he has sold hundreds of paintings that are displayed in nearly every state and dozens of countries. Currently, Kraus lives in Rochester, New York with his beautiful wife and goofy dog.

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