“When school bell rings , we must be ready for all
Life during the COVID-19 pandemic is difficult for parents and children alike. The return to school is an important and hopefully welcome step, but we and our children likely have many questions.
When and how will schools be reopened?
We are slowly seeing an increasing number of children return to the classroom. More than 1 billion students are still out of school due to nationwide school closures.
The best interest of every child should be at the centre of these decisions, using the best available evidence, but exactly how this will look will vary from school to school.
Is it safe for my child to go back to school?(from parent)
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.
School reopenings should be consistent with each country’s overall COVID-19 health response to help protect students, staff, teachers and their families. Some of the practical measures that schools can take include:
· Staggering the start and close of the school day
· Staggering mealtimes
· Moving classes to temporary spaces or outdoors
· Holding school in shifts, to reduce class size
Water and hygiene facilities will be a crucial part of schools reopening safely. Administrators should look at opportunities to improve hygiene measures, including handwashing, respiratory etiquette (i.e. coughing and sneezing into the elbow), physical distancing measures, cleaning procedures for facilities and safe food preparation practices. Administrative staff and teachers should also be trained on physical distancing and school hygiene practices.
During such a worrying and disruptive time, it’s natural to have a lot of questions.
Many schools are making plans for catch-up lessons to help bring students back up to speed. This might include starting the year with refresher or remedial courses,
after-school programmes or supplemental assignments to be done at home.
Given the possibility that many schools may not open full time or for all grades, schools may implement ‘blended learning’ models, a mix of classroom instruction and remote education (self-study through take home exercises, radio, TV or online learning).
Give extra support to our child at home by creating a routine around school and schoolwork. This can help if they are feeling restless and having trouble focusing.
Create a supportive and nurturing environment and respond positively to questions and expressions of their feelings. Show support and let our child know that it’s not only okay, but normal, to feel frustrated or anxious at times like this.
Help our children to stick to their routines and make learning playful by incorporating it into everyday activities like cooking, family reading time or games. Another option could be joining a parent or community group to connect with other parents who are going through the same experience to share tips and get support.
DR SHELLY BHUTANI
PRINCIPAL, PASSIONATE LEADER, AUTHOR , MENTOR
CBSE NATIONAL MASTER TRAINER
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