Coronavirus, Back-to-School 101: Helping our children to re-engage with learning

The Covid-19 pandemic has for the past two school years posed challenges to and, full stops in our children’s learning at school.

No wonder the Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), Antonio Guterres described the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on education throughout the world as a ‘generational catastrophe’.

In-person learning for students (especially those in elementary and high school levels) has seen a lot of interruptions which have unfortunately created gaps in our children's learning.

As back-to-school season after the long break has now begun in many countries, it could be hard to get back into the rhythm of a regular schedule for both children and adults.

To help our children with the back-to-transition, here are a few 101 tips to ease children back into school life while managing their own stress.

Mental Preparation:

-Set your children's sleep schedules back to ‘in-person school time’. Let them sleep early so as to get up early for school every school day.

-Discuss what your children can expect on the first day of school so that they feel more prepared. For example, a new teacher for their classroom and new classmates.

-Talk openly with your children about their feelings about returning to school in person and answer any questions.

Management Plans:

-Assist children to choose a planner they would love to use. The scheduling tool chosen must be adhered to by both parents and kids.

-Create a family calendar that tracks everyone’s activities and commitments e.g. when the children are expected back from school for the day and who picks them from school.

-Hold weekly family meetings to review your children’s schedules for the week ahead

-It is very important to make time to check in with each child to see how things are going. (Be VISIBLE in your child’s life).

Before-and After-School Hours:

-Don’t leave home in the morning without making proper arrangements for your children to be well prepared for school in the morning. (Breakfast and transportation for the children in the morning before school).

-If you have to leave home very early for work arrange for a responsible adult to prepare your children for school. A quick phone call to your home, if possible, to check on your children's preparation for school would be helpful.

-Have a backup transportation plan in case your children miss the bus.

-Get your children involved in safe programs they can do after school to keep them active. If possible volunteer at some of the after-school programs in which your children are involved.

-Make a list of fun after-school activities and games to keep your children entertained.

School at Home:

-Among other provisions, create a ‘reading space’ at home for your children. John Milton says, “Reading Maketh a Man”. As suggested by a good friend of mine, “A weekly family visit to the library for an hour or so can help cultivate a good reading habit.

Go to the library with your child, have him/her pick a book to read, and pick a book for yourself even if you do not like reading and pretend to read.”

-Supervise your children’s homework and give them the needed help by seeking private tutoring or Homework Club for them.

-Teach your children to prioritize their assignments by making to-do lists with deadlines.

-Remove distractions like TVs and video game consoles from homework areas.

GET INVOLVED WITH YOUR CHILD’S EDUCATION NOW!

-Get to know your child’s teacher either by phone call, email or visit the school when possible.

-Attend PTA meetings and open house days at your child’s school.

-Need help or confidence to engage with the authorities at your child’s school? Please, contact your community leaders wherever you are. It is always late than never!

Let’s make 2021/2022 academic year a recovery time for children’s learning. They must be helped to re-engage with learning. God Bless.