Back to School, 2021 edition

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I was recently on Channel Islam International (@ciiradio) talking about the challenges that Back to School 2021 may bring. I shared some helpful tips for parents and teachers.

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Below, I have summarised some of the points that were mentioned:

How will Back to School 2021 differ from previous years?

• On the outset, it may seem that, since we’ve been living this pandemic lifestyle for a while, we should have all our ducks in a row. But, in reality, the situation is still quite uncertain, the waters are still quite perilous, and we still find ourselves in unprecedented times. There is not handbook or guide that can tell us, with absolute certainty, that if we do things a certain way, there will be no repercussions. There is very little guidance to fall back on. The reality is that parents and teachers are simply trying their best to make the most of the situation they are given.
• It has been a long break for learners and last year was no easy task to ‘accomplish’. Learners were not at school regularly in the second half of the 2020 academic year and those doing online schooling were challenged differently, both learners and their families. Teachers had to chop and change their plans over and over again without compromising on any major aspects of the syllabus. Some schools opted to complete their academic year in early 2021.
• So, we might be going back to school, but we are definitely not going back to reality.

What specific challenges are we looking at?

• All schools, all families are different and each will have their own set of challenges.
• A bit factor across the board may be Pandemic Anxiety. Learners and teachers will now put in the frontline once again.
• Learners will attend with a heavier mental load. Some may have lost close family members, some may have been sick themselves. Fear, grief, uncertainty may be prevalent.
• We’ll have classrooms full of little minds with big feelings and not all teachers are equipped to deal with that mental load.
• Keep in mind, Summer was not a real holiday for most learners. Some may use school as an escape from the harsh realities of home.
• Matriculants face an uncertain year ahead. Their expected stress will be exacerbated by pandemic-related stress.

What can parents do to ease their kids in to school?

• Create a supportive and consistent bedtime routine.
• Count their hours of sleep! Children need at least 9 hours of good quality sleep in order to function optimally. Remember, core subjects are taught first thing in the morning. It’s very frustrating trying to teach a child who can’t keep their eyes open.
• Plan a good breakfast. Children function best when they are well slept, well watered and well fed.
• Pack a wholesome lunch and try not to rely on the school Tuck Shop.
• Pay attention to your child’s school bag and notices from the school. If there are any new protocols to follow, talk them through with your child.
• Look at the positives! This is an ideal time to teach our children resilience. We can show them, by example, that life is full of difficulties, but with perseverance and positivity, we can get through. Show them, by example, that it’s okay to be afraid or feel sad, but allow them to also see you overcome. In this way, you will be teaching them a valuable life skill: Resilience. Resilient children tend to perform better.

What can teachers do to ease the transition back to school?

The tips I mentioned here are from my free e-book ‘How to transition back to school after lockdown – a guide for teachers’. Please click here to download your free copy now.

What can teachers do to cope and to preserve their own mental well being?

• Teachers never simply teach! They see to the wholistic needs of their learners, from mental stimulation and physical activity to psychological support and, oftentimes, financial assistance.
• Teachers try hard to please parents, learners, colleagues and the school admin. Usually, the end of the first term, they are in dire need of a break to refuel and revitalise. You can’t pour from an empty cup!
• To avoid burnout, I suggest they create a daily routine for their own self-care. Now, self-care doesn’t need to be expensive. Imagine setting a time each afternoon, your date with a cup of chamomile tea. Create a ritual around this tea time. Turn off your gadgets if all you want to do is think. Listen to the kettle boil. Choose your favourite mug. If you don’t have one, get one. Put all other work aside and just focus on that cup of tea, from inhaling the scent of the tea bag to watching the water change as it infuses the tea. Create a space for yourself, a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed. Be mindful as you sip your tea, paging through a magazine or a good book. Spend fifteen minutes each day doing this for yourself. It doesn’t have to be a tea routine, I’m sure you understand. It can be anything, as long as you do it consistently, mindfully and it makes you feel good. Then, when you’re having a bad day, which inevitably happens, you’ll find yourself craving your quiet time, anticipating your date with yourself.
• Other ways to avoid burnout would be to create special days that you and your learners can look forward to. You know, things like crazy hat day, mismatched socks day, something that will bring joy to the day.
• Invest in your own mental well being by using the Mindfulness & Lifestyle Journal and Planner for Teachers.

Stay well, inside and out

Waheeda, a.k.a Waydi

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