As Labor Day approaches, so do the traditional back to school memories. This year, however, COVID-19 presents us with vastly different in-person and/or hybrid learning environments. With this new reality comes uncertainty, anticipation and anxiety about entering school buildings. These mixed emotions are natural and healthy. After all, it’s been five months since children have walked the halls of their schools.
So what can we expect as students struggle to answer the following questions: What will it look like? Feel like? Sound like? And as parents, what can you expect from your child once schools open their doors and welcome students back?
Be forewarned: the first few days of the school year may not include rigorous academics, but are sure to introduce students to a plethora of new protocols put in place over the past few months to keep everyone safe. One thing is for sure: what we took for granted in the past, will take a back seat as students and teachers acclimate to the new measures. It may mean new entrances and exits. There may be tape on the floor or directional signs to remind everyone which way to walk the hallways, leave a classroom or enter a restroom. We all know that old habits die hard and muscle memory is strong! It will therefore take time to embrace and internalize the new rules of engagement.
It is important to be aware of some adjustments your child will need to make in those first few days of school. This will give you an appreciation for the classroom experience, help guide your conversations and provide the emotional support they may need. As your child settles into their new reality, they will have to:
Get used to wearing a mask for longer periods of time
Learn to speak at an appropriate volume with a mask on, so classmates and teachers can hear their ideas
Remember not to hug their friend in the hallway or high five other classmates
Recognize everyone’s personal space
Don’t underestimate the fatigue your child may experience. This comes with the territory! They may come home excited about seeing their peers and teachers and yet frustrated by all the new rules. Here’s how you can help:
Listen to them
Hear them out
Let them share their excitement
Let them vent
Above all, don’t ask about homework!
There is no denying that the first few days of school will be vastly different this year, so be patient with both your child and the school. Academics may take a temporary backseat to protocol in the initial phase as everyone learns to get used to pandemic classrooms.
In summary, it is undeniable that most of us felt robbed of academics last spring when distance learning became the norm. We also acknowledge that we are eager to get back into the classroom. However, learning how to navigate the physical classroom environment safely in a COVID world is paramount. To get academics back as the primary focus, we first need to recognize the importance of protocols as the critical means of returning to school and more importantly, staying on campus.
Last but not least, we need to take a moment to acknowledge the hard work administrators and teachers have been doing all summer in order to keep learning communities around the country safe and thriving throughout the 2020-21 academic year.