Back to School: The New Normal

The classroom is more than just a place for learning and academics. It’s a place where students develop essential social and emotional skills as they learn to get along with others. Schools also provide adolescents with exercise and healthy meals that they may not get at home. For most families, a classroom is a safe place for their children while mom and dad are away at work. Not to mention that their friends look forward to seeing them there every day. Let’s talk about back to school: the new normal.

This is an updated post from one I wrote about the challenges of school attendance during the COVID-19 outbreak. Much has changed since then, so many back-to-school considerations are similar to what we thought before 2020. Most restrictions have been lifted throughout the country, but those families who have been home-schooling kids may need a refresher on what to plan for.

Back to School: The New Normal

With COVID-19 in the rearview mirror, for the most part, school districts have made preparations to make it safer for their students to return to the classroom than last year. Many additional home-schooled kids will be back in class and the regular routines of the past will be in place. While there may be a few new routines for parents to consider, particularly if their children are changing schools, most daily activities will seem the same as pre-Covid. This post should help you prepare for back to school with a few new things to keep in mind.

A Return to the Classroom

Besides thinking about that big day, school starts by updating the school shopping list for things like pens, pencils, paper, notebooks, new laptops for older kids, and new apparel as kids grow and trends change; getting them mentally prepared is important, too. Unless your children have been involved in camps or summer school where academics are stressed, they probably have lost some focus and will need to regroup for homework and time management issues.

As school starts, learning will undoubtedly be challenging for students as they get back into new routines. It will help if you encourage reading time, time without phones, and limited social media activity. Students also need to get used to earlier bedtimes so they get enough sleep.

I read a great article in this month’s Costco Connection magazine about using backpacks by kids of all ages. It outlines things to protect your kids when buying and using a backpack for kids of all ages. They discussed issues I hadn’t considered regarding the risk of injury with heavy bags. As your kids get older and more involved in school classes, you must consider the size, overall weight, and weight distribution as they load and carry their backpacks. Check out that article if you can. In case you missed this post, Back To School Backpack Survival Kit  

Adjusting to a New School

I have a friend, Jess, whose kids are moving from a home-school environment to attending regular public school. It’s a real adjustment for them and something she’s had to plan for. If your child is starting school or maybe changing because they are moving from elementary to middle school or middle school to high school, there is some natural anxiety to be expected.

Consider taking your child to the school a few days early and walking the building or campus. They’ll need to know where the lunchroom, library, restroom, and gym are. The school may be willing to help conduct a short tour; if not, get permission to do it yourself. The shift from elementary to middle school can be challenging for a child who is used to one main teacher since now they’ll have a new teacher for each class.

Social Distancing

Social distancing has been one of the main topics for school attendance in the past few years. It’s hard to maintain in classrooms and lunchrooms. You may want your child to wear a mask, just in case, but I’d be surprised if they’d follow through if they’re the only ones in the classes they attend to do so. I’m throwing out the mask thing even though I’m not sure I could go back to wearing any mask. It’s just a personal preference.

Teachers will try to get the younger students to wash and sanitize their hands regularly. They may also have them sanitize their desk areas when they finish their classwork. You’ll want to remind your kids to follow instructions given at school.  

Several class activities, such as music class, gym, band, and orchestra, will return to a more natural approach without past concerns about exposure. I’d tell my kids to get out there and enjoy what they love to do while simultaneously making new and closer friends. 

Transportation

This may be the first time your child is riding the school bus with other students. These kids must be reminded to stay in their seats, not be disruptive, and follow the driver’s instructions. We have a great-granddaughter who will be taking the bus to middle school this year. It’s her first time riding the bus since her parents have driven her to school for years. She’s excited about the prospect of riding the bus with friends and making new friends.

If your child will be walking to school, take some time to explain and practice the safest route. It may not be the shortest, but busy streets and sketchy pedestrian walkways may dictate a safer path. If possible, suggest they walk with friends and train them to scream and run if approached by strangers offering a free ride to school.

They should also be taught to set a schedule and stick to it, mainly when bad weather and icy walkways make the trip longer and less safe.

If you have children driving themselves to school, this poses some new concerns. New drivers need to be reminded that there will be young children walking to school, and they might not always look before crossing the street. School commutes often happen simultaneously with worker commutes, so the roads will be crowded and busy. Be sure to practice with these drivers so they know what to expect.

New Routines

Kids need guidelines about setting aside study time. They need a quiet place to concentrate and not be repeatedly interrupted. Loud music, TV, and other distractions should be avoided. Many “experts” suggest parents maintain some control over time spent on the internet and what websites are off limits. It’s generally better to study early in the evening rather than late at night when students are tired and bored.

Sufficient sleep is a cornerstone of high academic achievement. Set and agree to daily and weekly goals, especially as kids get older and are more likely to be distracted by friends, school activities, and possibly part-time jobs.

Kids should be encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities, time permitting. Sports, drama, debate, dance, band, and other activities are good things to learn and participate in. Most schools also have clubs for many kids where students can learn new things, make new friends, and have positive experiences. They can make for well-rounded students and be great listed on a resume.

Be sure to get your younger students a library card and suggest they use it often. They can use it to check out books, videos, games, and other educational materials.

Lunch Time

Most schools now have lunchrooms or cafeterias where students eat their lunches. It’s important that kids get enough to eat and, hopefully, reasonably healthy food. Some schools even offer breakfast options and opportunities for kids with parents on a limited budget. Get with school administration or lunchroom personnel to find out what’s offered.

New Emphasis on STEM Classes

Recent years have prompted an emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics classes, particularly for women. The traditional approach for girls to take home economics and boys to learn car repairs or woodworking has been replaced by schools with higher levels of expertise in academic disciplines other than reading, writing, and arithmetic. The world of work is becoming so specialized that it makes sense for students to start early and get as much STEM training and experience as possible.

Final Word

Your child’s “new normal” at school will feel different for some time, but children are resilient. They’re more adaptable to change than we as adults are. Take the time to sit down with your son or daughter and review the school’s new policies and learning opportunities for this school year.

With students, teachers, and other faculty members cooperating, the school will continue to be one of the safest places for children to grow and mature.  What does your back-to-school, the new normal, look like? Please keep prepping; we must. May God bless this world, Linda

Copyright Images: School Bus Deposit photos_30815591_s-2019, School Supplies Deposit photos_107964004_s-2019