While virtual schooling is new for some students in primary and secondary education, many colleges and universities have taught classes online for decades. While this has proven a successful method of instruction for older learners, it comes with unique challenges for younger students — and their parents.
As the education crisis caused by COVID-19 continues, all levels of education should focus more on the number of skills students need to learn rather than the amount of time spent on Zoom. This is especially important in primary school where education is closely tied to developmental milestones, and for pandemic parents who are struggling to find time and energy to help their kids with online education.
When schools and day cares shut down in March, no one thought it would last more than a few months. But in the United States, the COVID-19 pandemic is nowhere near under control. That makes in-person schooling an iffy proposition in many parts of the country. Even if your school plans to have students on campus for at least part of the school year, it’s wise to prepare for repeated shutdowns, closures, or quarantines when children, teachers, and staff test positive for COVID-19. Remote learning is here to stay, so we spoke to several ed tech experts about identifying possible obstacles and aiming for reasonable goals.
No matter what shape school takes for your child this fall — remote, in-person, some combination thereof — there’s no question this year is going to be different. The usual day-to-day rhythms are gone. The stakes are high. Parents and teachers are on edge. But now, more than ever, we are all in this together. And parents and caregivers certainly want to help support the educators who are risking quite a lot to guide their children through these unprecedented times.
On the first day of school, teachers of all grades usually kick things off with special games, crafts, or activities to ensure that kids go home pumped about being back in the classroom. Even though the classroom part will be missing for many students returning to school this year, there are still plenty of ways to get kids excited about a return to structured learning after summer break.
While some students thrived during distance learning in the spring, many others struggled with the format or with other challenges, such as concerns about safety, family finances or health. Whatever form school takes, here are four ways parents and educators can help children cope with change and uncertainty as we face the new school year.