Life during the COVID-19 Pandemic is difficult both for you as a parent and your kids alike. Returning to school is a very important and hopefully welcome step. You and your children likely have many questions. Here’s the newest information on what to expect and the way you’ll be able to support students..
When and how will schools be reopened?
We are slowly seeing an increasing number of kids return to the classroom. More than 1 billion students were out of school because of the Nationwide school closures, but over 70 Countries have announced plans to reopen schools and many millions of students have returned in recent weeks. [As of early June 2020]
Given the issue of the Pandemic across the World, Countries are in different views when it comes to the stages regarding how and when they decide to reopen schools. The National or State government usually does the final decision in cooperation with local authorities. When deciding whether to reopen schools, authorities should consider the advantages and risks across Education, public health, and socio-economic factors, within the local context. The best interest of each child should be at the center of those decisions, using the most effective available evidence, but exactly how this may look will vary from school to school.
Should I send my child back to school?
Decisions on control measures in schools and school closures and openings should be consistent with decisions on other physical distancing and public health response measures within the community. Generally, schools are not opening in Countries as an isolated action, but as part of a number of actions related to opening back the Country, such as reopening factories, public transport, commercial business.
It’s crucial that schools plan ahead and look at what additional measures they can put in place to help ensure students, teachers and other staff are safe when they return, this way communities will be confident to send the kids back to school.
Going back to school will likely look a bit different from what you and your child were accustomed to before. It’s possible that schools may reopen for a period of time then a choice could also be made to shut them again temporarily, all depending on the local context. Because of the evolving situation, authorities will need to be flexible and ready to adapt to help keep every child safe.
How can I support my child to catch up with the lessons?
Students across the world have shown just how much they want to keep learning and they continued to show interest and dedication to learn the lessons under difficult circumstances, with the support of their dedicated teachers and parents.
Many children will need extra support to stay abreast of their learning when schools reopen.
Many schools are planning for catch-up lessons to help bring students back up to pace. This might include starting the year with recaps or reviews or maybe even remedial courses, after-school programs or supplemental assignments to be done at home. Given the likelihood that a lot of schools might not open full time or for all grades, schools may implement ‘blended learning’ models, a mixture of classroom instruction and remote education (self-study through bringing home exercises, radio, TV or online learning).
Continually show support to your child at home by creating a routine around school and schoolwork. This can help if they’re feeling restless and having trouble focusing.
You can choose to contact your child’s teacher or school to ask questions and stay informed. Be sure to allow them to know if your child is facing specific challenges, like grief over a family loss or heightened anxiety because of the Pandemic.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
