Returning to school has taken on a new meaning in this day and age. Is it safe for kids to return to school? Should we send them out or let them study at home? Isn’t online learning the best option? Are schools really taking care? Parents everywhere are grappling with these questions. Here’s one top educator that is rather optimistic about the way forward.
We’ve asked Meghashri Halder, Head-Academics, FirstCry Intelli, a few rather pertinent questions from parents with school-going children of all ages.
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She shares her views here on how returning to school doesn’t mean ‘school as usual’, and there’s no one-size-fits-all plan that works.
Q1. Lockdown has been a period of inactivity. Getting back to physical activity has been tough. How does one get children gradually back to the physical grind?
Well, parents had to double up as mentors, teachers and even friends to their tiny tots while engaging them at home. Children have gotten used to online classes during the lockdown, but now moving on to physical classes will be more fun. They will see their friends, peers, and teachers in person versus seeing them on screen. This social and emotional connection will encourage them to look forward to attending a physical school.
Q2. Is homeschooling a safer bet? Aren’t children learning the same things at home?
Safe, yes.
But the strategies employed inside and outside the classroom by trained educators and teachers to transact learning outcomes, and group learning with peers give a very different experience.
There are many teaching aids and tools used by experts in school that may not be available at home. Research says that children learn more and understand better when engaging in play-based activities with their peers.
Q3. Can classroom and playground activities be conducted while maintaining social distancing?
Teaching strategies to recap concepts can be implemented on the playground where physical distance can be maintained.
Special assemblies outside the classroom focused on specific themes will help children learn concepts and build their confidence.
Similarly, integrating physical education with foundational literacy and numeracy helps children connect with real-life scenarios while maintaining a physical distance.
Q4. When and how will masks be required, and how will the school support mask use?
Masks are required when children are within 6 feet of each other. We do support the use of comfortable masks to minimise the spread of the virus. However, we are also sensitive to the do’s and don’ts of mask use.
We have protocols for wearing masks appropriately and sensitising parents and the school staff on the correct usage of masks.
Q5. How does one deal with the vaccine/no vaccine situation in school?
We have ensured that our entire staff and sub staff have had two doses of the COVID vaccine. This is a prerequisite for all front line staff members. We do facilitate vaccination drives on our campuses.
Q6. What are the hits and misses of e-school compared to physical school?
There are more misses and fewer hits. Actual school means more friends and bonds established and built for a lifetime.
Children’s social and emotional well-being takes precedence over cognitive skills during these years.
Research proves that an emotional connection is a precursor to any kind of learning. This is something that cannot be achieved via the e-school. This human connection leads to compassion and collaboration. These skills are nurtured in the physical environment of a school and are required in the real world.
Q7. Won’t there still be a lot of mental fatigue if a child still isn’t able to learn concepts in school?
This year 2022 -23 is to make social-emotional connections at Intellitots. We have trained our staff to take care of this aspect. We have also designed a bridge course to address children’s learning loss or gaps (if any). This course helps bridge gaps without creating any stress for children or parents.
Q8. Isn’t e-school a better option? Kids have their own space to learn, and can also be monitored by their parents!
Sustainable Development Goal 4 is about quality education and is among the 17 Sustainable Development Goals established by the United Nations in September 2015.
The full title of SDG 4 is “Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.”
This is the purpose with which schools will operate this year. Homeschooling is a tried and tested concept. It helps when parents are partners in the child’s education journey and can allocate enough time towards the learning for children. However, pedagogues firmly believe that children learn more from peer groups and through cooperative learning strategies practised at school with larger groups during the formative years (3 – 8 years).
Q9. Is there a ‘point person’ in charge of the COVID plan at schools? How will they communicate changes in school policy to parents or students?
We have robust SOPs and guidelines meant to be executed by the school staff upon the reopening of schools. Our centre managers and teachers are well trained in COVID protocols. We have different communication channels for parents, and every school follows the same.
Q10. If a teacher is forced to stay at home for some reason, what is the plan of action to bring them up to speed in the school year?
We have training-needs analysis as well as a levelled teacher training program that addresses the needs of the teachers. Here, the exact lacunae are studied through observation. After this, a plan is tailor-made to support the teacher.
Similarly, there are personalised plans to help children and their parents to support them in their learning.
BONUS: Finally, what would you tell parents worried about sending their children to school?
I would advise them to slide off all their worries related to their child’s learning onto the school. The school staff is well-equipped to understand their pain points and address them as required. Become equal partners with the school in this wonderful parenting journey, and watch your child flourish!
