Simple Steps to Reopen Schools
Schools may never be the same and there has never been a better time to redefine the way they do business. The idea of having as many as 30 students in a confined space in order to learn may no longer be a viable option. Not to mention, addressing student mental health has never been of such paramount importance. The rug of stability and predictability has been pulled underneath them - as it has for so many of us - educators, parents and administrators. The idea of reopening schools may seem daunting considering the current situation, however, some simple steps should be considered as we move forward.
Addressing Mental Health & Well-Being through Mindfulness - As a priority, learning cannot happen unless students feel safe, well and have dealt with any emotional blocks or hang-ups. Developing a well-being program which delves into these areas and allows students to express themselves should start with Mindfulness. Studies have shown that Mindfulness helps students to improve their social-emotional responses, increases their resilience and improves their memory and cognition.
Individualized Learning Opportunities - Some students have disengaged from online schooling simply because of a lack of interest in a particular subject or they no longer see why learning is valuable in light of living through a pandemic where the possibility of illness and death has become much more amplified. For those students, it’s important to create learning opportunities based on their interest in a given area. Learning can begin with the student and is driven outward, increasing their intrinsic motivation and helping them to hone their skills in the areas which are important to them.
Integrating Mindfulness with Acquiring Knowledge & Building Skills - Linking knowledge-acquisition to an understanding of the brain, emotions, stress etc. can be effective not only in engaging students in the learning but also in the meta-awareness of their learning. For example, as students learn, how are they feeling? What learning blocks could they have? What could they be focusing on? What is their mindset towards learning? Linking this meta-awareness to the actual content can be a critical piece towards mastery.
Accessing the right Tech Tools for Collaborative, Synchronous Learning Opportunities - Exploring different platforms which lend themselves to synchronous learning opportunities but more importantly, opportunities for students to collaborate with one another is vital. Social learning has never been more important (in an environment which has propagated the new term ‘social distance’). As humans, social interactions are part of our fabric and necessary for our well-being. Accessing online platforms which are safe and can provide for these interactions will enhance student learning in more positive ways.
By starting with these simple steps, districts can consciously prepare for the upcoming school year with confidence and a sense of hope towards a future stricken with uncertainty. There has never been a better time to rise to this occasion, and change the way we do school - forever!