Being in the middle of summer break, there will be lots for students, teachers, and parents to think about. This last year was the first year that students and teachers transitioned back into in-person teaching with most returning to a classroom setting different to what they left back in March 2020.
Of course, the pandemic still lingers and the year was marred with restrictions such as mask mandates, social distancing, and recurrent waves. However, this last year also allowed educators to pivot their methods of instruction to incorporate more digital aids and learning. Despite the pressures educators are under, there has been a clear opportunity for schools to adopt methods of teaching and tools that will allow for more targeted and efficient feedback.
With the new school year around the corner, now is a good time for parents and guardians to assess whether their children have what they need for the new school year. Of course, the usual checklists usually include pencil case items, backpacks, and books, but it’s also important to check in with children to see how they’re feeling about the new school year.
There can be many reasons for back-to-school anxieties for both educators and students, with students often thinking their return to school means re-entering a classroom environment they have little power over. However, healthy conversations about how comfortable they felt at school over the past year and whether they thought they could ask for help can establish an open dialogue around the student experience that might be easier to continue in the classroom.
Talking about the school year that has just passed will not only encourage self-reflection but make it easier for students to identify the areas they might want to focus on in the new year and goals they may want to set for themselves.
Here are some things to talk about if you have a child, or children, going back to school this fall.
1. What did you like about last year?
2. What didn’t you like about last year?
3. Did you feel comfortable telling your teacher when you were struggling?
4. What did you improve on last year?
5. What are 2 things you would like to improve/work on next year?
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