Helping Students Navigate Returning to In-Person Learning

Helping Students Navigate Returning to In-Person Learning

Many schools opted for full remote learning when the school year began to keep students and staff safer, continue tracking coronavirus spread within their communities, and figure out the best plan to get students back in the classroom. There is a lot of planning and resources necessary to safely hold in-person learning, and it goes far beyond what most people realize. From cleaning and sanitation to space planning and scheduling, there are a lot of moving parts to coordinate.

But as time goes on, schools are slowly beginning to make the transition and bring students back either part-time or full-time for in-person classes. This can be a lot for students to manage after spending months doing only remote learning. Here are few ways to help your child adjust to changes:

Get their input. Especially for older students, talk to them about what they want to do. Some schools are giving students the option to continue fully remote even as school buildings open back up. Let your child share their thoughts and concerns. Weigh the pros and cons and discuss what they can expect as far as how classes will be set up, what safety procedures will be in place, and what things might look like. Work together to determine the best choice for their learning needs.

Talk about safety. The school will have certain protocols in place for screening for COVID-19 symptoms, social distancing, and cleaning. Let your child know what to expect, such as having their temperature taken when they arrive and having to wear a mask all day. Send them to school with an extra mask just in case theirs should get dirty, lost, or sweaty, and double-check that it fits well so they’re not constantly touching it. If they’re allowed to bring their own hand sanitizer, attach a small bottle to their backpack for easy access, and remind them to wash or sanitize their hands frequently throughout the day.

Stay organized. If your child is not going back in-person five days a week, create a visual schedule that shows the days or times they’re in school and when they’re engaged in remote learning. You don’t want to accidently send them on the bus or drop them off on a day that they’re supposed to be at home, or keep them home when they should be at school. Also, stock up on school supplies so they have their own and are prepared each day for class.

Maintain connections. Whether learning at school or at home, encourage your child to continue communicating with their teacher and peers. They may feel more comfortable participating from behind a screen, but building connections can help them with speaking up and asking questions in person too. Find out the best ways for them to ask for help, whether it’s via email, a messaging app, or talking one-on-one.

Listen. Engage in regular discussions with your child about their day and how they’re feeling. Answer their questions as best you can and try to calm any fears or anxieties they may have. Going back to school in the midst of a pandemic can be scary, but reassure them about all of the protocols being put in place to keep them as safe as possible, and how you will handle things if someone does become sick.

As your kids make the transition back to school, help to bridge any potential gaps in learning with tutoring and other academic programs from Crafting Scholars. We meet your child where they are at and use learning strategies aligned with their strengths to support them in mastering necessary content and skills. During a time when there is so much uncertainty, give them the consistency of knowing they have the support they need to be more successful in school. Contact us today to learn about available programs and sign up!