School Shopping 2020
School administrators and state leaders are making critical decisions about what the school experience will look like during the 2020-21 school year. Virtual or e-learning, in classroom, socially distanced and wearing masks, or hybrid schedules are all being considered. Most “back to school” plans I’ve read include a statement something like, “please remain flexible, we may need to make adjustments to our plan based on COVID-19 cases in the district.”
If you are a teacher, the end of the summer is usually filled with the anticipation of meeting new students and looking forward to the positive growth you will see in your students this year. As parents, we empathize with you and know that anticipation is mixed with anxiety and fear for keeping students safe, the potential of bringing illness home to our family, or being able to keep all students motivated to learn and grow this year.
If you are a parent, the end of the summer is typically filled with kids comparing schedules, starting fall sports, the anticipation of the kids being out of the house for 7-8 hours each day, and school shopping! If you are wondering how to best support your kids as they navigate new learning environments and trying to make this all feel “normal”, we are with you! After talking to several parents and teachers, here are some ideas to help your students:
- Supplies: Regardless of what the learning environment looks like this year, school supplies will still be necessary. However, there will be no sharing of supplies such as scissors and crayons. Shop with your student online for school supplies, and if possible, pick out a few special supplies such as a bigger box of crayons so they always have the colors they need, the scissors with the special handle, or a notebook with a fun cover. It’s the little things that will make this school year feel more “normal.”
- Learning Space: Set up a dedicated learning space at home, even if your student is learning in the classroom: Flexibility will be key this school year. Students attending school in the classroom may have to quickly transition to learning at home. Help your student set up a learning space that feels comfortable and have them do homework or read regularly in this space. Having a dedicated space that is all set up for your student will make a transition, if necessary, much easier.
- Face Coverings: Your student may be required to wear a cloth face covering during the school day. Have 5 masks available, one for each school day and write their name on the mask. This will ensure there is a clean mask for each day of the week and will help prevent a mask mix up that could potential carry unwanted germs home. If you or your student are extra creative, check out our five packs of white masks. These can be colored with fabric markers to create masks as unique as your kids!
- Non-spill Water Bottle: Hydration is important and, if your child will be attending school in a classroom, it is likely the drinking fountains may be shut off. Check with the teacher to see if non-spill water bottles will be allowed in the classroom. This Thermos bottle available on Amazon is great because it keeps the straw covered to help protect it from coming in contact with germs before going into your child’s mouth.
- Donations will be needed for students learning in the classroom or at home. If you are able to donate supplies, be aware that donations must be kept in its original packaging. Items such as individual Kleenex packs, small bottles of hand sanitizer, and mechanical pencils will be very helpful. Also, please reach out to your teachers and ask what they need. You may find some of their requests very unique this year.
Teachers thrive on building connections with their students. Hugs, high fives, and offering comfort have been the traditional methods for reaching kids. Trying to build these types of relationships over a screen is not the same. It takes a level of dedication and focus that teachers have never encountered.
When speaking with Marcy Nelson, a Special Educator and former school administrator in Minnesota, about this new reality, she said “Teachers choose to be teachers to watch the kids grow and learn. No matter how our school year looks, we are all dedicated to do just that!
