This year’s “back-to-school” looks very different for families grappling with the pandemic. While some students will return to in-person learning, many will take their classes online or participate in a hybrid model that mixes virtual education with in-person attendance. Each scenario comes with its own set of challenges, opportunities, and anxieties. With that in mind, Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development has brought together an interdisciplinary group of leading educators, researchers, and experts to provide these useful tips for making the most of the 2020-21 school year, however it may unfold. For a more in-depth exploration of the challenges and possibilities of heading back to school this year, be sure to turn in to the next installment of our weekly “Ask The Experts” series on Wednesday, August 26, at 12pm ET via Zoom. The seminar will feature an interdisciplinary panel of experts answering your questions and sharing guidance for families working to adjust to the new normal, engage with their kids, and bridge the distance between students and teachers. RSVP here. More tips about at-home learning are available at childrenandscreens.com. DECISIONS, DECISIONS, DECISIONS As schools and districts present their plans for the year, parents are faced with a Sophie’s Choice scenario: protect your children’s and family’s health by continuing with social isolation, or prioritize your children’s mental health and in-person learning by returning them to school. In making the decision that is right for your family, psychologist and InnoPsych, Inc. founder Charmain F. Jackman, PhD, suggests a host of considerations: ask what your child wants; review the COVID-19 data for your state; attend school meetings and ask questions (take good notes); talk to your pediatrician and to other parents. “At the end of the day, it’s your choice,” she explains. “Trust your gut and give yourself permission to change your decision as new information unfolds.” Parents may feel tempted to exclude their children from conversations about these decisions, says Jackman, but it’s important to communicate with them. “Regardless of your child’s age, having developmentally appropriate conversations about school options will give you insights into what your kids already know and want,” she explains. Jackman recommends starting the talk with broad, open-ended questions (e.g., What have you heard about school?), and asking their opinion as the conversation progresses (e.g. What is your preference for back-to-school?). “Let your kids know that you value their opinion and that you’ll keep the conversation going,” she adds. “Remember, this will take more than one conversation...so, keep talking.” DON’T WAIT, MEDIATE “Trapped, sometimes disoriented, and anxious about an unclear future, children now need communication, support, and guidance from educators,” says Paul Reville, Founding Director of the Education Redesign Lab. “They need help navigating the turbulent waters in these confusing times. To address the widespread diversity in our student population, we must give each child a navigator, someone to hold her hand and guide her out of the turbulence and into a place where she is seen, known, understood, supported, and provided customized opportunities to learn.” Limiting uncertainty is a great way to reduce anxiety for children. “As your child returns to school, work with them to create a schedule,” says Lisa Nielsen, Senior Director at the NYC Department of Education’s Office of Digital Inclusion. “Discuss how their day might look, talk about the flexibility of it, and communicate how you’ll revisit your schedule together in the future to see if it’s working or needs to change.” Nielsen also recommends having a backup schedule ready to go in case in-person students have to return to learning remotely. “Remind your children that it’s safe for them to vent to you,” adds psychologist, author, and teacher Collett Smart. “Limit worry time to a specific part of the day, and gently challenge unhelpful thinking, like the ‘what ifs.’” Smart reminds parents that it’s important not to minimize what their children are feeling, and suggests avoiding excessive reassurance. “Instead,” she says, “focus on highlighting times that they’ve shown courage.” Back-to-school 2020 is likely to bring unprecedented levels of anxiety for some children (and many parents). Dr. Charmain Jackman suggests giving children the tools and vocabulary to manage their anxiety through mindfulness strategies. “Apps such as My Life (all ages), Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame Street (younger children), and Mindful Powers (tweens) make mindfulness fun and engaging,” she explains. “Practice along with your children, and you’ll learn some skills, too.” In addition to apps, Jackman recommends reading books that help children name and express their emotions. “These tools will last your child a lifetime,” she says, “and will prepare them for the uncertainty of the new school year.” BRING THE CLASSROOM HOME According to David McKinnon, PhD, Professor of Neurobiology and Behavior at Stony Brook University, parents should anticipate having to invest more time in their child’s education than they have in the past. “During the shutdown the conversion to remote learning was done in a rushed fashion by people with no or limited experience with remote instruction, he explains. “Things will be better this Fall, but probably not as much better as everyone is hoping. If you have any options, try to find the option with the most live instruction from the teacher and most interaction between students. Whatever happens, anticipate having to invest more time in your child’s education than you have in the past.” In the classroom, teachers set up norms and expectations at the beginning of the year. Lisa Nielsen recommends parents do the same for the digital realm at home. “Discuss the norms for your child’s classes to gain insights into their learning,” she suggests. “This will also help the teacher by reinforcing the expectations of your child.” With the increased reliance on digitally infused education this year, Nielsen adds that maintaining good posture is essential for the physical wellbeing of both parents and students. “Look up, stand up, stretch, and walk around several times a day,” she says. “Position the top of your monitor just below eye level and sit up straight, keeping your head level without bending it forward.” |
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