This summer seems to be speeding by for everyone. It looks like things have returned to nearly normal as we get together for ball games, cookouts, fairs and other fun activities. But it will not be long until school starts. Ask most any kid and they will probably say they are not ready to go back, though they might surprise you. It will not matter how they did their schoolwork last year, in person, e-learning, or some type of hybrid; their answer will likely be the same. Some parents are more than ready.
The return this year for some, means going back in person after a long-extended e-learning at home. While many returned last semester, some have not been in a classroom with others since March 2020 for various reasons. But with the start of the new school year, extensive e-learning support will be ended by most local schools.
Some students may be a little anxious going back. While they will meet some new students, there are many former classmates they may not have seen for a long time. There may also still be some uncertainty as to what a new year will bring. Some parents may be able to relate to this as they return to their workplaces after a long hiatus working at home. Maintaining guidelines for social distancing will likely be just one of the differences in personal space noticed.
The schools, teachers, parents, and students have worked hard together to keep up with their studies in an unprecedented time; but not everything that you learn in school can be taught online. We know that academic subjects such as reading, writing, mathematics and social studies are more adaptable to online curriculums and whether learning has indeed occurred is easily measurable.
Still, there are other important skills that are not as easy to teach online, not observed by teachers, and where learning is not readily determined when done electronically. Some call this the “invisible curriculum.” Some of these important lessons or skills learned involve getting along with others (outside of your family), teamwork, cooperation, leadership, effective communications, creative and critical thinking, learning empathy and other perspectives and a sense of connectedness to community.
There is also the problem of learning some subjects related to special education or the arts such as band, orchestra, or chorus that do not lend themselves well to online instruction — at least not the part where everyone participates together, group-belonging, and building confidence.
Most adults can probably think back to at least one experience that provided an important lesson learned at school that they were not graded on. I know that I certainly can. I will only say that one had to do with a word said (which today is no longer a bad word), and another involved our dress code. Enough said, except I am extremely glad there were no phone videos or other means to record forever childhood blunders. Nothing to remind you 30 years later via social media of things you would never do now. To my point, I learned my lessons for a lifetime back then, so no #hashtag needed.
Just a few ways to help your child transition back to school and make life easier are:
–Gather items needed the evening before so they are ready to go in the morning.
–Help develop habits for a good night’s rest so they can be alert and do their best.
–Focus on the positive about going back to school, such as seeing their friends.
–If attending a new school, a pre-visit can be helpful to know where things are and what to expect.
–Eat a healthy breakfast, especially if lunchtime is short or later in the day.
–Discuss with your child whether there are any extra-curricular activities they are interested in. This can be a good way to explore, learn and make new friends at school.
–Write down their schedule with locations and other needed information.
–Keep good and open communication with your child’s teacher.
–Remember, kids need time to adjust just like adults do, so just be patient. Being ready to listen to them about their day and talk things through always goes a long way. If you have concerns that their anxiety seems beyond what should be normal, you can contact your child’s health-care provider to discuss.
In the meantime, have fun with the rest of summer. For me, more pool time… or a root beer float always sounds good. Here is to the start of a great new 2021 school year!
