School days seem like a distant memory; when you used to have to struggle to pull your child out of bed and get them ready for school in the morning. Or hand your "5-AM Toddler Alarm Clock something to keep them occupied while you prepared for both your days over a cup of coffee.
Now? You've adjusted to life ala Covid-19. Your days have settled into the new normal of hooking your child up to their distance learning class, scrolling through Pinterest for new and exciting activities to keep them motivated. Navigating your own business and career while trying to ensure your children keep up with their education.
What a ride it has been.
At DK Schoolhouse the halls have been quiet. The unbridled laughter of our Tiny Tots and the excited chatter of our older students has become a warm memory. Our teachers reminisce on happy moments spent "IRL" with their students and discuss their excitement over impending reunions.
"PARENTING IS THE EASIEST THING IN THE WORLD TO HAVE AN OPINION ON, AND THE HARDEST THING IN THE WORLD TO DO."
Which, all at once, is upon us. You get the call. You see the message in your child's classroom and you have to read it twice to make sure. Back to school. What is that going to look like?
While yes, we are ALL overjoyed at the prospect of having children in school once again, the strict parameters of social distancing make back to school seem like uncharted territories.
While it may be nerve wracking for many parents, we've come up with a list of ways you can help your child through the transition. Our team is busy creating a list of reunion activities and ideas to help your children reintegrate into their school community, while at the same time understanding the social boundaries they will inevitably have to get used to.
Read below for some of our top ideas and while you're at it, hop on over and have a look at our form that parents will be required to sign before returning to school.
THE IDEA CORNER
YOUNG BRAINS LEARN BEST WHEN THEY FEEL CALM.
It may likely be a time of tumultuous feelings for you, and for children who are ready to get back to learning, parental enthusiasm is vital. It's important to remember that a child's brain needs to be centered and calm before it can learn effectively. So, keep in mind your reaction to your child going back to school and be sure to set a positive example.
2. UP AND DOWN AND ALL AROUND
Yes, your child may have been asking you several hundred times a day "When can I get to see my friends again?" but be prepared that once the reality of routine sinks in, your child may undergo a period of adjustment and act out or become extra clingy. Stay calm and remember, you're child adapted to school once before and they're more than capable of doing it again.
3. THE THREE C's
A successful home-school relationship makes for a productive learning environment for your child. Now more than ever is the time to be in close communication with your child's school and their teachers. Practice the three C's - Collaboration, courtesy and clarity. Now more than ever, kindness and connection will see you and your child through.
4. ROUTINE, ROUTINE, ROUTINE.
Establish and maintain a daily routine, if you haven't already. Keeping a regular schedule provides a sense of control, predictability, calm, and well-being. It also helps children (and parents) prepare for getting back into the swing of waking up, getting ready and heading out the door. The more you practice regular routines, the easier it will be on you and them.
5. CUT BACK ON SOCIAL MEDIA.
Like it or not, e-learning has become the norm for many. Now more than ever young children are being exposed to oftentimes inappropriate social media content, be it YouTube, IGTV, CV19 Updates, TikTok, etc. Parents/guardians should monitor television, internet, and social media viewing—both for themselves and their children. Watching continual updates on COVID-19 may increase fear and anxiety. Developmentally inappropriate information, or information designed for adults, can also cause anxiety or confusion, particularly in young children.
5. PREPARE, DON'T SCARE
Fessing up: It still takes me aback to walk into a cafe or public space and see the extent social distancing has had on society as we know it. While your child may be familiar with such things as wearing masks and practicing extra hygiene measures, it will still take some time for the reality of "new school" to sink in. So prepare, but don't scare. Talk about how it's going to be; and the differences they may experience. Explain that yes, you'll get to see your friends but no, you won't be able to give your best friend a bear hug or share their snack. Putting a positive spin on it -- as our teachers are doing -- will help your child feel more at ease.
See You Soon!
-- DK SCHOOLHOUSE