[0:00] Covid-19 and back to school. Take better care of yourself and you’ll be better able to take care of your students.
[0:31] The Covid-19 pandemic is tough to understand. You can’t see it. You don’t know when it will end. It impacts everyone and shows no favorites young or old, and it takes part of your social-emotional side of life away. All of us feel stressed by the COVID pandemic.
Be a Supportive Figure
[0:56] So what’s the point here? Well, kids are under stress as well, and they need you as a supportive figure in their life. Many children are sad or feel down about not being able to see an end in sight and not being able to see their friends. Many children are living in families that are out of work. When parent’s stress levels go up, so does violence and anger in the household. So where do kids turn? More often than not, that’s going to be you, their teacher.
The best predictor of how students are going to be able to cope is how well their caregivers are coping. Reassure them that you know it will be over, but you don't know when. #PhysEd Click To Tweet[1:30] So ask yourself, how are you coping? What strategies are you using to cope and what’s your plan for yourself, your family and your classes to get through the pandemic? The best predictor of how students are going to do and be able to cope is how well their caregivers are coping. Reassure them that you know it will be over, but you don’t know when. Have COVID-19 discussions with your students and ask your classes what they know about it, what questions they have about it and make sure they have accurate information. Ask your class what they’re worried about. Validate their concerns and let them know that it is okay to feel worried. Have a class discussion about how to stay connected during this time. Ask them to write and create strategies that they’re going to use to cope. Emphasize how everyone is under greater stress and how important it is to be kinder and more patient with others.
[2:39] Don’t tell him everything will be fine. Instead, talk about safety practices and coping mechanisms. Remember as Mr. Rogers said. Anything that’s human is mentionable and anything that is mentionable can be more manageable. You can help them cope. Be open. Be honest. Make sure they have the facts and be upbeat and optimistic about the future.
[3:12] As a teacher, be hopeful and give your students hope for the future. Thank you so much for being teachers. You make all the difference in the world to your students.
One Response
Where do I find the list of suggested/acceptable equipment items and activities for in person teaching?
Thank you!
holly.tribett@ccsdut.org