It’s that time again- a new school year- and things are not the same as they used to be. Students have to confront the new reality that school is different this semester. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced new changes in school districts, and students, teachers, and staff, all have to adjust. Learning must continue and whether or not that entails in-person schooling or remote learning, parents have a responsibility to prepare their children to go back to school during COVID-19.
Explain the Importance of Hygiene and Mask Protocols
If your children are returning to the traditional classroom, it’s vital that you talk to them about how important it is to practice good hand hygiene and adherence to mask protocols. Cultivate a sense of responsibility in your children about the importance of wearing their masks. Let them know that the mask will help keep them from getting sick. Have them practice at home how to properly put the mask on and remove it. If you give them a cloth mask, teach then how to care for it. Let small children, especially, practice wearing the mask at home routinely and observe so you can give them feedback.
Take the time to also emphasize good hand-washing hygiene. Explain to your kids why they should wash and how they should wash. Younger children may need more help in driving the message home of regularly washing their hands for 20 seconds with soap and water. Encourage them to sing one of their favorite songs, such as a verse of ‘Happy Birthday’ or ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star’ to learn the correct timing.
In-person Learning or Remote Learning
For children returning to school for in-person classes, there will likely be mask requirements in place as well as social distancing in both the classroom and the playground. Let your children know that you understand their excitement about seeing their friends, but that it’s important to maintain physical distance. Use family gatherings as teachable moments on how to exercise physical distance. Remind them not the share food or drink with friends to avoid getting sick. Explain to your children why they must follow the prescribed guidelines by health authorities to limit the spreading of COVID-19 and the risk of falling ill.
Remote learners should not feel isolated in their learning environment. Let them know that it would be great if they could go back to school in person, but as of now, the best way to keep them safe is to do school at home. Ensure that their space for learning is fun or at least to their liking. Most of all, explain to them that their teachers will be there for them to communicate with over online platforms and that you are there to help as well.
Continue Talking to Your Child About COVID-19
You do not want to alarm your kids when discussing COVID-19 and its impact on school and learning. Do be open and truthful when your children ask questions, being careful to provide age-appropriate answers. It may be helpful to share with them that the coronavirus is still a mystery in some ways and we are learning about it as we go along. They should know that their school arrangement could change at any time during the school year, but it would only happen to ensure that they are protected.
School Physicals & Student Health in Northern Liberties
You can prepare your kids for the new school year by teaching them how to protect themselves. Visit AFC Urgent Care Northern Liberties today for school physicals and student care and ensure that your child is healthy and ready to take on school and learning. Don’t hesitate to ask our skilled healthcare workers any questions that you may have regarding COVID-19 PCR swab tests, respiratory illness, and non-emergency treatment. For questions, please call 267-319-8047.
