How To Go Back To School In 2020

From the Desk of Clearissa Coward’s Command Center – A Cozy Lifestyle

A Cozy Lifestyle with Clearissa Coward

The school year will begin for us soon. No, I do not have children in the school system, but I do have a 3r grader, grandson, a junior in college, granddaughter, and my daughter is a teacher. So you see, I am still very connected to the school system in more ways than one. The 2020-2021 school year will be very different from what we are used to, but we can make the most of a horrible situation if we learn How To Go Back To School In 2020.

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Whether you are blessed to have the opportunity to have your children virtually attending school while social distancing and avoiding the virus or if you are in a position where your children must return to the traditional classroom, there are things you can do to make the transition easier for your children and hopefully for you as well.

In this post, I will share ways that I think will make it easier either way. No, I am not an expert, but I am good at research, I am resourceful and more importantly, I truly care. And I what you and your children as well as my children to learn while remaining safe while we all learn How To Go Back To School In 2020.

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Virtual Learning:

If your children are learning at home, there are several steps you can take to make the experience more manageable for you and more enjoyable for them.

High Schoolers – College-Level Learning Virtually:

- Students at this level are pretty much self-sufficient but there are things you will need to organize to make the environment conducive to learning.
  - Make sure the internet can handle long-distance learning and normal usage (if you have more than one home learner, you may want to speak with your internet provider to ensure capability).
  - Ensure your learner has a quiet space where there aren’t any distractions and that is designated for learning. We refreshed my granddaughter’s room for her stay at home this semester and beyond. She got a new desk, a new computer, as well as a room refresh. Her room is now her learning space separate from her little brother while he learns and their mother while she monitors the 3rd grader and teaches her class.
  - Make sure they get up in time to dress, and have breakfast before they need to sign in for class. Make them know that this is important to take this style of learning seriously. (This may be different for college-level young people as they are sued to being more self-sufficient and having class at different times of the day).
  - Once schedules are decided, set times for everyone to take a stretch and snack or drink break. Sitting too long can be boring and distracting. Our bodies are meant to move (I should take my own advice :)) so remind them to move around but remain focused.
  - If possible, set a timer for everyone to stop and have lunch together in order to discuss how the morning has gone so far. This will give you a chance to find out if they need assistance or if things are going well. I am praying for the latter.
  - I realize you still have to run your home while all this is going on, so if your children are high schoolers or older, you can hopefully get your daily chores done around their learning schedule.
  - If you work outside of the home and your high schoolers – college-level students are learning at home, try to make time to text, skype, zoom during the day to make sure they are actually learning and not goofing off. Although they are pretty much self-sufficient, it does not hurt to check in on occasion.

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Elementary – Junior High School Learning Virtually:

- This age group will require a bit more effort on your part.
- We begin the exact same way by ensuring they have a designated workspace. The brighter and more engaging the stimulating the better. It will soon be engraved into the child’s brain that this space is for school work only.
- You should not have lunch in the space nor make it a space for playtime. This space is for school.
- Get them up as if they are going to a traditional school. Get their teeth brushed, dressed, breakfast, and ready for a day of learnng just as if they are going to school.
- For the younger children, you may need to get them logged in and into the classroom environment. You may even need to be involved in class time. I cannot guarantee how this will work because I do not know, but I will know on the 17th as I will be sitting in with my grandson while my daughter gets her class started.
- I still suggest short breaks. This is even more important for this age group because they can get pretty antsy if they are not moving around often.
- Make sure all necessary supplies are readily available.
- As with your older children, if time permits, try to have lunch together. The connection with you will become an important part of their day.
- Reward the younger children if work is done and grades are good. A sticker, a piece of candy, or fruit. Just something small can have a huge impact on younger children.

Traditional Learning:

High Schoolers – College-Level Learning Traditionally:

- If your child(ren) is/are going back to traditional education, the steps are totally different but it requires organization and preparation as well.
- Sit down with your children and have a serious conversation about the necessary prevention of the virus. You need to stress the importance of following the instructions of the school staff. You should also stress the necessity of being wise enough to do the right thing.
  - Wear a mask all day while in class.
  - Change to a clean mask daily.
  - Do not shake hands or hug friends.
  - Remember to social distance.
  - Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds whenever possible.
  - When soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer.
  - Do not get comfortable, follow the above instructions every day, all day while in school.
  - Once home, remove shoes and clothing immediately before sitting on furniture.
  - Place clothing in the washer.
  - Spray bottom of shoes with Lysol (if available)
  - Go straight to the shower.

Pre-schoolers – Junior High School Learning Traditionally

- Follow the same steps as listed above
- Sit down with your children and have a serious conversation about the necessary prevention of the virus. You need to stress the importance of following the instructions of the school staff. You should also stress the necessity of being wise enough to do the right thing.
  - Wear a mask all day while in class.
  - Change to a clean mask daily.
  - Do not shake hands or hug friends.
  - Remember to social distance.
  - Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds whenever possible.
  - When soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer.
  - Do not get comfortable, follow the above instructions every day, all day while in school.
  - Once home, remove shoes and clothing immediately before sitting on the furniture.
  - Place clothing in the washer.
  - Spray bottom of shoes with Lysol (if available)
  - Go straight to the shower or bath for younger children.
- Because these children are younger, it would be a great idea to remind them of the rules often. Maybe you could make a game of it and have them tell you what they should and should not while in school and once they get home.

Things You Need To Remember

- You will need to have a supply of clean masks available and in the same place every day to grab and go.
- Have a cleaning station with hand sanitizer and Lysol close to the door.
- Have a clothes dump at the door so they can take off their clothes and leave in a basket before entering the home.
- Have a place to disinfect and leave shoes walking on as little of your floor as possible.
- Be prepared to bathe your younger children when they first get home and remind your older children to do the same.
- Every morning encourage your children and remind them not to be afraid.

I realize nothing is guaranteed, but I believe we should d everything we can to make life as normal as possible for our children while also keeping them safe. I realize all of this can be overwhelming. It is for all of us. But those of you with children and those who teach your children have an even heavier cross to bear. But we can do this. We just have to stick together.

Are you prepared for your children to go back to school? Are your children signed up for virtual or traditional learning?

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