Hello everyone, and welcome to my blog! This is an exciting and confusing time for everyone right now as we prepare to go back to school. Will classes be all online? Will it be a hybrid? Will students be in their classes 100% at any point this year? Will the start of school be delayed? No one is quite sure what will occur, and the days creep ever closer to when we start. In fact, the school district I previously worked at is scheduled to begin in about a week! Now, this blog is not here to debate whether opening is right or wrong, or how to open. Instead, I want to focus on how to have the best year ever, no matter how your district chooses to open. I have a few tips for parents and teachers alike!
1. Be positive! You set the tone for your children. If you are positive, they will take their cues from you, and be positive as well. If they have to wear masks, tell them that we wear masks to help keep everyone safe. Help them to understand that they can do it. Maybe find a mask that they like to wear. If they have to meet virtually, help them set up their area so they have all their supplies, good lighting, and a pleasant place to be. If they are going back to school in person, practice how to greet people from a distance and what to say or do if someone is too close. Above all, remain positive that things will get better.
2. Be understanding! Little ones hear more than you think, and respond to those things, on tv, the radio, etc. Listen to what their concerns are. Ask them what they are thinking. Sometimes, they hear things that aren't true, and need help sorting through to the answers. Tell them that you will get through the uncertainty together.
3. Remember the teacher! This is a new direction for many teachers. Some will adapt easily, some will have problems with new technology and equipment. All teachers try very hard to do the best for their students. Reach out to the teacher before school begins, not just when their is a problem. Give them the benefit of the doubt when something occurs. Talk to them and get their take on the situation. Give them the time to correct things, if needed, and stay in touch. You will develop a rapport with the teacher that will be positive, not negative, if you do this.
If everyone remains positive, stays focused on helping the children, and communicates, the school year will be a better one for everyone!
