So many questions during this back to school time.
If you’re sending your child back to school during this pandemic, there’s probably a lot going through your mind. What will school look like? How will my child react to the changes? Will my kids be safe at school? What will be different? Will anything be the same?
So. Many. Questions.
Districts are releasing plans detailing social distancing guidelines, mask requirements, sick student procedures… the list goes on. There is a lot of information to process and things are constantly changing. Unfortunately, I don’t think anyone has all of the answers they want. Especially teachers! The logistics of all of this is mind-blowing. I recently attended a virtual brainstorming session on arrival/dismissal procedures and it ended with even more questions than when it began!
But even without all of those questions answered, you can do some things to help your student start the new school year off on the right foot.
First, remember that you set the tone. Even if you don’t agree with something your child’s school is doing, be as positive as possible. If you’re upset with something and voice that to your child, your child will likely report that right back to his or her friends or teacher.
Next, start talking to your child now about what they’re going to experience in school. It’s going to be different and they need to know that. Your child will be much more successful if they have at least some idea of what to expect. Practice standing 6 feet apart. Talk about staying in their own space or “bubble.” Explain how lunch and recess will work (if you know at this point). Talk about how there will likely be assigned seats on the bus and in the lunchroom, or assigned spots when walking in line. Help them understand there will be no high fives or fist bumps, no contact on the playground or in gym class.
I can’t stress this enough: If your child is required to wear a mask, practice it at home. Start off small – play a fun game, read a book, do a quick activity while wearing masks. Begin with a short amount of time and practice often, increasing the length your child is wearing a mask. Work with them on not touching it, not playing with it, etc. You cannot expect a child to go from wearing a mask for zero minutes a day to keeping it on for the whole school day with no issues. Make sure your child’s mask is comfortable. There are lots of simple hacks to help if it hurts their ears or doesn’t stay on their nose quite right. Let them choose their masks or decorate them. There are so many creative ideas out there for personalizing masks – make it fun and exciting!
Get a reusable water bottle. Drinking fountains won’t be an option. Make sure your child can open and close the water bottle on his/her own, and refill it without issue. Put your child’s name on it!
Help your child understand what it means to be flexible and adaptable. There are so many great books and videos out there that would be a great starting point.
Moms, I can assure you that your child’s teacher is doing everything in his or her power to make this school year great despite the current circumstances. But as they say, “Teamwork makes the dream work!” And that’s where you come in.
Moms, we’ve got this.
