Tips and Tricks: Continuing to Adjust to “Back to School” During Pandemic Life

With a few weeks of school under most of our students’ belts, we’re finding that there is still quite a bit of transition during this ongoing pandemic life. It is difficult for both students and parents to navigate, as there are unprecedented choices that both groups are faced with every day. To help support your students, our team of experts has put together a few tips and tricks to help manage this transition and set everyone up for a successful school year.
 
Be There to Listen
 It’s a simple but important thing, being there to listen to your child. Each child reacts to this new school environment in a different way, so it is critical to be available to hear how it is going for them. Some students may love being back in the classroom and seeing friends and teachers, while others may feel apprehensive about being in school and wearing masks. Being present and acknowledging their feelings, and offering support as needed, reminds your student that their emotional health matters. If your child is slow to open up, consider asking a few starter questions to get the conversation flowing. Once they begin to share, be a listening ear to validate their responses and offer additional support.
 
Set Small, Manageable Goals
 To empower your student as they embark on the school year, work with them to set small goals throughout the week. Especially in the beginning of the school year, goals can be very simple – like finding classrooms for older students and remembering a friend’s name for younger students. As the year progresses, goals can become a bit more challenging such as completing a difficult assignment in a certain timeframe or practicing reading a chapter book.
 The purpose of goal setting is to help your student recognize that they can achieve anything when they set their mind to it. During such a difficult and uncertain time, children crave stability and structure. Partnering with your student to set goals that they are excited about will help them to focus and thrive during the school year and will help you to be in tune with what matters to them.
 
Get Involved
Wherever possible, work to get involved in your student’s schooling experience. This doesn’t necessarily mean volunteering at events on-site at school, if you are not available, but instead can be participating in homework assignments or reading together when your child comes home for the day. This type of involvement fosters even greater connection between you and your student and cultivates an environment where they are more likely to share what’s on their mind.
On the other side of the spectrum, it’s also important to encourage your student to get involved. Especially for older students in middle and high school, there are many opportunities to join clubs, committees, and athletic teams. If your student is apprehensive about participating, work with them to understand the source of their concern and how you can best offer support. It may be that they’re unsure how to get involved, which presents an opportunity to help them try something new and be open to a new experience.
 
​At The Village Tutors, we understand how challenging it is to transition back to school during pandemic life. If you have any concerns about your student, or are interested in additional support, contact our team of experts here.